Nexletol is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s FDA-approved to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL)* when used along with a low-cholesterol diet and a statin drug. LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol.

Nexletol is approved for this use in adults with heart disease or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). HeFH is an inherited condition that causes high levels of LDL cholesterol.

* Nexletol has certain limitations of use. For more information, see the “Nexletol uses” section below.

Drug details

Nexletol contains the active drug bempedoic acid. Nexletol belongs to a class of drugs called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.

Nexletol works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol your liver makes. For more information, see the “How Nexletol works” section below.

Nexletol comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in a strength of 180 milligrams. You’ll likely take Nexletol once per day.

FDA approval

In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Nexletol to lower LDL cholesterol in adults. Nexletol was the first drug in the ACL inhibitor drug class to receive FDA approval.

Effectiveness

For information about the effectiveness of Nexletol, see the “Nexletol uses” section below.

Nexletol is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Nexletol can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Nexletol. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Nexletol, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Nexletol, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Nexletol can include:

If these side effects become bothersome or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* This is a partial list of mild side effects from Nexletol. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Nexletol’s Patient Information.
† For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Nexletol aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects can include:

* For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” below.

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on certain side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after taking Nexletol. But it isn’t known how often this side effect may have occurred with Nexletol in clinical studies.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • flushing (warmth, swelling, or redness in your skin)

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Nexletol, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Increased levels of liver enzymes

Some people may have increased levels of liver enzymes after they start treatment with Nexletol.

In clinical studies, increased levels of liver enzymes occurred in:

  • 2.1% of people who took Nexletol
  • 0.8% of people who took a placebo (a treatment without an active drug)

However, the levels of liver enzymes decreased over time for most people who had this side effect. (The exact amount of time isn’t known.) For some people, this occurred as they kept taking Nexletol or a placebo. For others, this occurred after they stopped treatment completely.

If you have high levels of liver enzymes, your liver may not be working correctly. But you may not have any symptoms of this side effect unless you have more serious liver disease.

Symptoms of liver disease can include:

If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Nexletol, be sure to tell your doctor. They’ll likely perform liver function tests to check the levels of liver enzymes in your blood.

High levels of uric acid

Nexletol may cause high levels of uric acid in the blood. High levels of uric acid can result in gout (a condition that causes sudden, painful swelling in your joints).

In clinical studies, adults were given either Nexletol or a placebo (a treatment with no active drug). Here are the percentages of people who had high uric acid levels or gout:

NexletolPlacebo
High uric acid levels26%9.5%
Gout1.5%0.4%

Increased levels of uric acid usually occurred within the first 4 weeks after starting Nexletol treatment or taking a placebo.

Your risk for experiencing gout while using Nexletol may be higher if you have a history of gout. In clinical studies, the percentages of people who had gout while taking either Nexletol or a placebo were as follows:

NexletolPlacebo
History of gout11.2%1.7%
No history of gout1.0%0.3%

Your doctor will likely monitor your levels of uric acid while you’re taking Nexletol. But be sure to tell them if you have any sudden pain, swelling, or redness in your joints while taking the drug. If you do, they may prescribe medications to decrease your levels of uric acid.

Ruptured tendon

A ruptured (torn) tendon can occur while taking Nexletol. Tendons are thick bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones.

In clinical studies of adults taking Nexletol or a placebo, a ruptured tendon occurred in:

  • 0.5% of adults while taking Nexletol
  • 0% of adults while taking a placebo

In clinical studies, the bicep tendon, rotator cuff (shoulder), and Achilles tendon were most commonly affected. But a ruptured tendon can occur with any tendon.

A ruptured tendon is more likely to happen within the first few weeks or months after starting Nexletol treatment. Your risk for a ruptured tendon while taking Nexletol may be higher if you:

Symptoms of a ruptured tendon can include pain, swelling, or bruising of the affected joint. You may also feel or hear your tendon pop.

If you have any of these symptoms while taking Nexletol, tell your doctor right away. They’ll likely have you stop taking the drug until they can decide whether you have a ruptured tendon. If you do have a ruptured tendon, they’ll probably change your treatment to a drug other than Nexletol.

Pain

Nexletol may cause pain in the back, abdomen (belly), or extremities (limbs, hands, or feet).

Here’s how often these side effects occurred in adults who took Nexletol or a placebo (a treatment with no active drug) in clinical studies:

NexletolPlacebo
Back pain3.3%2.2%
Abdominal pain3.1%2.2%
Pain in arms and legs3.0%1.7%

Some people in these studies stopped taking their treatment because of bothersome pain in the arms and legs. This occurred in:

  • 0.3% of people who took Nexletol
  • 0% of people who took a placebo

It isn’t known how many people stopped taking Nexletol or a placebo because of back pain or abdominal pain.

