Nexletol (Bempedoic Acid)

Bempedoic acid tablets

What is bempedoic acid?

Bempedoic acid is used together with diet and other medicines to lower blood levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL).
Bempedoic acid is for use in adults with an inherited form of high cholesterol.
Bempedoic acid is also used to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with coronary artery disease (clogged arteries).
It is not known if bempedoic acid can lower the risk of complications related to high cholesterol (such as heart problems, heart attack, stroke, or death).
Bempedoic acid may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

Bempedoic acid may cause swelling or tearing of a tendon (the fiber that connects bones to muscles in the body), especially in the arm, shoulder, or Achilles' tendon of the heel. This can happen within days or months after you start taking bempedoic acid. Tendon problems may be more likely in certain people (older adults, people with kidney disease, or people who take steroid medicine or certain antibiotics.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• kidney disease (or if you are on dialysis);
• liver disease;
• gout; or
• problems with your tendons.

Bempedoic acid may harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using bempedoic acid.

How should I take bempedoic acid?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
You may take bempedoic acid with or without food.
You may need frequent medical tests.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep the tablets in their original container, along with the packet or canister of moisture-absorbing preservative.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What should I avoid while taking bempedoic acid?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Bempedoic acid side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop taking bempedoic acid and seek medical attention right away if you have signs of tendon rupture:

• sudden pain, swelling, bruising, or tenderness;
• stiffness, movement problems; or

or a snapping or popping sound in any of your joints (rest the joint until you receive medical care or instructions).
Bempedoic acid may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe foot or toe pain;
• joint pain or swelling;
• warmth or redness over your joints; or
• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet.

Common side effects of bempedoic acid may include:

• pain in your back, shoulder, legs, or arms;
• muscle spasm;
• stomach pain;
• anemia;
• abnormal liver function tests;
• wheezing, cough, chest congestion; or
• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

What other drugs will affect bempedoic acid?

Tell your doctor about all other cholesterol medicines you use, especially:

• pravastatin; or
• simvastatin.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect bempedoic acid, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.