Nexletol⁚ An In-depth Look at This Cholesterol-Lowering Medication
Introduction
Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is a prescription medication used to lower ″bad″ cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in adults. It works alongside a healthy diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for those with⁚
- Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)⁚ An inherited condition causing high LDL-C levels.
- Established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)⁚ Conditions like heart disease or stroke related to plaque build-up in arteries.
This article provides comprehensive information about Nexletol‚ including its uses‚ side effects‚ and potential interactions.
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How Does Nexletol Work?
Nexletol belongs to a class of drugs called ACL inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the ATP citrate lyase enzyme in the liver‚ which plays a role in cholesterol production. By blocking this enzyme‚ Nexletol helps decrease the amount of cholesterol made by the liver‚ ultimately lowering LDL-C levels in the blood.
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Important Information About Nexletol
* Not a first-line treatment⁚ Nexletol is typically prescribed alongside diet and statin therapy‚ not as a replacement.
* Not for everyone⁚ Individuals with severe liver problems or a history of serious allergic reactions to Nexletol should not take this medication.
* Pregnancy and breastfeeding⁚ Nexletol is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to potential risks for the baby.
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Potential Side Effects of Nexletol
Like all medications‚ Nexletol may cause side effects. These can range from mild to serious‚ and it’s important to be aware of them before starting treatment.
* Common side effects⁚
* Upper respiratory tract infections
* Muscle spasms
* Back pain
* Abdominal pain
* Pain in extremities
* Bronchitis
* High blood uric acid levels
* Serious side effects (rare)⁚
* Tendon rupture
* Liver problems
* Allergic reactions
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Drug Interactions
Nexletol may interact with certain medications‚ potentially increasing the risk of side effects or reducing the effectiveness of either drug. It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting Nexletol.
Some drugs that may interact with Nexletol include⁚
* Other cholesterol-lowering medications (e.g.‚ statins)⁚ Taking these together may increase the risk of muscle problems.
* Immunosuppressants (e.g.‚ cyclosporine)⁚ Nexletol may increase the levels of these drugs in the blood.
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Precautions and Monitoring
* Regular blood tests⁚ Your doctor will likely monitor your liver function and uric acid levels through blood tests while you are taking Nexletol.
* Report side effects⁚ Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning side effects‚ particularly muscle pain‚ tenderness‚ or weakness‚ as these may be signs of a serious condition.
* Lifestyle modifications⁚ Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine is crucial for managing cholesterol levels‚ even while taking medication.
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Conclusion
Nexletol can be a valuable tool for managing high cholesterol levels‚ especially when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle and other cholesterol-lowering therapies. As with any medication‚ it is important to be aware of the potential side effects and drug interactions. Open communication with your doctor is essential to ensure safe and effective treatment.