When we are told that our blood cholesterol levels are high, we get a little scared, don't we? Doctors tell us to make lifestyle changes to reduce our risk of heart disease, and if necessary, they also prescribe medications. Perhaps you have also been prescribed a new medication to control your cholesterol. Today we are talking about one such pill, which is made by combining two ingredients called Bempedoic acid and Ezetimibe, and comes under the brand name NEXLIZET.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, this is a medication that helps lower the levels of 'bad' cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in your blood. It has two main ingredients: Bempedoic acid and Ezetimibe . Together, these two work together to lower cholesterol in two ways.
This medication is often not given alone. Your doctor will prescribe it in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications you are already taking (such as statins). This means that it helps to enhance the effects of the other medications.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is very important. For your safety, be sure to clearly explain these facts to your doctor before starting this medication.
- Gout: If you have or have had gout, this medicine may slightly increase the level of uric acid in the blood.
- Kidney problems: If you have any kidney problems.
- Liver disease: If you have liver disease.
- Tendon problems: If you have previously had problems with the tendons that connect muscles to bones, such as pain or swelling.
- Allergies: If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or preservatives, not just to Bempedoic acid or Ezetimibe, which are contained in this medicine.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is especially important if you are pregnant, or planning to have a baby soon. Also, if you are a breastfeeding mother, you should definitely talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
How should I use this medicine?
This is very simple. Just follow what the doctor says.
- This is a medicine that should be taken with a glass of water.
- The most important thing is, do not break, crush, or chew the pill. Swallow the pill whole.
- You can take this with or without food. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed time and at the prescribed intervals. Don't go for frequent doses.
- What if you overdose?: If you think you have overdosed, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
- For children: This medicine may require special care when used in children. So if you are giving this medicine to your child, talk to your pediatrician about it.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give it to a friend who has the same symptoms as you. What works for one person may not work for another.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
We all forget to take our medicine from time to time. If that happens, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (for example, it is only a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
This is also very important. If you are taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Some medicines may interact with this medicine.
| Do not take this medicine with any other medicine. | |
|---|---|
| Fenofibrate | Gemfibrozil |
| Tell your doctor if you are taking these medications. | |
| Pravastatin | Simvastatin |
| Cyclosporine | Antacids |
| Any other medication taken to lower cholesterol or triglycerides | |
This list is not complete, so it's best to inform your doctor about everything you're taking.
Things to be aware of and side effects when taking medication
See your doctor at the scheduled time to check your condition. You may also need to have blood tests to check your cholesterol levels.
Remember, this medicine is not a magic bullet. It is just one part of a complete program to protect your heart health. A diet low in cholesterol and fat, a good exercise schedule, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are also essential.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. Be aware of the following symptoms.
| Side effect | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Symptoms that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions: skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. | Seek medical advice immediately. |
| Gout symptoms: Redness, swelling, warmth, and severe pain in the joints, especially the big toe joint. | Tell the doctor immediately. |
| Tendon-related issues: Pain, swelling, or inability to move a joint properly in the tendons. | Tell the doctor immediately. |
| Symptoms that are usually not dangerous, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Back pain | If these persist or are bothersome, talk to your doctor. |
| Cold-like symptoms | |
| Headache, muscle spasms | |
| Stomach upset or pain | |
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep out of reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius), away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle it came in. Do not remove the small packet (moisture-absorbing packet) inside. This helps keep the medicine from getting wet.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- This medicine helps lower the cholesterol levels in your blood. It is usually given in combination with other cholesterol medicines that you are already taking.
- Before starting the medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have, especially gout, liver, or kidney problems.
- If you are pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding, it is essential to talk to your doctor about this.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- If you experience symptoms such as tendon pain, swelling, or redness and swelling of the joints, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine alone is not enough. A good diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking and alcohol are also very important for the health of your heart.
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