Bempedoic Acid
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Molecule Summary
| Uses | Hypercholesterolaemia and mixed dyslipidaemia |
| Therapy | Hypolipidemic Drugs |
| Side Effects | Muscle pain, weakness, elevated uric acid, anaemia, gout, pain in extremity, liver enzyme changes |
Medicines
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19k pincodes
Molecule Description
Bempedoic Acid is a medicine used to help lower cholesterol and fats in the blood, especially bad LDL cholesterol. It is particularly helpful for people who cannot take statins or need extra treatment alongside a healthy diet and lifestyle. Lowering LDL cholesterol can also reduce the risk of heart disease over time.
The medicine works by blocking an enzyme in the liver called ATP citrate lyase (ACL), which plays a key role in making cholesterol. By reducing hepatic cholesterol production, Bempedoic Acid helps maintain blood cholesterol levels within a healthier range. This action supports overall heart health and complements diet and lifestyle changes.
Bempedoic Acid should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually with or after food, and at the same time every day for best results. Swallow the medicine whole with water and do not crush or chew it. Following a consistent low-cholesterol diet and maintaining healthy habits will improve the effectiveness of the medication.
Some individuals may experience side effects, such as muscle pain, weakness, elevated uric acid levels, or liver enzyme changes. Regular check-ups and blood tests are recommended to monitor cholesterol levels, liver function, and kidney function. Promptly report any unusual symptoms such as muscle tenderness, joint pain, or signs of gout to your physician.
It is important not to exceed the prescribed dose and not to stop taking Bempedoic Acid without consulting your physician, even if you feel well. Store the medicine in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and keep it out of reach of children. Following these instructions helps ensure the medicine works safely and effectively.
Uses
Bempedoic Acid is used to lower cholesterol and fats in the blood. It helps lower "bad" LDL cholesterol, especially for people who cannot take statins or need additional treatment. It also helps lower the risk of heart problems when combined with a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Contraindications
When should one not use Bempedoic Acid
- If you are allergic to bempedoic acid or any other ingredients in Bempedoic Acid.
- If you are pregnant.
- If you are breastfeeding.
- If you are taking more than 40 mg of simvastatin daily.
Side effects
Common side effects of this drug are:
- Anaemia
- Gout
- Pain in extremity
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Raised uric acid levels
- Changes in liver enzymes
Precautions and Warnings
Pregnancy
Breast Feeding
Driving
Alcohol
Other General Warnings
Talk to your doctor if
- You are taking statins, as Bempedoic Acid can increase the risk of muscle problems like myopathy or, in rare cases, severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). Report any unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness immediately.
- You have a history of gout or high uric acid, as Bempedoic Acid may raise uric acid levels and trigger gout attacks.
- You have liver problems, as Bempedoic Acid may increase liver enzymes. Regular liver function tests may be needed, and treatment may be stopped if elevations persist.
- You have severe kidney problems, as there is limited experience with Bempedoic Acid in patients with severe renal impairment or on dialysis.
- You have severe liver disease, as patients with severe hepatic impairment have not been studied, and periodic monitoring may be needed.
- You are a woman of childbearing potential, as effective contraception is recommended while using Bempedoic Acid. Notify your doctor if you plan to become pregnant or become pregnant during treatment.
Mode of Action
How Does It Work?
Bempedoic acid works by inhibiting the enzyme ATP citrate lyase (ACL) in the liver, which is involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. By inhibiting this enzyme, bempedoic acid reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis, particularly low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C or "bad cholesterol"). This helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease when used along with diet and other cholesterol-lowering treatments.
Interactions
Interactions with other medicines
- Bempedoic acid typically does not interact with most medications; however, its glucuronide form is a substrate for OAT3, which can affect certain drugs.
- Probenecid can slightly increase bempedoic acid levels, but the change is not clinically important and does not require dose adjustment.
- Taking bempedoic acid with statins such as simvastatin, atorvastatin, pravastatin, or rosuvastatin can increase statin levels, particularly simvastatin, which may increase the risk of muscle-related side effects.
- Bempedoic acid can weakly inhibit the liver transporters OATP1B1 and OATP1B3, which may increase plasma concentrations of drugs processed by these transporters, including certain statins and antiviral medications.
- Bempedoic acid may raise uric acid and creatinine levels by blocking OAT2 and weakly inhibiting OAT3, which can affect drugs that use these transporters.
- Bempedoic acid can slightly increase levels of ezetimibe and its glucuronide, but the change is not clinically significant and does not require dose adjustment.
- Bempedoic acid does not significantly affect metformin or hormonal contraceptives containing norethindrone/ethinyl estradiol.
Interactions with food items
- There are no known food interactions with Bempedoic Acid.
- It can be taken with or without food.
- Maintaining a consistent diet low in cholesterol and saturated fats will help the medicine work better.
- Avoid excessive alcohol, as it may affect liver health and overall cholesterol management.
- Continue following any dietary instructions provided by your physician while taking Bempedoic Acid.
Dosage
Overdose
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately or visit the nearest hospital.
Missed a Dose
If you miss any dose of Bempedoic Acid, take it as soon as you remember with food. However, if it is time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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