If you have high cholesterol, your doctor may prescribe Nexlizet along with a statin drug and a low fat diet. Nexlizet is a prescription drug used in adults with either:

Specifically, Nexlizet is used to lower a type of cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol.”

For more details about how the drug is used, including its limitations of use, see “What is Nexlizet used for?” below.

Nexlizet basics

You can swallowNexlizet. It’s a brand-name drug not currently available in generic form.

The drug has more than one active ingredient. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. The contents of NEXlizet.

  • bempedoic acid, which is available as the brand-name drug Nexletol
  • ezetimibe, which is available in generic form and as the brand-name drug Zetia

You can learn more about the side effects ofNexlizet.

“It is possible thatNexlizet may cause mild to serious side effects. The lists below don’t include all possible side effects.”

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

The doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the side effects ofNexlizet. They can suggest ways to reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Below is a list of some of the mild side effects that Nexlizet can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or read Nexlizet’s prescribing information.

There are some mild side effects ofNexlizet.

The side effects of many drugs can be gone in a few days. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects fromNexlizet, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

There have been serious side effects ofNexlizet.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Side effect focus

Some of the side effects ofNexlizet may be discussed.

Muscle cramps

Some people may have muscle cramps while taking Nexlizet. These are sudden muscle spasms that you can’t control. Affected muscles may feel tight, hard, or painful. Most people who took Nexlizet in studies didn’t have this side effect. But some people had to stop the drug because of severe muscle cramps, though this was rare.

What can help?

Within a few seconds to minutes, muscle cramps disappear on their own. There are a few things to try when a muscle hurts.

  • You can stretch the area.
  • The area is tight or painful.
  • Move around. If you have a leg cramp, it can help to get up and walk around.

Staying hydrated may also help prevent muscle cramps. Be sure to drink plenty of The flu.ids each day, especially if you’re exercising in hot weather.

If you have severe muscle pains while takingNexlizet, talk to your doctor. They may suggest a different treatment option.

Belly pain

Some people may have belly pain while taking Nexlizet. While most people taking the drug in studies didn’t have this side effect, some reported pain or discomfort in their upper or lower abdomen.

What can help?

If you have belly pain while takingNexlizet, it should go away with continued treatment. Taking the drug with food can help prevent or reduce the side effect. Nexlizet can be taken with or without food.

If this side effect doesn’t go away or becomes severe, tell your doctor. They may want to check you for other causes of belly pain. Or they may prescribe a different cholesterol-lowering drug for you instead of Nexlizet.

Tendon problems

The active ingredient in NEXIZET is bempedoic acid. This ingredient may increase the risk of problems with the tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bones.

Pain or swelling may occur if tendons rupture, tear, or become inflamed. In studies, tendon rupture occurred in some people’s shoulders, biceps, or Achilles tendons.

There are certain factors that can increase the risk of problems with the drug.

  • Having had an injury in the past.
  • Being 60 years old.
  • having kidney failure
  • taking a corticosteroid medication (such as prednisone) or a The flu.oroquinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin)

This side effect wasn’t specifically reported in Nexlizet’s studies. But it occurred rarely in studies that just looked at bempedoic acid, one of the active drugs in Nexlizet. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

What can help?

Before starting Nexlizet, be sure to tell your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. They may prescribe a different treatment for high cholesterol that doesn’t contain bempedoic acid. Or if you need to take a short course of a steroid or The flu.oroquinolone antibiotic, they may have you pause Nexlizet treatment temporarily.

If you develop pain or swelling anywhere in your body, rest the affected area and tell your doctor right away. They’ll help you identify the cause of your symptoms. If they confirm you have a tendon injury, they’ll likely have you stop taking Nexlizet.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Nexlizet. Allergic reactions have been reported in people taking ezetimibe, one of the active ingredients in Nexlizet.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. Swelling under your skin can be a symptom. They can also include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause you to have trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction toNexlizet, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A Nexlizet Co-Pay Card may also be available. You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Nexlizet is prescribed to treat high cholesterol in adults, along with a low fat diet and a statin medication. Statins are the most commonly prescribed type of drug for high cholesterol. Examples include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).

Specifically, Nexlizet is used to lower a type of cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol.” Having too much LDL in your blood can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attack or stroke.

