Nexlizet is called Nustendi by Daiichi Sankyo in Europe.
Information about Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe)
Nexlizet is a fixed-dose combination medication containing bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. This combination is used primarily to help lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), also known as "bad" cholesterol. It is typically prescribed for patients who have high cholesterol and are at risk of cardiovascular disease, especially when other cholesterol-lowering treatments like statins alone are not sufficient or well-tolerated.
Product Highlights
- Used to reduce elevated LDL cholesterol levels in adults with primary hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) or familial hypercholesterolemia (a genetic condition causing very high cholesterol levels).
- Typically prescribed as an adjunct to a healthy diet and exercise in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins or as an alternative for patients who cannot tolerate statins.
- It is intended for individuals who are at increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular events due to high cholesterol levels.
Key Ingredients
Key Benefits
- Nexlizet effectively lowers LDL cholesterol, which is a key target in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks and strokes.
- The combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe provides complementary effects—one acting on cholesterol synthesis in the liver and the other on cholesterol absorption from the gut, leading to a more comprehensive reduction in cholesterol.
- Nexlizet combines two medications into one pill, simplifying treatment and improving patient adherence to therapy.
- For patients who cannot tolerate statins due to muscle pain or other side effects, Nexlizet provides an alternative that may still effectively lower cholesterol.
- When used with lifestyle changes, it has the potential to lower the risk of cardiovascular events in high-risk individuals.
Direction of Use
- Nexlizet is typically taken once daily as a single oral tablet.
- It can be taken with or without food, making it flexible and convenient for most patients.
- It is important to take Nexlizet consistently each day to achieve optimal cholesterol-lowering effects.
- It may be prescribed alongside other cholesterol-lowering treatments (such as statins or PCSK9 inhibitors) if additional LDL reduction is needed.
Safety Concerns
- Like bempedoic acid alone, Nexlizet may cause elevations in liver enzymes. Liver function should be routinely checked throughout the course of treatment.
- Though less likely than statins, there is still a potential risk for muscle pain or weakness with bempedoic acid, which can occur with both components of Nexlizet.
- Bempedoic acid can increase uric acid levels, which may increase the risk of gout in susceptible patients.
- Some patients may experience fatigue, abdominal pain, or discomfort when using Nexlizet.
- Nexlizet is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
- Be cautious when taking Nexlizet with other medications that affect liver enzymes (e.g., cytochrome P450 inhibitors or inducers) or those that may affect uric acid levels.
Avoid Nexlizet (Bempedoic Acid/Ezetimibe) If:
- Nexlizet should be avoided in pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers due to lack of safety data.
- Nexlizet is contraindicated in patients with active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations in liver enzymes.
- Patients who have a known allergy to bempedoic acid, ezetimibe, or any other component of the formulation should avoid using this medication.
- Caution is advised when using Nexlizet in patients with severe renal impairment, though it may be used with adjustments for mild to moderate renal impairment under medical supervision.
- As bempedoic acid may increase uric acid levels, it should be avoided in patients with a history of gout, or used with caution if prescribed.
