Generic Bempedoic Acid

Introduction

Bempedoic acid is a medication prescribed to adults to manage high cholesterol levels. It works by lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, and total cholesterol. It is available as an oral pill containing the active compound bempedoic acid. Bempedoic acid is typically used when statins, a common class of cholesterol-lowering drugs, are not sufficiently effective or cannot be tolerated.

Quick Reference Facts

Active Ingredient

Bempedoic acid

Form

Pill (180mg)

Primary and Off-Label Uses

High cholesterol (hypercholesterolaemia)

What is Bempedoic acid?

Bempedoic acid is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitors. Bempedoic acid is the active compound in this medication. It is primarily prescribed to manage elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults. These elevations can increase the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Bempedoic acid is typically used as an adjunct therapy, meaning it is added to other treatments like statins, or when statins are not a suitable option due to intolerance or insufficient efficacy. Bempedoic acid is the generic version of medications containing the active compound bempedoic acid, and is marketed under brand names such as Nexletol.

How Bempedoic Acid Works

Bempedoic acid functions as an inhibitor of the enzyme ATP citrate lyase (ACL). This enzyme plays a crucial role in the liver's production of cholesterol. By inhibiting ACL, bempedoic acid effectively reduces the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. This leads to a decrease in the amount of cholesterol available to be processed and packaged into LDL particles. Consequently, when bempedoic acid is taken, the liver takes up more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, thereby lowering circulating LDL cholesterol levels. This mechanism is distinct from statins, which work at a different step in the cholesterol synthesis pathway, making bempedoic acid a valuable option for patients who cannot achieve their cholesterol goals with statins alone or who experience statin-related side effects.

Conditions Treated with Bempedoic Acid

• Primary Hypercholesterolaemia (High Cholesterol): Bempedoic acid is approved for adults with high cholesterol, specifically elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. It is used in conjunction with diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy, or as a monotherapy for patients who are statin-intolerant. Its efficacy in reducing LDL cholesterol contributes to mitigating the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.

Is Bempedoic Acid the Right Medication for You?

Your healthcare provider may consider bempedoic acid if you have been diagnosed with primary hypercholesterolaemia and have not achieved adequate LDL cholesterol reduction with diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy. It can also be an alternative for individuals who experience muscle-related side effects or other intolerances when taking statins. Your doctor will assess your overall cardiovascular risk profile, your cholesterol levels, and your medical history to determine if bempedoic acid is an appropriate addition to your treatment plan. Contraindications include known hypersensitivity to bempedoic acid or any of its excipients. Patients with active liver issues or those taking certain other medications might also be cautioned.

Buying Bempedoic Acid from Our Online Pharmacy

For individuals seeking access to effective cholesterol management, our online pharmacy offers Bempedoic acid, a key medication for lowering LDL cholesterol. We understand that obtaining necessary medications can sometimes be challenging, and our aim is to provide a convenient, reliable, and accessible solution.

Why Choose Our Service?

Our service bridges the gap for patients needing access to essential medications like Bempedoic acid. We are committed to making healthcare solutions more attainable by offering a straightforward way to acquire this prescription medicine. Our platform is designed with your needs in mind, focusing on ease of use and clear communication throughout the process, ensuring that obtaining your medication is as seamless as possible.

Quality & Safety Assurance

We partner with licensed international pharmacies to ensure quality and authenticity. Our service works exclusively with licensed overseas suppliers who meet stringent quality standards, guaranteeing that the Bempedoic acid you receive is of high quality and has been handled according to strict pharmaceutical regulations. This commitment to safety ensures that you can trust the medication you obtain through our platform.

Pricing & Access

Bempedoic acid can often be a significant investment in managing your health. Through our pharmacy service, we strive to provide this medication at competitive prices, aiming for cost-effectiveness that can make long-term treatment more manageable. For those looking for generic alternatives, Bempedoic acid offers a valuable option, potentially providing substantial savings compared to more established brands, while delivering the same therapeutic benefits.

