Why is this medication prescribed?

Bempedoic acid is prescribed as a medication to lower LDL cholesterol levels in adults with high cholesterol, especially those who have not achieved their target levels with diet and other cholesterol-lowering medications like statins. It’s often used in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes. Bempedoic acid works by inhibiting an enzyme in the liver involved in cholesterol synthesis, thus reducing the production of LDL cholesterol.

How should this medicine be used?

Bempedoic acid is usually taken orally in the form of a tablet. The typical dosage is 180 mg once daily. It can be taken with or without food, as directed by your healthcare provider. It’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist carefully.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

It’s important to remember that bempedoic acid is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for managing cholesterol levels. This plan may also include dietary changes, exercise, and other cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Be sure to continue these lifestyle modifications alongside taking bempedoic acid to achieve the best results in managing your cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events.

Other uses for this medicine

Bempedoic acid is primarily used for lowering LDL cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of cardiovascular events in individuals with high cholesterol. However, there may be ongoing research into other potential uses for this medication.

What special precautions should I follow?

As for special precautions when taking bempedoic acid:

• Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions: Before starting bempedoic acid, inform your doctor about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have liver problems or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Medication interactions: Inform your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking, as bempedoic acid may interact with certain medications. This includes over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements.
• Liver function monitoring: Your doctor may order periodic blood tests to monitor your liver function while you are taking bempedoic acid, as it may cause liver problems in some people.
• Adherence to dosage: Stick to the prescribed dosage and frequency of bempedoic acid as instructed by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dosage unless advised by your doctor.
• Allergic reactions: If you have had an allergic reaction to bempedoic acid or any of its ingredients, inform your healthcare provider immediately.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before taking bempedoic acid, as its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.
• Side effects: Be aware of potential side effects of bempedoic acid, such as muscle pain, increased blood sugar levels, and allergic reactions. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medication, contact your doctor promptly.

Following these precautions and staying in close communication with your healthcare provider can help ensure the safe and effective use of bempedoic acid.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special dietary instructions for bempedoic acid:

• Healthy diet: Maintain a healthy diet low in saturated fats and cholesterol while taking bempedoic acid. Follow any dietary recommendations provided by your healthcare provider.
• Avoid excessive alcohol consumption: Limit alcohol intake, as excessive alcohol consumption can affect cholesterol levels and overall health.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of bempedoic acid, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. If you have any concerns or questions about missed doses, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Bempedoic acid, like any medication, can cause side effects in some individuals. Common side effects of bempedoic acid may include:

• Muscle Pain or Weakness: Some people may experience muscle-related symptoms such as pain, weakness, or tenderness. This is more likely to occur in individuals with a history of muscle disorders or those taking other medications known to cause muscle problems.
• Increased Blood Sugar Levels: Bempedoic acid may lead to elevated blood sugar levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.
• Tendon Rupture: There have been reports of tendon rupture associated with bempedoic acid use, although this side effect is relatively rare.
• Gout: Bempedoic acid may increase the risk of gout or exacerbate existing gout symptoms in some individuals.
• Nausea: Nausea is a relatively common side effect of bempedoic acid treatment.
• Headache: Some people may experience headaches while taking bempedoic acid.
• Back Pain: Back pain is another potential side effect reported by some individuals using bempedoic acid.
• Respiratory Tract Infections: There may be an increased risk of respiratory tract infections in individuals taking bempedoic acid.
• Allergic Reactions: In rare cases, bempedoic acid can cause allergic reactions, including rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any signs of an allergic reaction.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may experience side effects not listed here. If you experience any persistent or severe side effects while taking bempedoic acid, contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. They can help determine if the medication needs to be adjusted or if alternative treatments should be considered.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Bempedoic Acid:

• Storage: Store bempedoic acid at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep it in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired bempedoic acid according to local regulations or guidelines. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. Contact your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal instructions.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek medical attention: If you suspect an overdose of bempedoic acid or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, fainting, or severe dizziness, seek immediate medical help or contact a poison control center right away.
• Symptom management: If someone has overdosed and is conscious, call the poison control center or emergency medical services for guidance on managing symptoms until medical help arrives.

What other information should I know?

• Effectiveness: Bempedoic acid is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes a healthy diet, regular exercise, and other cholesterol-lowering medications as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Follow-up appointments: Attend all follow-up appointments with your doctor to monitor your cholesterol levels and assess the effectiveness and safety of bempedoic acid therapy.
• Lifestyle modifications: Continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, while taking bempedoic acid. These lifestyle modifications are essential for managing cholesterol levels effectively.
• Regular monitoring: Your doctor may order periodic blood tests to monitor your cholesterol levels, liver function, and overall health while you’re taking bempedoic acid. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for monitoring and follow-up care.
• Adverse reactions: Be aware of potential side effects of bempedoic acid, such as muscle pain, increased blood sugar levels, and liver problems. If you experience any unusual symptoms while taking this medication, contact your doctor promptly.

By following these guidelines and staying informed about bempedoic acid, you can ensure its safe and effective use as part of your treatment plan for managing cholesterol levels.