If you’re concerned about abdominal, back, or arm and leg pain while taking Nexletol, talk with your doctor.

Respiratory infections

Nexletol may cause upper respiratory tract infections (the common cold) and bronchitis (a chest cold).

Here’s how often these side effects occurred in adults who took Nexletol or a placebo in clinical studies:

NexletolPlacebo
Upper respiratory tract infection4.5%4.0%
Bronchitis3.0%2.5%

Some symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection and bronchitis are similar. These can include:

Bronchitis can also cause wheezing, trouble breathing, and a buildup of mucus in your airways.

If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Nexletol, talk with your doctor. They can suggest ways to treat respiratory infections.

As with all medications, the cost of Nexletol can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Nexletol. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.

Before approving coverage for Nexletol, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide if the drug will be covered.

If you’re not sure if you’ll need to get prior authorization for Nexletol, contact your insurance company.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Nexletol, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Esperion Therapeutics Inc., the manufacturer of Nexletol, offers a Co-Pay Card that may help lower the cost of the drug for you. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 855-699-8814 or visit the Nexletol website.

Mail-order pharmacies

Nexletol may be available through a mail-order pharmacy. Using this service may help lower the drug’s cost and allow you to get your medication without leaving home.

If recommended by your doctor, you may be able to receive a 90-day supply of Nexletol, so there’s less concern about running out of the medication. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor and your insurance company. Some Medicare plans may help cover the cost of mail-order medications.

If you don’t have insurance, you can ask your doctor or pharmacist about online pharmacy options.

Generic version

Nexletol isn’t available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Nexletol to treat certain conditions.

Nexletol for lowering LDL cholesterol

Nexletol is FDA-approved to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) when used along with a low-cholesterol diet and a statin drug. LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol.

Nexletol is approved for this use in adults with heart disease or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). HeFH is inherited condition that causes high cholesterol.

It isn’t known if Nexletol can lower the risk of heart problems and death related to high cholesterol.

About cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that occurs naturally in your body. It’s made in your liver but can also be found in foods such as meat, cheese, and eggs. Cholesterol helps your body perform important functions, such as making hormones and vitamins.

But having more cholesterol than your body needs can lead to serious problems, such as heart disease. High cholesterol can be caused by a lack of exercise and eating too many high-cholesterol foods. But it can also be caused by your genes. HeFH is an example of a genetic (inherited) condition that causes high cholesterol.

To determine whether you have high cholesterol, your doctor will give you a blood test called a lipid panel. High cholesterol doesn’t usually cause any symptoms unless you’ve developed atherosclerosis, a type of heart disease. Atherosclerosis is a narrowing of the arteries. Its symptoms may include fatigue (lack of energy), trouble breathing, and pain in your chest, arms, or legs.

Nexletol is specifically approved to help decrease a type of cholesterol called LDL. This kind of cholesterol can build up in the arteries and cause them to narrow and harden. When this happens, it can lead to angina (chest pain) or a heart attack.

Effectiveness for lowering LDL cholesterol

Nexletol has been found effective in helping lower LDL cholesterol in adults.

In clinical studies, Nexletol was compared with a placebo (a treatment without an active drug). Both Nexletol and the placebo were given with a statin or other cholesterol-lowering drug. The exact cholesterol-lowering medications aren’t known.

In the studies, LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels:

  • decreased by an average of 15% to 17% in people who used Nexletol
  • increased by an average of 2% in people who used a placebo

To learn how Nexletol and the placebo affected levels of other types of cholesterol, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Nexletol and children

Nexletol isn’t approved for use in children. It’s not known if the drug is safe or effective for children.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Nexletol.

What is the mechanism of action of Nexletol?

A mechanism of action is how a drug acts to cause an effect in the body. Nexletol works by lowering the amount of cholesterol that your body makes. To be specific, Nexletol blocks the action of an enzyme called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL). An enzyme is a protein that helps speed up chemical processes in your body.

For more information, see the “How Nexletol works” section below.

Will Nexletol cure my condition?

No, Nexletol won’t cure high levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. There isn’t a known cure for a high level of LDL cholesterol.

But Nexletol has been found effective to help decrease LDL cholesterol. The medication is used along with a low-cholesterol diet and a statin drug. Nexletol works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol your liver makes.

Nexletol should keep working to help decrease your LDL cholesterol as long as you take it. But once you stop taking the drug, your liver may increase the amount of cholesterol that it makes. This can cause your levels of LDL cholesterol to increase again.

