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Overview: Nexlizet is used to treat high cholesterol levels and to lower your risk of heart attack or certain heart procedures. It works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made by your liver, increasing the removal of bad cholesterol, and reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs. Common side effects include stomach pain, constipation, diarrhea, and muscle spasms. Tell your health care provider right away if you feel a snap, see bruising right after an injury, or cannot move or put weight on a limb, as these may be signs of a serious side effect. Before you start taking Nexlizet talk to your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines that you take.

Uses

What is Nexlizet used for?

Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe) is commonly used for the following conditions.

  • To lower the risk of heart attack and certain heart procedures like stent placement or bypass surgery in people with heart disease or at high risk for heart disease
  • To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people with high cholesterol levels
  • 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) 

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

How does Nexlizet work (mechanism of action)?

Nexlizet reduces cholesterol by decreasing the amount made by your liver and increasing the breakdown of bad cholesterol. It also inhibits the absorption of cholesterol in the intestines.   

How is Nexlizet supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Nexlizet

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 180 mg/10 mg oral tablets

How should I store Nexlizet?

Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet?

The most common side effects of Nexlizet 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
  • Pain in back, joints, shoulder, legs, or arms
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Anemia
  • Kidney problems
  • Tiredness
  • Influenza

There may be other side effects of Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Nexlizet may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Nexlizet 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. Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet. 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 taking Nexlizet, 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). Nexlizet may increase your blood uric acid levels. This can happen within 4 weeks of starting Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Nexlizet.

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

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

What should I know about Nexlizet before using it?

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

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

Keep Nexlizet out of the reach of children.

Do not cut, crush, or chew Nexlizet tablets. Swallow the tablets whole.  

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

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 Nexlizet 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. Nexlizet may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Nexlizet, 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. Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you do take Nexlizet when pregnant, you are encouraged to share information about your and your baby's health by calling 833-377-7633.

Breastfeeding. Nexlizet 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 Nexlizet. 

How can I get more information about Nexlizet?

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

Interactions

Does Nexlizet interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Nexlizet and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Nexlizet.

Does Nexlizet 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 of the following before taking Nexlizet.

  • Simvastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • Pravastatin, which is a medicine to lower cholesterol
  • Cyclosporine (Gengraf, Neoral, Sandimmune, and others), which is a medicine to suppress your immune system)
  • A fibrate, such as gemfibrozil (Lopid), fenofibrate (Tricor), or fenofibric acid (Fibricor, Trilipix), which is a medicine for high cholesterol
  • A bile acid sequestrant, such as colestipol (Colestid), cholestyramine, or colesevelam (Welchol), which is a medicine to lower cholesterol

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Nexlizet. 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 Nexlizet?

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

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.