Reviews Overview: Lipfendra is used to help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) in people with high cholesterol. It is a once-daily tablet that is taken by mouth on an empty stomach. The most common side effects are diarrhea and dizziness. Stop taking Lipfendra and get medical help right away if you have symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or hives. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking Lipfendra.
Uses
What is Lipfendra used for?
Lipfendra (enlicitide) is commonly used to help lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in people with the following conditions.
- High cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia)
- Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), which is an inherited condition that affects how the body removes cholesterol from the blood
What to Know About Lipfendra for High Cholesterol
Lipfendra may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Lipfendra work (mechanism of action)?
Lipfendra works by binding to and blocking a protein in the body called PCSK9. This helps the liver remove more bad cholesterol (LDL) from the blood, which lowers LDL cholesterol levels. Lowering LDL cholesterol can help reduce your risk of heart attack, stroke, and other heart and blood vessel problems.
How is Lipfendra supplied (dosage forms)?
Lipfendra is available in a 20 mg oral tablet that is taken by mouth.
How should I store Lipfendra?
Store Lipfendra at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Keep Lipfendra in its original bottle with the lid tightly closed to protect it from moisture. The bottle contains a moisture absorber (desiccant) to help keep the medicine dry. Do not remove the desiccant from the bottle.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Lipfendra?
The most common side effects of Lipfendra are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
There may be other side effects of Lipfendra that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Lipfendra?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Lipfendra are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Lipfendra may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Lipfendra and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Lipfendra?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Lipfendra.
- Enlicitide
- Lipfendra
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lipfendra.
What should I know about Lipfendra before using it?
Do not take Lipfendra unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share Lipfendra with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Lipfendra out of the reach of children.
Take Lipfendra on an empty stomach in the morning with water, black coffee, or plain tea only. Then wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not split, crush, or chew it.
Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including for blood work, while you are taking Lipfendra.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Lipfendra?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Lipfendra is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Lipfendra could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Lipfendra while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Lipfendra passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Lipfendra while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Lipfendra?
For more information about Lipfendra, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.merck.com or call them at 800-444-2080.
Interactions
Does Lipfendra interact with foods or drinks?
Take Lipfendra on an empty stomach with water, black coffee, or plain tea only. After you take Lipfendra, wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything other than water, black coffee, or plain tea.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lipfendra.
Does Lipfendra interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Lipfendra and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Lipfendra. Always check with your health care provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lipfendra?
If you or someone else has used too much Lipfendra, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Lipfendra?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, at least 30 minutes before your next food or drink. Do not take 2 doses in one day.
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