If you have questions about how Nexletol works to lower your LDL cholesterol, see the “How Nexletol works” section below. You can also talk with your doctor.

Is Nexletol a statin?

No, Nexletol isn’t a statin drug. Nexletol belongs to a class of drugs called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors. A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way.

Both statins and ACL inhibitors work to prevent your liver from making new cholesterol. Statins do this by blocking the action of an enzyme called HMG-CoA reductase. (An enzyme is a protein that helps speed up chemical processes in your body.) ACL inhibitors work to block the action of the ACL enzyme.

Your doctor will likely prescribe Nexletol along with a statin drug. To learn more, see “Does Nexletol have to be used with a statin?” right below. You can also talk with your doctor if you have questions about the differences between Nexletol and statin drugs.

Does Nexletol have to be used with a statin?

Yes, you’ll most likely use Nexletol with a statin drug.

Nexletol is approved to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. The drug is used along with a low-cholesterol diet and a statin drug. Examples of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor).

Statin drugs can also lower the risk of heart problems and death related to high cholesterol. But it isn’t known how Nexletol may affect these risks. For this reason, it’s important to keep using a statin drug while taking Nexletol.

However, some people may have bothersome side effects from statins that keep them from being able to take these drugs. People who have these side effects may use Nexletol with other drugs that lower LDL cholesterol, such as ezetimibe (Zetia). For more information, see the “Alternatives to Nexletol” and “Nexletol use with other treatments” sections below.

If you have other questions about taking Nexletol with statin drugs, talk with your doctor.

Could Nexletol affect my kidneys or liver?

Nexletol can affect your liver, but it isn’t known to affect your kidneys.

In clinical studies, Nexletol was shown to increase levels of liver enzymes. High levels of liver enzymes can be a sign that your liver isn’t working correctly. (For more information, see “Increased levels of liver enzymes” in the “Nexletol side effects” section above.) But the results of these studies didn’t show any negative effects of Nexletol on the kidneys.

If you have questions about how Nexletol may affect your kidneys or liver, talk with your doctor.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Nexletol to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. Nexletol is approved for this use in adults with certain conditions. (For more information about LDL cholesterol and how Nexletol is used, see the “Nexletol uses” section above.)

What is LDL cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance that occurs naturally in your body. It’s made in your liver but can also be found in such foods as meat, cheese, and eggs. Cholesterol helps your body perform important functions, such as making hormones and vitamins.

But having more cholesterol than your body needs can lead to serious problems, such as heart disease. High cholesterol can be caused by a lack of exercise and eating too many high-cholesterol foods. It can also be caused by your genes.

Nexletol is specifically approved to help decrease a type of cholesterol called LDL. This kind of cholesterol can build up in the arteries and cause them to narrow and harden. When this happens, it can lead to angina (chest pain) or a heart attack.

What Nexletol does

Nexletol works by lowering the amount of cholesterol that your body makes. To be specific, Nexletol blocks the action of an enzyme* called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL). The enzyme helps your liver make LDL cholesterol. By blocking the action of this enzyme, Nexletol decreases your levels of LDL cholesterol.

* An enzyme is a protein that helps speed up chemical processes in your body.

How long does it take to work?

Nexletol starts working right away to lower your LDL cholesterol. You won’t be able to feel Nexletol decreasing your cholesterol. But your doctor will check your cholesterol levels about 8 weeks after you start treatment. If your cholesterol levels haven’t started to improve, they may recommend a different treatment for you.

Your doctor will likely start you on the typical dosage approved to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL). LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol.

Then they’ll monitor whether the drug is working for you and whether you experience any side effects. Your doctor may stop your Nexletol treatment if it isn’t safe or effective for you. For more information on possible side effects of Nexletol, see the “Nexletol side effects” section above.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Nexletol comes as a tablet that you swallow. It’s available in a strength of 180 milligrams (mg).

Dosage for lowering LDL cholesterol

Nexletol is approved to help decrease LDL cholesterol in adults with heart disease or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). HeFH is an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol.

The recommended dosage for this purpose is 180 mg once a day. The drug can be taken with or without food.

Dosage questions

Below are answers to some questions you may have about taking Nexletol.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Nexletol, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, just skip your missed dose. You can start taking your next dose on your regular schedule. But don’t take extra doses to make up for your missed dose. Doing that can increase your risk for side effects from Nexletol. (For more information, see the “Nexletol side effects” section above.)

