Why is this medicine prescribed?
Bempedoic acid is used to
- lower cholesterol (a fat-like substance that can build up and clog blood vessels causing heart attacks or strokes or other health problems)
- reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke
Bempedoic acid is in a class of medications called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors. It works by blocking the production of cholesterol in the liver.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Bempedoic acid comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Take once daily with or without food around the same time every day.
Take bempedoic acid exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Bempedoic acid controls high cholesterol but does not cure it. Do not stop taking bempedoic acid without talking to your doctor.
You will be given a Medication Guide. Read the information carefully and ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking bempedoic acid,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- some medications should not be taken with bempedoic acid. Other medications may cause dosing changes or extra monitoring when taken with bempedoic acid. Make sure you have discussed any medications you are currently taking or plan to take before starting bempedoic acid with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking bempedoic acid, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had gout, tendon (a fibrous tissue that connects a bone to a muscle) problems, gallbladder problems, or kidney or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bempedoic acid, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian. You can also visit the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) website for additional dietary information at:
https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/chol/chol_tlc.pdfWhat should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Bempedoic acid may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- muscle spasms
- back pain
- pain in hands or feet
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking bempedoic acid and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- rash; flushing; hives; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; dizziness or fainting; or fast or pounding heartbeat
- severe pain, redness, warmth, tenderness, or swelling of the joints, especially in the big toe area
- hearing or feeling a snap or pop in a tendon area; bruising after an injury to a tendon area; or inability to move to or bear weight on affected tendon area
- nausea, vomiting, or pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- excessive tiredness, pale skin, dizziness, or shortness of breath
Bempedoic acid may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
Keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant. Always lock safety caps. Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. https://www.upandaway.org Dispose of unneeded medications in a way so that pets, children, and other people cannot take them. Do not flush this medication down the toilet. Use a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist about take-back programs in your community. Visit the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website https://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for more information.What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to bempedoic acid.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.