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Overview: Nexletol is used to treat high cholesterol. It works to lower "bad" cholesterol levels (LDL) in the blood. Lowering your LDL cholesterol levels reduces your risk for heart attack and stroke. Common side effects include common cold symptoms, muscle spasms, and back pain. Contact your health care provider if you have severe joint pain, redness, warmth, or swelling, or new pain or swelling in a tendon area.

Uses

What is Nexletol used for?

Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people with high cholesterol
  • To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people born with a genetic condition affecting how the body removes cholesterol from the blood (heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia) 
  • To reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other major cardiovascular problems in people at risk for these problems who cannot take a statin

Nexletol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Nexletol work (mechanism of action)?

Nexletol reduces cholesterol by decreasing the amount made by your liver and increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol. By lowering your LDL cholesterol levels, you reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, and related problems. 

How is Nexletol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Nexletol

Dosage forms and strengths 

  • 180 mg oral tablets

How should I store Nexletol?

Nexletol should be stored 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. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Nexletol?

The most common side effects of Nexletol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Increased uric acid level (see below)
  • Infection in the nose, throat (sore throat), or common cold symptoms 
  • Muscle spasms
  • Back pain
  • Stomach pain 
  • Anemia
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems

There may be other side effects of Nexletol 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 Nexletol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Nexletol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nexletol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Nexletol 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

Tendon Problems. Nexletol may increase your risk of tendon rupture or injury. Tendons are the connectors between your bones and muscles. Problems with tendons can happen in people who are taking Nexletol. This can possibly lead to tendon swelling, also called tendonitis, or tearing of the tendon. Tendon problems can occur with the tendon on the back of your ankle, called the Achilles tendon, as well as tendons in the shoulder and the upper arm. Stop using Nexletol, rest the affected area, and get medical help right away if you hear or feel a snap, see bruising right after an injury, or cannot move or put weight on a limb.

Increased Uric Acid Level (Hyperuricemia). Nexletol may increase your blood uric acid levels. This can happen within 4 weeks of starting Nexletol and continue throughout treatment. Your health care provider may monitor your blood uric acid levels. High levels of blood uric acid may lead to gout. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of hyperuricemia and gout. 

  • Severe foot pain, especially in the toe joint
  • Warm joints 
  • Swelling 
  • Tender joints 
  • Joint redness

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Nexletol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Nexletol.

  • Bempedoic acid
  • Nexletol
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Nexletol.

What should I know about Nexletol before using it?

Do not take Nexletol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Nexletol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. 

Keep Nexletol out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Nexletol?

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 Nexletol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

  • Gout 
  • Tendon problems
  • Liver problems
  • Kidney problems
  • Anemia

Other Medicines and Supplements. Nexletol may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Nexletol, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Nexletol may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Nexletol while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Nexletol, tell your health care provider. You are also encouraged to share information about the health of your pregnancy with the drugmaker by calling 833-377-7633.

Breastfeeding. Nexletol 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 stop breastfeeding or stop Nexletol. 

How can I get more information about Nexletol?

For more information about Nexletol, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.esperion.com or call them at 833-377-7633.

Interactions

Does Nexletol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Nexletol and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nexletol.

Does Nexletol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

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. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any medicines to lower cholesterol, including pravastatin, simvastatin, or fenofibrate.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Nexletol. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Nexletol?

If you or someone else has used too much Nexletol, 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 Nexletol?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.