Nexlizet contains two active ingredients, bempedoic acid and ezetimibe, which work together to reduce cholesterol absorption in the gut and cholesterol production in the liver. This medication comes in tablet form and is usually part of a broader treatment plan, including diet and possibly other cholesterol-lowering drugs. While Nexlizet is a relatively new option for patients struggling to manage their cholesterol levels, it is not suitable for everyone and should only be used with guidance from a doctor or healthcare provider.
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Nexlizet overview
BRAND NAMES:
Nexlizet
Generic Names:
Bempedoic acid/ezetimibe
Uses:
Used together with diet and statin medicine to treat hypercholesterolemia and lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in patients with heart disease
Therapeutic Classes:
Antihyperlipidemic, combination adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor and cholesterol absorption inhibitor
Forms:
Tablet
How it’s taken:
By mouth
What is Nexlizet used for?
Healthcare providers prescribe Nexlizet when dietary changes and maximum statin therapy have not adequately reduced cholesterol levels. It is specifically approved for people who require additional lowering of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and those diagnosed with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), a genetic condition that elevates cholesterol.
Key takeaways
Nexlizet consists of the cholesterol-lowering medications bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. It's prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol levels in certain groups of people. This combination offers a dual mechanism of action to reduce cholesterol production and absorption in the body.
Patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or those who require additional lowering of LDL cholesterol may benefit from Nexlizet. It is used alongside a cholesterol-lowering diet and statin therapy. The effectiveness of Nexlizet can vary based on individual health profiles and lifestyle changes.
You might experience side effects, like muscle pain, fatigue, and common cold symptoms while taking Nexlizet. It's important to monitor for side effects and report any concerns to a healthcare provider.
Nexlizet has the potential to interact with other medications, such as fibrates and cyclosporine, which could affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of adverse effects. Tell your healthcare provider about any medications you take to prevent harmful interactions.
Follow the recommended dosage as prescribed by a healthcare provider. If you’re uncertain how to take Nexlizet or you experience high cholesterol levels despite treatment, seek medical advice from a healthcare provider.
What form(s) does Nexlizet come in
Tablet
180 mg bempedoic acid/10 mg ezetimibe
What are common Nexlizet doses?
Take one tablet once daily with or without food.
Common Nexlizet prescriptions
Nexlizet
180-10mg tablet
How to take Nexlizet
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew it.
You can take Nexlizet with or without meals.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
What to do if you miss a dose of Nexlizet
Take the missed dose as soon as possible. However, if you're close to the time for your next scheduled dose, you should skip the missed dose entirely. Taking the medication too close to the next dose may increase your risk of side effects.
Do not double up on your dosage to make up for the missed dose. This could lead to potential overdose or increased side effects.
Continue with your regular dosing schedule after the missed dose.
In the event of consistently missed doses, consider using a medication reminder. This could be a pillbox, an alarm, or an app that sends you notifications.
Consult your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about missed doses.
Nexlizet contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you have had an allergic reaction to bempedoic acid or ezetimibe.
Nexlizet warnings
Nexlizet may raise uric acid levels in your blood within four weeks of starting treatment, possibly leading to gout. Symptoms include severe foot pain, especially in the toe joint, and swelling or redness in joints. Monitoring blood uric acid levels throughout treatment may be advised.
Taking Nexlizet can result in tendon problems, such as pain, swelling, tears, and inflammation, particularly in the arm, shoulder, and Achilles tendon. Ruptures may occur weeks to months after starting treatment.
If you notice symptoms like a snap or pop in a tendon area or inability to move or bear weight in an area, stop taking Nexlizet and seek medical help immediately.
Some people may experience an increase in liver enzymes, which requires close monitoring by a healthcare provider.
Report any unexplained muscle pain or weakness, as this could be a sign of muscle-related side effects, which may be serious.
Those already on statin therapy should consult with their healthcare provider due to the risk of additive side effects, especially concerning muscles and liver function.
If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks with your doctor. Nexlizet is not typically recommended while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Nexlizet interactions
Taking Nexlizet with certain statin drugs like Zocor (simvastatin) and Pravachol (pravastatin) can increase the amount of these statins in the blood, which may lead to muscle pain or weakness.
When taken with Nexlizet, both cyclosporine and ezetimibe can become more concentrated in the blood, which could be problematic. If you're on these medications together, your doctor will need to closely monitor your cyclosporine levels.
Taking Nexlizet with fibrates could increase the risk of gallstones. If you're taking Nexlizet with fenofibrate and experience symptoms that could suggest gallstones, your doctor might need to check your gallbladder or consider a different treatment.
If you're taking Nexlizet and bile acid sequestrants together, Nexlizet may become less effective. To avoid this, take Nexlizet either 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking a bile acid sequestrant like cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol.
Nexlizet side effects
Nexlizet may lead to various side effects, though not everyone will encounter them. Side effects can range from mild to severe and could warrant medical attention.
Common side effects
Common cold symptoms
Fatigue
Back pain
Anemia
Diarrhea
Muscle spasms
Stomach pain
Serious side effects
Increased uric acid levels, potentially leading to gout
Tendon rupture or injury
Muscle breakdown, known as rhabdomyolysis, with symptoms like muscle pain or weakness
Liver enzyme elevations that might indicate liver injury
Allergic reactions with symptoms such as itching or hives, swelling in the face or throat, chest tightness, and trouble breathing
Less severe side effects usually go away as the body adjusts to the treatment. Consult a healthcare provider if any severe effects arise. For immediate medical concerns, such as a suspected allergic reaction with symptoms like skin rashes, swelling, or difficulty breathing, seek emergency medical attention.
Sources:
Nexlizet highlights of prescribing information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023)
Drug label information, DailyMed (2023)
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