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Bempedoic acid

Pronunciation: bem-pee-doe-ick az-sid
Generic name: bempedoic acid
Brand name: Nexletol
Dosage form: oral tablet
Drug class: Miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jul 25, 2024.

What is bempedoic acid?

Bempedoic acid (brand name Nexletol) is an oral, non-statin, LDL cholesterol-lowering treatment that may be used in adults to:

Bempedoic acid lowers LDL-C levels in the blood and works by blocking an enzyme called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) that is involved in the production of cholesterol by the liver.

Bempedoic acid was first FDA-approved on February 21, 2020, under the brand name, Nexletol. There is no Nexletol generic.

Bempedoic acid side effects

The most common side effects of bempedoic acid include:

Serious side effects and warnings

Bempedoic acid may cause serious side effects, including the following.

Increased levels of uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia). This can happen within 4 weeks of starting treatment and continue throughout. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood uric acid levels while you are taking Nexletol. High levels of blood uric acid may lead to gout. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of hyperuricemia and gout:

Gout may happen more in people who have had gout before but can also happen in people who have never had it before.

Tendon rupture or injury. Tendon problems can happen in people who take bempedoic acid. Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Symptoms of tendon problems may include pain, swelling, tears, and inflammation of tendons including the arm, shoulder, and back of the ankle (Achilles).

It is not known if bempedoic acid is safe and effective in:

May cause harm to an unborn baby and breastfeeding is not recommended.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of bempedoic acid. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Bempedoic acid cost

The cost of prescription drugs varies depending on your insurance plan and which pharmacy you use. Bempedoic acid is only available under the brand name, Nexletol. Refer to our price guide page for more information about Nexletol's cost.

You may also be eligible for a Nexletol copay card or Nexletol coupon. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you qualify. There is no Nexletol generic.

Before taking

Before you start taking bempedoic acid, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you:

Pregnancy

Bempedoic acid may cause harm to your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take it while you are pregnant. If you become pregnant during bempedoic acid treatment, tell your healthcare provider right away and call Esperion at 1-833-377-7633 to share information about the health of you and your baby.

Breastfeeding

It is not known if bempedoic acid passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take bempedoic acid or breastfeed. You should not do both.

How should I take bempedoic acid?

Take bempedoic acid exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Nexletol, Wegovy, atorvastatin, Ozempic, rosuvastatin, Jardiance, simvastatin, ezetimibe, Lipitor, Trulicity

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of bempedoic acid, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at once.

What happens if I overdose?

If you take too much bempedoic acid, call your Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What other drugs will affect bempedoic acid?

Bempedoic acid may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how bempedoic acid works. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take simvastatin or pravastatin (other cholesterol-lowering medicines). Taking statins with bempedoic acid may increase your risk of developing muscle pain or weakness (myopathy).

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

Does bempedoic acid interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed interaction report.

Storage

Store bempedoic acid in the original package at room temperature between 68ºF to 77ºF (20ºC to 25ºC).

Do not throw away the packet that helps to keep your medicine dry (desiccant).

Keep bempedoic acid and all medicines out of the reach of children.

Bempedoic acid ingredients

Bempedoic acid is only available as the brand Nexletol.

Active ingredient: bempedoic acid.

Inactive ingredients (Nexletol): colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sodium starch glycolate.

Tablet coating (Nexletol): partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Who makes bempedoic acid?

Esperion Therapeutics, Inc. makes bempedoic acid under the brand name Nexletol.

Bempedoic acid is only available as Nexletol; there is no Nexletol generic. Tablets are available as a single strength, Nexletol 180 mg which contains 180mg bempedoic acid.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.