What is Nexlizet?
Nexlizet is a prescription medicine used with diet and exercise to help lower LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” in adults with high cholesterol, including people with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). It combines two cholesterol-lowering ingredients in one tablet: bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. FDA labeling also states that the bempedoic acid component is used to reduce the risk of certain major cardiovascular events in adults at increased risk who are unable to take recommended statin therapy, including people who are not taking a statin. This is general information only, not medical advice. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
How Nexlizet works
Nexlizet brings together two different approaches to lowering cholesterol. Bempedoic acid works by blocking an enzyme involved in cholesterol production in the body, while ezetimibe reduces the absorption of cholesterol from the diet and intestines. Using both together can lower LDL cholesterol more than either ingredient alone in some people. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
Who Nexlizet may be for
According to FDA-approved labeling, Nexlizet is intended for adults with hypercholesterolemia, including people with HeFH, who need additional LDL-C lowering along with diet and exercise. The labeling also includes cardiovascular risk reduction language tied to the bempedoic acid component for adults at increased risk who are unable to take recommended statin therapy. A clinician can help determine whether that profile fits a person’s cholesterol history, heart-risk history, and current medicines. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
Potential benefits
- It combines two medicines into one tablet, which may be simpler than taking separate products. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
- It is taken orally and can be taken with or without food. ([accessdata.fda.gov](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211617s019lbl.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- It is designed for people who need extra LDL lowering beyond diet and exercise. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
- Its bempedoic acid component has an FDA-labeled cardiovascular risk-reduction indication for certain adults who cannot take recommended statins. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
Possible downsides and safety issues
Like any prescription drug, Nexlizet can cause side effects and may not be the right choice for everyone. Official labeling warns about drug interactions, including with bile acid sequestrants, which should be separated in time from Nexlizet. The label also notes caution with fenofibrate because of gallstone-related concerns if cholelithiasis is suspected. Patients should review all prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and supplements with a pharmacist or clinician. ([accessdata.fda.gov](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211617s019lbl.pdf?utm_source=openai))
People should also know that cholesterol treatment often requires follow-up testing. The FDA prescribing information says lipid levels should be checked after starting therapy, and MedlinePlus reminds patients to keep appointments and lab visits so a clinician can monitor response and safety. ([accessdata.fda.gov](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211617s019lbl.pdf?utm_source=openai))
Practical steps for someone who has been prescribed Nexlizet
- Take it exactly as the prescription label says.
- Keep taking the lifestyle steps your clinician recommended, such as diet and exercise.
- Tell your pharmacist about all medicines and supplements you use, especially bile acid sequestrants or fenofibrate. ([accessdata.fda.gov](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211617s019lbl.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- Go to follow-up lab visits so cholesterol response can be checked. ([accessdata.fda.gov](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211617s019lbl.pdf?utm_source=openai))
- If you have questions about whether a side effect is expected, ask a pharmacist or clinician before making changes. ([medlineplus.gov](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620020.html?utm_source=openai))
Alternatives and comparisons
Nexlizet is one option among several cholesterol-lowering medicines. FDA’s cholesterol medicine guide lists ezetimibe and bempedoic acid separately and also includes statins, which remain common first-line medicines for many people. Which option fits best depends on the reason for treatment, prior statin tolerance, LDL goals, and other health conditions. A clinician can compare the tradeoffs between statins, ezetimibe alone, bempedoic acid alone, and combination therapy. ([fda.gov](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/cholesterol-medicines-guide?utm_source=openai))
When to seek urgent help
Urgent symptoms should never wait for an office visit. If someone has chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of stroke, or a severe allergic reaction, seek emergency care right away. For personal medical questions, a clinician or pharmacist is the right source. ([medlineplus.gov](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620020.html?utm_source=openai))
Decision checklist
- Was Nexlizet prescribed for my specific cholesterol or cardiovascular-risk situation?
- Do I understand whether it is meant to be used with diet, exercise, and possibly other medicines?
- Have I told my clinician about every medicine and supplement I take?
- Do I know when my next lipid test or follow-up visit is?
- Do I know which side effects or symptoms mean I should call a clinician or seek urgent care?
Nexlizet is not a general “cholesterol pill for everyone.” It is a prescription combination medicine with a specific role, and the safest next step for a patient is usually a direct conversation with a pharmacist, prescriber, or other clinician who knows the full health picture. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Is Nexlizet a statin?
No. FDA labeling describes Nexlizet as a combination of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe, not a statin. It may be used in people who cannot take recommended statin therapy or who need additional LDL lowering, depending on the clinical situation. ([dailymed.nlm.nih.gov](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?audience=consumer&setid=3fa2108c-0300-47b8-9d34-f762af7c93c6&utm_source=openai))
Can Nexlizet be taken with food?
FDA prescribing information says it can be taken with or without food. ([accessdata.fda.gov](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211617s019lbl.pdf?utm_source=openai))
What should I ask my pharmacist about Nexlizet?
Ask about drug interactions, when to take it if you also use bile acid sequestrants, what side effects to watch for, and when your lipid labs should be checked. ([accessdata.fda.gov](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/211617s019lbl.pdf?utm_source=openai))
What if I feel unwell after taking it?
For severe symptoms such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or signs of an allergic reaction, seek urgent medical care. For nonurgent symptoms, contact a clinician or pharmacist for personalized guidance. ([medlineplus.gov](https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a620020.html?utm_source=openai))
Sources and Further Reading
Editorial note: This article was prepared using live web research and public sources. Policies, prices, availability, health information, and platform interfaces may change. Verify important details with the relevant official source.
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