In adults, NEXIZET is used to lower LDL.

When you are already taking a statin at the highest dose you can tolerate, you should be taking NEXIZET.

It is not known if high cholesterol can cause heart problems or death. This is not a good limitation of the drug.

Below is the most commonly used dosage of Nexlizet, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strength

You can swallowNexlizet. It is a combination drug, which means it has more than one active ingredient. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. The contents of NEXlizet.

  • 180 imimes of bempedoic acid is contained.
  • 10 mg of ezetimibe

The strength may be written as 180 or 10.

Recommended dosage(s)

It is taken once per day.

Questions about Nexlizet’s dosage

Some questions about the dosage are listed below.

  • What if I miss a dose of Nexlizet? If you miss a dose of Nexlizet, take it as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed. Then take your next dose at your usual time.
  • Will I need to take Nexlizet long term? If you and your doctor agree that Nexlizet is working well for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
  • How long does Nexlizet take to work? It may take up to 2 or 3 months for Nexlizet to work. Within this time frame, your doctor will order a lipid panel blood test to check how well the drug is working to lower your cholesterol.

There are answers to some questions.

Is Nexlizet a statin?

No, Nexlizet is not a statin. Statins are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for high cholesterol. Common examples include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (Crestor).

Statins don’t always lower cholesterol enough, though. And some people need a high dose statin to reach their ideal cholesterol level, but their side effects, such as muscle pain, are too bothersome.

NEXlizet and vastatin are used to treat high cholesterol, but they work in different ways. When you are already taking a statin in the highest dose that you can tolerate, NEXIZET is meant to further lower LDL.

Your doctor can tell you more about your treatment goals.

Does Nexlizet cause weight loss?

No. Weight loss wasn’t reported in Nexlizet’s studies. Cholesterol-lowering drugs, including Nexlizet, don’t usually affect a person’s weight.

You’re meant to follow a low fat diet during Nexlizet treatment for high cholesterol. Weight loss can occur if you’re consuming fewer calories as part of this low fat diet.

If you have questions about a low fat diet, talk to your doctor or a nutrition therapist. They can suggest a plan to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Are there alternatives to Nexlizet that could treat my condition?

Nexlizet is used to treat high cholesterol. It’s a combination drug that contains bempedoic acid and ezetimibe.

Bempedoic acid is an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor. It’s available as the brand-name drug Nexletol. Bempedoic acid is currently the only drug of its kind, so there are no alternatives that work exactly the same way.

It is available in a generic form and a brand-name form. The only drug of its kind is eztimibe.

Other cholesterol-lowering drugs are available that work differently than Nexlizet. Some examples include:

If you have questions about alternatives toNexlizet, you should talk to your doctor.

Nexlizet and Nexletol are both cholesterol-lowering drugs. They are similar in that they both contain the active ingredient bempedoic acid. But Nexlizet is different because it’s a combination drug, which is a drug that contains more than one active ingredient. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Nexlizet also contains ezetimibe.

To learn more about how Nexlizet and Nexletol compare, check out this article. You can also talk with your doctor for more information on how these drugs are alike and different.

“Your doctor will explain how to take it. They will explain how much to take and how often to take it. Follow your doctor’s instructions.”

Taking Nexlizet

You can swallowNexlizet.

You will take it once a day. It is a good idea to take your dose at the same time each day, even though there is no best time to do so.

If you also take a statin drug once daily, you can take Nexlizet at the same time.

Accessible medication containers and labels

“If you can’t read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies give medication labels.”

  • Have a large print.
  • Use the visual aids.
  • You can change the text to audio with a code you can put in a phone.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

Let your pharmacist know if you have trouble opening your bottles. They may be able to put it in a container. They may be able to recommend tools or tips to make it easier to open the drug container.

Taking Nexlizet with other drugs

Nexlizet is meant to be taken along with a statin drug, in addition to a low fat diet. Statins are the most commonly prescribed type of medication for high cholesterol.

Cholesterol can be examples of t

You can take both statin drugs at the same time.

Some strengths of simvastatin and pravastatin can interact withNexlizet. You can see the interactions section below, but you should speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Questions about taking Nexlizet

Some questions about takingNexlizet are listed below.

