Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is a prescription medication used to lower high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2020 and is manufactured by Esperion Therapeutics.
How does Nexletol work?
Nexletol works by inhibiting an enzyme called ATP citrate lyase (ACL), which is involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver. By blocking ACL, Nexletol reduces the amount of cholesterol that is synthesized in the liver, thereby lowering LDL cholesterol levels. Nexletol is taken orally once a day, with or without food.
Clinical trials for Nexletol
The approval of Nexletol by the FDA was based on the results of clinical trials that showed the drug to be effective at reducing LDL cholesterol levels in patients who had not been able to lower their cholesterol enough with statins alone. Statins are a type of cholesterol-lowering medication that are often used as a first-line treatment for high cholesterol. However, some patients are not able to tolerate statins or do not achieve their cholesterol goals despite taking them.
In one study, Nexletol was shown to lower LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 18% compared to placebo. Another study showed a 28% reduction in LDL cholesterol levels in patients who took Nexletol in addition to a moderate-intensity statin. The drug was also found to be safe and well-tolerated, with few side effects.
Side effects of Nexletol
The most common side effects of Nexletol are muscle pain, pain in the extremities, back pain, abdominal pain, rash, and increased uric acid levels. These side effects were generally mild and resolved on their own without discontinuation of the medication. Rare but serious side effects of Nexletol include liver problems and tendon rupture.
Nexletol and other cholesterol-lowering medications
Nexletol is not intended to replace statins as a first-line treatment for high cholesterol. Instead, it is recommended for patients who are unable to tolerate statins or who need additional cholesterol-lowering therapy in addition to a statin. Nexletol can be used alone or in combination with ezetimibe, another cholesterol-lowering medication, in patients who need further reduction in LDL cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is a new cholesterol-lowering medication that inhibits an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. It has been shown to be effective at lowering LDL cholesterol levels in patients who are unable to tolerate statins or who need additional cholesterol-lowering therapy in addition to a statin. It is taken orally once a day and is generally safe and well-tolerated. However, it is important for patients to discuss the use of Nexletol with their healthcare provider to determine if it is appropriate for them.
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