{"id":637311,"date":"2026-10-15T09:00:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T13:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=637311"},"modified":"2026-09-29T12:53:05","modified_gmt":"2026-09-29T16:53:05","slug":"what-to-know-about-lipfendra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/what-to-know-about-lipfendra\/","title":{"rendered":"What to know about Lipfendra"},"content":{"rendered":"

If you have high cholesterol and are exploring your medication options, there is a new kid on the block. In July 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Lipfendra<\/a> (enlicitide), a once-daily pill that works differently from your typical statin to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C).<\/p>\n

Unlike statins, which reduce your liver\u2019s cholesterol production, Lipfendra blocks a protein known as PCSK9, which helps the liver remove more cholesterol from the blood. It is the first oral PCSK9 inhibitor to receive approval from the FDA. Here\u2019s what you should know about Lipfendra, including how it works, what the benefits are, and its potential side effects.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tLipfendra 20 mg (30 tablet)\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$310.07\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$310.07\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tSee Lipfendra prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n

What is Lipfendra?<\/h2>\n

Lipfendra is an oral PCSK9 inhibitor<\/a> manufactured by Merck to treat high cholesterol. Other PCSK9 inhibitors<\/a>, such as Repatha and Praluent<\/a>, are injectable medications. Lipfendra is the first tablet of its kind. It\u2019s intended to be used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce LDL cholesterol (aka the \u201cbad cholesterol\u201d), which can lead to conditions like atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s an injectable version of this that\u2019s been available for several years,\u201d says Dr. Wahaj Aman, MD,<\/a> a cardiologist with Memorial Hermann & UTHealth Houston. \u201cHowever, there was no oral version. This is a game changer.\u201d<\/p>\n

According to clinical trials, Lipfendra is well-tolerated and effective<\/a> for adults who have hypercholesterolemia (high levels of cholesterol in the blood), including those with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), an inherited form of high cholesterol.<\/p>\n

How does Lipfendra work?<\/h2>\n

To understand how Lipfendra works, you need to understand what PCSK9 is and how it affects LDL cholesterol.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are LDL receptors on the liver that remove the plaque-forming LDL from our bloodstream,\u201d explains Frank Wilklow, MD<\/a>, cardiology specialist at LCMC Health in New Orleans. \u201cThe duration and longevity of those receptors is determined by a protein called PCSK9.\u201d PCSK9 binds to LDL receptors on liver cells and breaks them down. This is problematic because LDL receptors help remove LDL from the bloodstream.<\/p>\n

\u201cLipfendra is a macrocyclic peptide that blocks the effect of PCSK9, making our LDL receptors last longer and remove more of the harmful LDL from our bloodstream,\u201d says Dr. Wilklow. In other words, it helps your liver get rid of more bad cholesterol.<\/p>\n

Statins, on the other hand, lower cholesterol mainly by reducing the production of cholesterol in the liver. They do this by blocking HMG-CoA reductase enzymes, which your body uses to produce cholesterol.<\/p>\n

Who is Lipfendra for?<\/h2>\n

Lipfendra is FDA approved for adults with hypercholesterolemia, including those with inherited high cholesterol and those who need additional help reducing LDL cholesterol. It is indicated to be used alongside lifestyle changes such as eating a heart-healthy diet and exercise.<\/p>\n

Several groups of people may benefit from taking Lipfendra, including those who:<\/p>\n