  • Can Nexlizet be chewed, crushed, or split? No. You should swallow Nexlizet tablets whole. If you have trouble swallowing pills, check out these helpful tips. Or talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They may suggest a different treatment option.
  • Should I take Nexlizet with food? You can take Nexlizet with or without food.

Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about your treatment plan. Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions, such as:
    • How will the effects ofNexlizet affect me?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible, so don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment.”

Before starting the treatment, there are some things to consider.

Interactions

Taking a drug with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before startingNexlizet, you should tell your doctor about all your medication. You should also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions that may occur.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Nexlizet is usually prescribed along with a statin drug, but certain strengths of the following statins may interact with Nexlizet:

Tell your doctor if you are taking one of these drugs. They can either lower or change the dose of that statin.

Other drugs can interact withNexlizet.

The list does not include all drugs that may interact withNexlizet. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions.

Warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, NEXIZEt may not be right for you. Before startingNexlizet, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider include those shown.

High risk of tendon rupture. Tendon rupture is a possible side effect of Nexlizet. You may be more likely to develop this side effect if:

Severe liver problems. It’s not known if Nexlizet is safe for people with severe liver problems. It may increase liver enzymes as a possible side effect. This can be a sign of liver damage. If you already have liver problems, talk with your doctor. They can help you decide if your liver is healthy enough for treatment with Nexlizet.

Gout arthritis or hyperuricemia (high level of uric acid in your blood). Nexlizet may cause a high level of uric acid in your blood. Before you start Nexlizet, your doctor will test your uric acid level. Be sure to tell them if you have or have had gout. (Gout is a type of arthritis caused by a buildup of uric acid.) Your doctor can tell you if Nexlizet or another treatment option would likely be better for your condition.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Nexlizet or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you. Ask them about other medications that might be better treatment options.

Nexlizet and alcohol

“Alcohol doesn’t interact withNexlizet It is safe to drink alcohol in moderation while taking this drug.”

But it was seen in studies that some people taking Nexlizet experienced an increase in their liver enzymes. (Liver enzymes are measured in your blood by liver function tests.) Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can increase liver enzymes as well.

If you have questions about alcohol, talk to your doctor.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Your doctor will probably recommend against takingNexlizet while pregnant or breastfeeding. This drug may cause harm to a fetus or child. This is not known for sure.

Before startingNexlizet, you should talk with your doctor about your plans to become pregnant. They may suggest other ways to manage cholesterol during your pregnancies.

If you become pregnant while taking the drug, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking Nexlizet. They may also recommend that you sign up for the Bempedoic Acid Pregnancy Surveillance Program. This program is gathering information to help researchers better understand the drug’s effects on pregnancy. For more information, call 833-377-7633.

Before starting Nexlizet, you should talk with your doctor about breastfeeding. They can discuss your options with you.

If you take more than your doctor prescribes, you can end up with serious side effects.

What to do in case you take too much Nexlizet

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Nexlizet. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have questions about takingNexlizet, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Sample questions can help you start your conversation.

  • Should I continue taking my other cholesterol medication?
  • What foods should I avoid while takingNexlizet?
  • Will taking Nexlizet along with a statin increase my risk of having muscle-related side effects?
  • What should I know about Nexlizet compared with other treatment options for high cholesterol?

Nexlizet isn’t usually prescribed as a first treatment for high cholesterol. You can learn more about other treatment options here.

Q:

Does Nexlizet work to lower cholesterol in people who cannot take statins?

Anonymous

A:

To treat high cholesterol, Nexlizet is meant to be used together with a statin drug and a low fat diet. Statins are the most commonly prescribed medication for high cholesterol. They are proven to reduce the risk of life threatening heart problems, such as heart attack and stroke, in people with high cholesterol.

But some people have what doctors call “statin intolerance.” This means you can’t take a statin (or can only take a low dose statin) due to side effects, such as muscle pain.

In one study, the combined use of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe was effective for reducing low-density lipoproteins (LDL) (also called “bad” cholesterol) in people with statin intolerance. (Nexlizet is a combination drug that contains bempedoic acid and ezetimibe.)

But it’s not known if Nexlizet decreases the risk of heart problems in people with high cholesterol and statin intolerance. Researchers are currently studying bempedoic acid to learn more about this.

If you have questions about the best way to lower cholesterol, talk to your doctor.

The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.