Nowadays, a problem that many people, regardless of age, have is the increase in cholesterol levels in the body. Perhaps your doctor has said that your cholesterol level is a little high in your last blood test report. So today we are talking about a relatively new type of medication that is given as a treatment for this. That is a type of pill called Bempedoic Acid. You may be able to get this medication under the brand name NEXLETOL.
Simply put, what is Bempedoic Acid?
This is a medicine that is given to control high cholesterol levels. It also helps reduce the risk of heart disease that can occur due to high cholesterol.
Think of our body as a factory. This factory (in our body) produces cholesterol. What Bempedoic Acid does is to control the process of producing cholesterol a little bit and reduce the amount of unwanted cholesterol produced in the body.
But one thing must be kept in mind. This medicine alone will not work. Along with this, it is essential to adopt a healthy diet and exercise . The best results can be achieved only when all three are combined.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
It is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history before prescribing this medication. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
| Health condition or opportunity | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| If you have or have had gout . | This medicine can increase uric acid levels in the body, which can lead to an increase in gout. |
| If you have kidney diseases . | The dosage of the medication may need to be adjusted depending on kidney function. |
| If you have liver disease . | The liver is the body's metabolizer, so it's important to be aware of any liver problems. |
| If you have tendon-related problems or pain. | Since this medication can sometimes cause tendon problems, it is important to notify us in advance if there is a problem. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. | This medicine is not suitable for use during pregnancy. Therefore, talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you are a mother who is breastfeeding. | Since there is still no complete information about whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk, discuss this with your doctor. |
| If you have allergies to other medicines, foods, or substances . | This is important to know if you are allergic to Bempedoic Acid or anything else it contains. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
- This medicine is a pill that you take by mouth. Try to take it at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. This will help keep the medicine working at the same level in your body.
- You can take this pill before or after food. However, some people may experience stomach upset if they take it without food. If this happens, take the pill with food .
- Continue taking this medication until your doctor tells you to stop. Even if you feel better and your cholesterol report is good, do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice .
Can this medicine be given to children?
This medicine is not usually used in children. Special medical advice is required.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have accidentally taken more than the prescribed dose, you should take immediate action . In such a case, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Most important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not give this medicine to anyone else who has the same symptoms as you. It may be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
We don't always remember things the same way. So it's possible to miss a dose. If that happens,
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
- However, if it is almost time for your next dose when you remember (for example, if your next dose is due in a few hours), skip the missed dose. Just take the next dose at the next scheduled time .
- Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose . Doing so may increase the amount of medication taken and cause side effects .
Other things that may interact with this medicine
If you are taking Bempedoic Acid, it may interact with some other medications. In particular, Pravastatin and Simvastatin , two other cholesterol-lowering medications, may interact with it.
So, when you go to see your doctor, give a complete list of everything you use:
- Other medications prescribed by doctors
- Medicines to buy from the pharmacy without a prescription
- Vitamins or other supplements
- Traditional or Ayurvedic medicines
- Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol, as these things can also affect the effectiveness of the medication.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
When using this medicine, it is important to pay attention to changes in your body.
- Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will tell you when you need to come back. Go on those days and check your condition. It is important to see if your cholesterol levels have decreased and if the medication is working.
- Muscle and tendon pain: Some people may experience pain, swelling, or stiffness in their muscles, joints, or tendons while taking this medicine. If you experience any severe pain, tell your doctor right away . Your doctor may tell you to stop taking the medicine. If the pain continues after you stop taking the medicine, tell your doctor.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Bempedoic Acid can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what these side effects are and what to do if they occur.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Side effect | Description |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat (may cause difficulty breathing). |
| High uric acid level | Severe pain, redness, swelling in the joints (especially the big toe), pain or difficulty urinating, back or leg pain. |
| Joint, muscle, or tendon pain | Sudden or severe pain, swelling, or stiffness. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Stomach pain | Slight stomach ache. |
| Muscle spasms | Sudden muscle twitching or pain. |
| Diarrhea | Laxative state. |
Don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about any new symptoms that aren't mentioned on this list, or that are bothering you.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep out of reach of children and pets .
- Store between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius (15-30 °C), which is normal room temperature. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle or packet it was received in.
- Do not remove the small packet (silica gel packet) inside the medicine bottle. It prevents the medicine from absorbing moisture.
- Never use expired medicine .
How do I dispose of leftover or expired medicine?
It's not a good idea to just throw medicine in the trash or down the toilet. It can be harmful to the environment.
- Ask your doctor about the correct way to remove the medication.
- Sometimes, you can take the medicine out of the container, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, put it in a sealable bag or container, and throw it in the trash. But before doing so, check with your doctor to make sure it's safe.
Take-Home Message
- Bempedoic Acid is a medication used to control cholesterol. Always take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time .
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially gout, liver, or kidney problems) and all other medications you are taking.
- If you experience severe muscle pain, joint pain, or allergic symptoms (rash, swelling) while taking the medicine, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medication is only one part of the treatment. A good diet and regular exercise are also essential.
- This medicine has been prescribed specifically for you. Never share it with others .
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