If you’re not sure whether to take or skip a missed dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

To help make sure you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Nexletol is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Nexletol is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Nexletol, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is used for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Alternatives for lowering LDL cholesterol

Nexletol is approved to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in adults with heart disease or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. And HeFH is an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol.

Examples of other drugs that may be used to help decrease LDL cholesterol include:

You may wonder if Nexletol and Repatha are similar.

These medications are both used to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and treat high cholesterol in certain people. However, they belong to different drug classes.

Nexletol belongs to a class of drugs called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase inhibitors. It works by preventing your liver from making new cholesterol.

Repatha is a PCSK9 inhibitor. It helps your body remove cholesterol more effectively. It also helps lower the risk of certain complications in people with heart disease.

Nexletol comes as oral tablets, while Repatha comes as a solution that’s given by subcutaneous injection.

To learn more about Repatha, view this in-depth article. Read on to find out more about Nexletol.

If you’d like additional information about these two drugs and help determining whether one might be right for you, talk with your doctor.

Like Nexletol, statin drugs can be used to treat high cholesterol and lower the risk of heart problems in certain people.

However, Nexletol isn’t a statin. Instead, it belongs to a class of drugs called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase inhibitors.

Both types of drugs work by preventing your liver from making new cholesterol.

Your doctor will likely prescribe Nexletol in combination with a statin drug. To learn more about this, see “Does Nexletol have to be used with a statin?” in the “Common questions about Nexletol” section above. Also, see the “Nexletol use with other treatments” section directly below.

Examples of statins include:

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about how Nexletol compares with statin drugs.

Nexletol is approved to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) when used along with a low-cholesterol diet and a statin drug. LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol.

Low-cholesterol diet

Cholesterol is made in your liver but can also be found in such foods as meat, cheese, and eggs. Eating too many high-cholesterol foods can cause high cholesterol.

Along with taking Nexletol, your doctor will likely recommend that you eat a diet low in cholesterol. This type of diet may help reduce the levels of cholesterol in your body and lower your risk for heart disease.

For more information on a recommended diet while using Nexletol, talk with your doctor.

Statins

Nexletol is also typically used with a statin drug. Statins are another group of drugs used to treat high cholesterol. Examples of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor).

However, statins may not lower cholesterol enough. Or, a person may have had bothersome side effects from statins that prevent them from using these drugs.

People who have these side effects may use Nexletol with other drugs that lower LDL cholesterol, such as ezetimibe (Zetia). Bempedoic acid (the active drug in Nexletol) is also available in a combination drug that contains ezetimibe. The brand name for this drug combination is Nexlizet.

If you have questions about using Nexletol with other drugs, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

There are no known interactions between Nexletol and alcohol. But drinking in excess can harm your liver. And Nexletol can increase your levels of liver enzymes, which can be a sign of liver problems. Therefore, if you take Nexletol and have a history of heavy alcohol use, you may have a greater risk for this side effect. (For more information, see “Increased levels of liver enzymes” in the “Nexletol side effects” section above.)

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about the amount that’s safe for you to drink while taking Nexletol. If you have a history of heavy drinking or liver problems, be sure to tell your doctor before you start taking Nexletol.

Nexletol can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe.

Nexletol and other medications

Below are examples of medications that can interact with Nexletol. This section doesn’t contain all drugs that may interact with Nexletol.

Before taking Nexletol, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Nexletol and certain statin drugs

Nexletol is typically used with statin drugs to help decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL).* Statins are another group of drugs used to treat high cholesterol.

But taking Nexletol with certain statin drugs can raise your risk for muscle pain or muscle weakness. (These are possible side effects from statin drugs.) This happens because Nexletol can raise the levels of these statins in your blood.

The specific statin drugs that interact with Nexletol are simvastatin (Zocor) and pravastatin (Pravachol). If you take Nexletol with these statins, your doctor will likely limit your doses of these drugs.

Be sure to tell your doctor the specific statin drugs you use before you start taking Nexletol.

* LDL cholesterol is commonly known as “bad” cholesterol.

Certain products that should be used with caution while taking Nexletol

Using certain medications with Nexletol may increase your risk for side effects. Some of these drugs are described below. (To learn about possible side effects, see the “Nexletol side effects” section above.)

Nexletol and drugs that raise your risk for a ruptured tendon

A ruptured (torn) tendon is a possible side effect of Nexletol. Your risk for a ruptured tendon while taking Nexletol may be higher if you’re taking corticosteroids or a group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones.

Prednisone is an example of a corticosteroid. And ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is an example of a fluoroquinolone antibiotic.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you’re taking any of these drugs before you start Nexletol treatment. And if you’re prescribed these drugs after you’ve started using Nexletol, be sure your doctor knows that as well. They may suggest alternative treatment options for your conditions.

