A health problem that many people in our country are facing today is high blood cholesterol levels. Perhaps your doctor has told you that your cholesterol level is slightly elevated in your lipid profile report. So, doctors prescribe various medications to control this cholesterol. Today we are going to talk about Bempedoic acid, a relatively new drug used to lower such cholesterol.
Simply put, what is Bempedoic acid?
Bempedoic acid is a pill that helps lower the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in your blood. Usually, your doctor will recommend this drug in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications you are already taking (such as statins), rather than giving it alone. Imagine, if your current medication alone is not enough to control your cholesterol levels, Bempedoic acid can be an additional help.
This medicine is available in Sri Lanka under the brand name NEXLETOL. However, you should definitely not use these without a doctor's recommendation.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before prescribing Bempedoic acid to you, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
- Gout: Tell your doctor if you or someone in your family has gout, as this medicine may slightly increase the level of uric acid in the blood.
- Kidney problems: If you have any kidney disease.
- Liver problems: If you have any liver weakness or disease.
- Tendon-related problems: If you have had a previous tendon rupture.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy or trying to conceive: This medicine is not recommended if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon.
- Breastfeeding: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor.
Providing this information accurately is very important for your safety.
How should I use this medicine?
It's very simple. Take the exact dose as your doctor tells you.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- You can take it before or after meals. If you feel an upset stomach, it is better to take it with food.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at about the same time every day. That way, you won't forget to take it.
- Never take more than the doctor tells you to.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you suddenly miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once for any reason.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the recommended dose, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . If necessary, you can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Do not give this medicine to a friend who has the same symptoms as you.
What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?
Like any medicine, Bempedoic acid can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. It's important to be aware of this. Let's break this down into two parts.
| Nature of the side effect | Features you should be aware of |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. |
| Tendon problems | Pain, swelling, or inability to move the joint, especially in the back of the heel (Achilles tendon) or another joint. |
| Symptoms of Gout | Redness, swelling, extreme pain, and warmth in joints, especially the big toe joint. |
| Things that are usually nothing to worry about, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Muscle pain | Muscle spasms or back pain. |
| Abdominal pain | Some discomfort or pain in the stomach. |
| Cold-like symptoms | Symptoms such as sore throat and runny nose. |
Other things to be careful about while taking the medicine
Interactions with other drugs
This medicine may interact with some other medicines, especially the cholesterol-lowering medicines Simvastatin and Pravastatin . Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (prescription medicines, vitamins, herbal products, and herbal remedies). Also tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Lifestyle changes
This is very important. Controlling cholesterol is not just about taking medication.
Medication is only part of the battle. Changing your lifestyle is essential for a healthy heart.
Talk to your doctor and a nutritionist about a low-cholesterol and low-fat diet. It's also important to avoid smoking and alcohol, and to follow an exercise schedule that's right for you. Don't forget to see your doctor on time and get any necessary blood work done.
Take-Home Message
- Bempedoic acid is a drug that helps reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in the blood.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your health conditions, such as gout, kidney disease, and liver disease.
- Take the exact dose, at the exact time, as prescribed by your doctor. Never take more than the recommended dose.
- If you experience severe side effects such as allergic reactions, joint pain, or tendon pain, seek medical advice immediately.
- Medication alone is not enough to control cholesterol. A healthy diet, exercise, and avoidance of smoking/alcohol are also essential.
- This medicine has been prescribed for you only by your doctor. Do not share it with others.
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