What is NEXLIZET?
NEXLIZET is a prescription medicine that contains 2 cholesterol-lowering medicines, bempedoic acid and ezetimibe.
- NEXLIZET is used along with diet, with or without other cholesterol-lowering medicines, to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or bad cholesterol) in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia, including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)
-
Bempedoic acid, when used as a component of NEXLIZET, is used:
to lower the risk of heart attack and heart procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery, in adults who are unable to take recommended statin treatment (a cholesterol-lowering medicine) or are not taking a statin, who:
- have known heart disease, or
- are at high risk for heart disease but without known heart disease
Who should not take NEXLIZET?
Do not take NEXLIZET if you are allergic to ezetimibe, bempedoic acid, or any of the ingredients in NEXLIZET. If you have any of the following signs and symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room:
- swelling of your face, lips, mouth, or tongue
- trouble breathing
- wheezing
- skin rashes, redness, or swelling
- severe itching
- dizziness or fainting
- fast heartbeat or pounding in your chest
How should I take NEXLIZET?
Take NEXLIZET exactly as your doctor tells you to take it. NEXLIZET should be taken once daily, with or without food. Do not take more than 1 dose per day. If you miss a dose, talk to your doctor.
Swallow the NEXLIZET tablet whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush the tablet.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including over-the-counter medications.
Can I take NEXLIZET if I’m already taking a statin?
NEXLIZET may be taken with or without statins.
Is NEXLIZET safe to take?
The safety of bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET, was studied in 4 clinical trials of more than
NEXLIZET can cause serious side effects, including:
- increased levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout, a painful joint condition. Call your doctor if you have any of the following symptoms: severe foot pain especially in the toe joint, warm joints, swelling, tender joints, or joint redness
- tendon rupture or injury. Tendon problems can happen in people who take NEXLIZET. The risk of getting tendon problems while you take NEXLIZET is higher if you are over 60 years of age, are taking steroids, are taking antibiotics called fluoroquinolones, have renal failure, or have had tendon problems in the past. Stop taking NEXLIZET immediately and get medical help if you experience signs of tendon rupture, such as snap or pop in tendon area, bruising after an injury in a tendon area, or unable to move or put weight on the affected area
Common side effects of NEXLIZET in people with primary hyperlipidemia include:
- symptoms of the common cold, flu, or flu-like symptoms
- back pain
- bronchitis
- anemia
- diarrhea
- muscle spasms
- stomach pain
- pain in shoulder, legs, or arms
- joint pain
- swelling of sinuses
- increased liver enzymes
- fatigue
The most common side effects of NEXLIZET in people with heart problems include:
- kidney problems
- anemia
- increased liver enzymes
- muscle spasms
- gallstones
These are not all the possible side effects of NEXLIZET. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
What should I tell my doctor before taking NEXLIZET?
Tell your doctor if you:
- have, or had, gout
- have, or had, tendon problems
- are pregnant or breastfeeding or may become pregnant or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if NEXLIZET passes into your breastmilk
- have severe kidney or severe liver problems
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take or plan to take simvastatin or pravastatin, as taking either with NEXLIZET may increase your risk of developing muscle pain or weakness. Tell your doctor if you take cyclosporine, fibrates, or cholestyramine.