Nexletol and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements that have been specifically reported to interact with Nexletol. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Nexletol.

Nexletol and foods

There aren’t any foods that have been specifically reported to interact with Nexletol, including grapefruit or grapefruit juice. But, since you’ll likely take Nexletol with a statin drug, you’ll need to avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. It isn’t safe to consume them while using statins.

Grapefruit can prevent statin drugs from breaking down in your body. This can increase the level of the statin drug and raise your risk for side effects. Examples of statins include atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor).

Visit this article to learn more about how grapefruit may interact with medications. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Nexletol, talk with your doctor.

You should take Nexletol according to your doctor’s or another healthcare professional’s instructions.

Nexletol comes as a tablet that you swallow.

When to take

You’ll likely take Nexletol once a day. You can take the drug any time of day, but try to take your dose around the same time each day.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm on your phone or downloading a reminder app.

Taking Nexletol with food

You can take Nexletol with or without food.

Can Nexletol be crushed, split, or chewed?

The manufacturer of Nexletol hasn’t stated whether the tablets can be crushed, split, or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing Nexletol tablets, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss different ways to take the medication.

It isn’t known whether Nexletol is safe to use during pregnancy. The drug hasn’t been studied during pregnancy. However, based on the way Nexletol works in the body, it may not be safe to take while pregnant.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant while taking Nexletol, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the risks and benefits of using the drug during pregnancy.

It’s not known if Nexletol is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can offer information about your birth control needs while you’re using Nexletol.

For more information about taking Nexletol during pregnancy, see the “Nexletol and pregnancy” section above.

You shouldn’t breastfeed while taking Nexletol. It’s not known if the drug can pass into breast milk while breastfeeding. If Nexletol does pass into breast milk, the drug could cause serious harm to a child who is breastfed.

If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about treatment options other than Nexletol.

Before taking Nexletol, talk with your doctor about your health history. Nexletol may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include the ones mentioned below.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Nexletol, see the “Nexletol side effects” section above.

Gout. Nexletol may cause high levels of uric acid in your blood, which can lead to gout. Your risk for gout while using Nexletol may be higher if you’ve had gout in the past. So it’s important that you tell your doctor if you have a history of gout before you start taking Nexletol.

Your doctor will likely monitor your levels of uric acid while you’re taking Nexletol. Be sure to tell them if you have any sudden pain, swelling, or redness in your joints while taking the drug. If you do, they may prescribe medications to lower your uric acid levels. For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” in the “Nexletol side effects” section above.

Kidney problems. A ruptured (torn) tendon can occur while taking Nexletol. Your risk for this side effect while using Nexletol may be higher if you have kidney problems such as kidney failure. If you have kidney problems, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to use Nexletol.

Liver problems. Nexletol may cause increased levels of liver enzymes. High levels of liver enzymes can be a sign your liver isn’t working correctly.

If you have liver problems, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to use Nexletol. For more information on this side effect, see “Side effect details” in the “Nexletol side effects” section above.

Tendon problems. A ruptured (torn) tendon can occur while taking Nexletol. Your risk for this side effect while using Nexletol may be higher if you have tendon problems or had them in the past. Before you start taking Nexletol, tell your doctor if you have a history of tendon problems. They may recommend a treatment other than Nexletol for lowering your cholesterol levels. For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect details” in the “Nexletol side effects” section above.

Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Nexletol or any of its ingredients, you shouldn’t take Nexletol. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Pregnancy. It’s not known if Nexletol is safe to use during pregnancy. For more information, see the “Nexletol and pregnancy” section above.

Breastfeeding. Breastfeeding isn’t recommended while taking Nexletol. For more information, see the “Nexletol and breastfeeding” section above.

Do not use more Nexletol than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you take too much Nexletol

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or use their online tool. But if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Nexletol from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the bottle. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication is effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk to your pharmacist about whether you might still be able to use it.

Storage

How long a medication remains good can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

You should store Nexletol tablets at room temperature (68°F to 77°F/20°C to 25°C). Keep Nexletol tablets in their original container and store them away from light. In certain conditions, such as when traveling, you may store Nexletol at temperatures of 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) for a short time. Avoid storing this medication in areas where it could get damp or wet, such as bathrooms.

Also, there’s a packet in the Nexletol bottle along with the tablets. This packet helps keep your medication dry. Be sure to keep the packet in the bottle.

Disposal

If you no longer need to take Nexletol and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. It also helps keep the drug from harming the environment.

This article provides several useful tips on medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.

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