What is Nexlizet?

 Nexlizet is a brand-name prescription drug. It’s FDA-approved to help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol,* also known as “bad” cholesterol. This medication should be used along with a low cholesterol diet and a statin drug.

Nexlizet is approved for this use in adults with either of the following conditions:

• heart disease
• heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), an inherited condition that causes high cholesterol

Drug details

Nexlizet contains two active drugs: bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. Bempedoic acid belongs to a group of drugs called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase inhibitors. Ezetimibe belongs to a group of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

Nexlizet works to lower your cholesterol in two different ways:

• by decreasing the amount of cholesterol your liver makes
• by preventing your small intestine from absorbing cholesterol

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

Nexlizet comes as a tablet that you swallow. You’ll likely take it once per day. It’s available in one strength: 180 milligrams (mg) of bempedoic acid/10 mg of ezetimibe.

FDA approval

In 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Nexlizet to help reduce LDL cholesterol in adults. Nexlizet became the first combination drug approved for this use that doesn’t contain a statin. (A combination drug is a drug that contains more than one active ingredient.)

Effectiveness

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

Nexlizet generic

Nexlizet 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.

Nexlizet contains the active drugs bempedoic acid and ezetimibe.

Nexlizet side effects

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

For more information about the possible side effects of Nexlizet, 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’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Nexlizet, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects* of Nexlizet can include:

• anemia (low levels of red blood cells)
• constipation
• fatigue (lack of energy)
• influenza (flu) or flu-like symptoms, such as aches, chills, or cold sweats
• diarrhea
• increased liver enzymes
• pain in your abdomen (belly), back, joints, or extremities (arms, legs, hands, or feet)
• respiratory infections, such as the common cold and bronchitis (inflamed or irritated airway)
• sinusitis (swelling of your sinuses)
• urinary tract infections
• muscle spasms†

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. But if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Source: Medical News Today