Nexlizet: Dose, potential adverse effects, applications, drug interactions, price, and additional details
Nexlizet, a brand-name oral tablet, is a combination drug that has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol, and to reduce the risk of heart attack and coronary revascularization in adults with cardiovascular disease or an increased risk of developing CVD. The medication combines bempedoic acid and ezetimibe, two active ingredients that work together to lower cholesterol levels.
However, as of the 2025 formularies and drug lists, there are no generic alternatives listed explicitly for Nexlizet as a combined product. This is because it is a combination drug with proprietary components.
Individually, ezetimibe is widely available as a generic cholesterol-lowering medication, while bempedoic acid may not yet have a generic form. A brand-only option, Nexletol, contains bempedoic acid alone.
For patients needing similar cholesterol management, prescribers might consider the following options:
| Medication | Form | Generic Availability | Notes | |------------------------|------------|----------------------------|------------------------------| | Nexlizet | Combo drug | No generic combo available | Brand only currently | | Ezetimibe | Single agent | Generic available | Common generic cholesterol drug | | Bempedoic acid (Nexletol) | Single agent | Brand (Nexletol) only | No generic bempedoic acid yet |
Nexlizet works by decreasing the amount of cholesterol made in the liver and preventing the small intestine from absorbing cholesterol. It is typically taken with statin drugs to help reduce LDL cholesterol, but it may interact with specific statins like simvastatin (Zocor) and pravastatin (Pravachol).
It is recommended to take Nexlizet around the same time of day each day to maintain a steady level of the drug in the body. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, but if it's almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to the regular dosing schedule.
Serious side effects of Nexlizet can include high uric acid in the blood, which can develop into gout; tendon rupture; and allergic reactions. Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of gout and liver damage while taking Nexlizet.
It's important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take, as well as any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use, to avoid potential interactions.
The cost of Nexlizet can vary based on insurance plan, location, and pharmacy used. Drug coupons and financial and insurance assistance are available for those who need help paying for the medication. Esperion Therapeutics, Inc., the manufacturer of Nexlizet, offers a Co-Pay Card that may help lower the amount paid for the drug.
While Nexlizet is not approved for use in children, it may also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack and coronary revascularization (a type of heart procedure) in certain adults.
In conclusion, Nexlizet is a unique medication that offers benefits for adults with high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart disease. However, it's important to consider potential side effects, interactions, and costs when deciding whether to use this medication. As always, consult with your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
[1] Formulary: [2] Drug List: [4] Drug Topics:
- Despite the availability of generic alternatives for the individual components, Nexlizet, a combination drug, does not have a generic combo available as of the 2025 formulary and drug lists.
- The medication otherheartdisease, Nexlizet, is prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attack and coronary revascularization in adults with cardiovascular disease or an increased risk of developing CVD.
- Environmental-science and space-and-astronomy are not directly related to Nexlizet, a medication primarily used for health-and-wellness purposes, specifically managing medical-conditions like hypertension and other heart diseases.
- Deciders, such as healthcare providers and pharmacists, should consider the availability of generic alternatives, like ezetimibe, and the absence of a generic combo for Nexlizet when prescribing medications to manage their patients' health-and-wellness.