Discreet Delivery

We recognize the importance of privacy when it comes to personal health matters. All orders placed through our online pharmacy are handled with the utmost discretion, from discreet packaging that conceals the contents to secure delivery methods. Your privacy is paramount, and we ensure that your medication arrives at your doorstep without revealing any details about the order. We offer reliable express delivery, typically within 7 days, or a standard airmail option within approximately 3 weeks, depending on your location.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Dosing

The standard recommended dose of Bempedoic acid is one 180mg pill taken orally once daily. It can be taken with or without food. It is important to take Bempedoic acid consistently as prescribed by your healthcare provider to maintain stable cholesterol levels.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Bempedoic acid, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are unsure about what to do, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Overdose

Information regarding specific overdose scenarios for Bempedoic acid is limited in publicly available sources. In the event of a suspected overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Contact your local poison control centre or emergency services. They will be able to provide guidance based on the amount of medication taken and your symptoms.

Practical Precautions

• Alcohol Consumption: Limit alcohol intake as it may affect liver function. Discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider while taking cholesterol-lowering medications.
• Operating Machinery: Bempedoic acid is not generally known to impair your ability to operate machinery or drive. However, if you experience any side effects that affect your concentration or physical abilities, avoid such activities.
• Administration: Take the pill with a glass of water. It does not need to be crushed or chewed.

Safety Information

⚠️ Who Should Not Take Bempedoic Acid

Bempedoic acid is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to bempedoic acid or to any of the excipients in the formulation. It should not be used in patients currently experiencing active liver disease or unexplained persistent elevations of serum transaminases. Individuals with a history of pancreatitis may also require caution.

Common Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects associated with Bempedoic acid include:

• Nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms): Runny nose, sore throat, and nasal congestion.
• Upper abdominal pain: Discomfort in the stomach area.
• Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
• Anemia: Reduced red blood cell count.
• Increased liver enzymes (ALT, AST): These are usually mild and reversible, but require monitoring.
• Increased blood creatine phosphokinase (CPK): May indicate muscle damage.
• Tendinitis and tendon rupture: This is a rare but serious side effect that can occur with bempedoic acid.

Most common side effects are mild and may resolve on their own. If they persist or become bothersome, consult your healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Help)

While rare, Bempedoic acid can cause serious side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• Signs of an allergic reaction: Rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
• Signs of liver problems: Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, severe or persistent stomach pain, nausea or vomiting.
• Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness: Especially if accompanied by fever or feeling unwell. This could indicate muscle damage (myopathy).
• Signs of tendon problems: Pain, swelling, or bruising near your joints, or a complete rupture of a tendon. This risk is higher in patients taking corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics.

Drug & Food Interactions

• Simvastatin and Pravastatin: Bempedoic acid can increase the blood levels of simvastatin and pravastatin. Co-administration with simvastatin (greater than 40 mg daily) and pravastatin (greater than 40 mg daily) is not recommended.
• Warfarin: Bempedoic acid may increase the anticoagulant effect of warfarin. Therefore, close monitoring of International Normalized Ratio (INR) is recommended when these drugs are used concurrently.
• Oral contraceptives: Bempedoic acid may reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives. It is advised to use an additional or different method of contraception.
• Dietary Considerations: While not as critical as with some other statins, it is generally advisable to discuss potential interactions regarding diet with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Bempedoic Acid

While Bempedoic acid is primarily approved for the management of primary hypercholesterolaemia, like many medications, it may be considered for other uses in specific clinical situations. These uses are often referred to as "off-label" and have not been formally evaluated or approved by regulatory authorities for those specific indications.

Clinical studies and some physician observations suggest that Bempedoic acid might be evaluated for its role in specific patient populations with mixed dyslipidemia or as part of combination therapies beyond its standard indications to further optimize lipid profiles. Investigational research continues to explore its potential cardiovascular benefits and its role in broader lipid management strategies.

It is critical for patients to understand that any off-label use of Bempedoic acid should only be undertaken under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can carefully weigh the potential benefits against unknown risks. The efficacy and safety for these uses have not been established through rigorous clinical trials approved by regulatory bodies.

Storage & Handling

• Storage Temperature: Store Bempedoic acid at room temperature, typically between 20°C and 25°C (68°F and 77°F).
• Protection: Keep the medication in its original container to protect it from moisture and light.
• Expiry: Do not use Bempedoic acid beyond the expiration date printed on the packaging.
• Disposal: Unused or expired medication should be disposed of safely. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal guidelines for information on how to properly discard medications. Do not flush medications down the toilet unless specifically instructed to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Using Bempedoic Acid

• Can I take Bempedoic acid with grapefruit juice? Specific guidance regarding grapefruit juice interaction with Bempedoic acid is limited in publicly available sources. However, for many cholesterol-lowering medications, grapefruit consumption can alter how the drug is processed by the body, potentially increasing side effects. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist about potential food interactions with your specific medication.

