bempedoic acid 180 mg-ezetimibe 10 mg tablet

Generic name:
Bempedoic acid/ezetimibe - oral

Pronunciation
(BEM-pe-DOE-ik AS-id/e-ZET-i-mibe)

Brand name(s)
Nexlizet

This combination medication is used along with a proper diet and other medications to help lower "bad" cholesterol (such as LDL) in the blood. Bempedoic acid works by reducing the amount of cholesterol made by the liver. Ezetimibe works by reducing the amount of cholesterol your body absorbs from your diet. Lowering "bad" cholesterol may help to decrease the risk of heart disease and help prevent strokes and heart attacks.

Bempedoic acid, one of the drugs in this product, is also used in people with heart disease or high risk for heart disease to reduce the risk of heart attack or needing heart procedures (such as placing a stent).

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this product and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. The manufacturer directs to swallow this medication whole. However, many similar drugs (immediate-release tablets) can be split/crushed. Follow your doctor's directions on how to take this medication.

If taking a bile acid sequestrant (such as cholestyramine, colestipol), take this product at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking the bile acid sequestrant. These products may bind to ezetimibe, preventing your body from fully absorbing the drug.

Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Keep taking this medication even if you feel well. Most people with high cholesterol do not feel sick.

It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's advice about diet and exercise. It may take up to 12 weeks before you get the full benefit of this drug.

Runny/stuffy nose, abdominal pain, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• toe/joint pain
• difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate)

Tendon damage may occur during treatment with this medication. Stop exercising, rest, and get medical help right away if you develop joint/muscle/tendon pain or swelling. Your risk for tendon problems is greater if you are over 60 years of age, if you are taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone) or fluoroquinolones (such as ciprofloxacin), or if you have kidney or tendon problems.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to bempedoic acid or ezetimibe; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• liver disease
• kidney disease
• gout
• tendon problems

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially tendon problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this product. Bempedoic acid may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

See also How to Use section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as kidney/liver function, uric acid levels, complete blood count, cholesterol levels) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the original container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying agent (desiccant) in the bottle. Tightly close the bottle when not in use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.