• Is it safe to take Bempedoic acid while traveling across time zones? When traveling across time zones, you can generally take your Bempedoic acid at your usual time or adjust it to coincide with your new local bedtime. The most important aspect is to maintain a consistent daily intake. If you are unsure about the timing adjustment, it is advisable to seek guidance from your healthcare provider.

• What should I do about taking Bempedoic acid if I have a fever? If you develop a fever while taking Bempedoic acid, it is important to monitor your symptoms. If the fever is accompanied by unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, you should seek immediate medical attention as this could indicate a serious muscle-related side effect. For minor fevers, continue your medication unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Product Information

• What do Bempedoic acid 180mg pills look like? Bempedoic acid 180mg pills are typically white to off-white film-coated tablets. The exact appearance, including any imprinted markings, may vary slightly depending on the manufacturer. Always refer to the packaging or product leaflet for specific details.

• Are there inactive ingredients in Bempedoic acid that I should be aware of? Yes, Bempedoic acid pills contain several inactive ingredients, which can include microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, povidone, and magnesium stearate. These are binders, fillers, and disintegrants necessary for tablet formation but do not contribute to the drug's therapeutic effect. If you have known allergies to specific excipients, always review the product leaflet or consult your pharmacist.

Safety & Regulations

• Will Bempedoic acid show up on a drug test? Bempedoic acid is not a controlled substance and is not typically screened for on standard drug tests. Its chemical structure and pharmacological action are unrelated to recreational drugs or commonly tested prescription medications. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause a false positive on routine drug screenings.

• Are there any specific warnings for the elderly when taking Bempedoic acid? Clinical studies generally show Bempedoic acid to be well-tolerated in older adult populations. However, as with any medication, older adults may be more sensitive to certain side effects or may have co-existing medical conditions that require careful consideration. Your healthcare provider will assess your individual health status before prescribing Bempedoic acid.

• Can I take Bempedoic acid with vitamin supplements? Bempedoic acid can usually be taken with most vitamin supplements without issue. However, it's always prudent to inform your healthcare provider about all supplements you are taking. Some supplements might theoretically affect liver enzymes or interact with other medications, so a broad overview of your intake ensures optimal safety.

Scientific & Clinical Curiosity

• What was the development history of Bempedoic acid? Bempedoic acid was developed by Esperion Therapeutics. It represents a novel class of lipid-lowering agents, designed to inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver through a mechanism distinct from statins. Its development was driven by the need for effective alternative or add-on therapies for patients with hypercholesterolaemia who could not tolerate statins or achieve treatment goals with them.

• How does Bempedoic acid compare to other cholesterol-lowering medications? Bempedoic acid is an ACL inhibitor, which works earlier in the cholesterol synthesis pathway than statins by reducing cholesterol production in the liver. This difference in mechanism means it is activated in the liver by acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1), and is not activated in skeletal muscle, which may contribute to fewer muscle-related side effects compared to statins. It is often used when statins are insufficient or poorly tolerated.

Glossary

ATP Citrate Lyase (ACL) Inhibitor

A type of medication that works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called ATP citrate lyase. This enzyme is involved in the liver's production of cholesterol.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol

Often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, high levels of LDL cholesterol in the blood can lead to a buildup of plaque in arteries, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Primary Hypercholesterolaemia

A medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood, not caused by other underlying diseases or external factors like diet, but rather genetics or other metabolic factors.

Statin Intolerance

A condition where patients experience adverse effects, most commonly muscle-related symptoms, when taking statin medications, preventing them from achieving therapeutic doses or continuing treatment.

Therapeutic Window

The dose range where a drug is effective without causing major side effects.

Disclaimer

The information provided regarding Bempedoic acid is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All treatment decisions, including those concerning the use of Bempedoic acid for approved or off-label indications, must be made in consultation with and under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We operate under the assumption that all individuals accessing this information are responsible adults capable of making informed choices about their personal health. Our online pharmacy service provides access to Bempedoic acid for individuals who may have difficulty obtaining it through traditional channels, face prescription limitations, or are seeking more affordable generic options. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, and before starting, altering, or stopping any medication.