Bempedoic Acid
BEMPEDOIC ACIDÂ
Overview:
Bempedoic acid is a medicine that helps lower âbadâ cholesterol in your blood. It works by slowing down your liverâs cholesterol production. People who struggle with statins or need a little extra help take it, and itâs gentler on the muscles than many other cholesterol medicines.
Classification: ATP-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor
Uses:
- Helps lower âbadâ LDL cholesterol in the blood.
- Treats primary high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia).
- Helps people with genetic high cholesterol (heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia).
- Can be added to other cholesterol medicines if more lowering is needed.
- A good option for those who canât tolerate statins.
How it works:Â
Bempedoic acid works by slowing down your liverâs cholesterol production. It blocks an enzyme called ATP citrate lyase (ACL), which is part of the pathway your liver uses to make cholesterol. With less cholesterol being made, your body removes more LDL (âbadâ) cholesterol from the blood, helping to keep your arteries healthier.
Dosage:As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
- Muscle aches or pains (usually mild)
- Increased uric acid (may trigger gout in some people)
- Digestive discomfort like stomach upset, constipation, or nausea
- Elevated liver enzymes (usually detected in blood tests)
Precautions:
Before taking Bempedoic acid, itâs important to make sure your liver is healthy and to keep an eye on it during treatment. If youâve had gout before, watch for flare-ups because it can raise uric acid levels. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should talk to their doctor first. Make sure to tell your doctor about all the medicines youâre taking, since some could interact. Finally, even though muscle problems are less common than with statins, report any unusual aches or weakness right away.
Disclaimer:This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.
Ezetimibe
EZETIMIBE
Overview:
Ezetimibe is a medicine that helps lower bad cholesterol by blocking the cholesterol your body absorbs from food.Itâs usually added when healthy eating and activity alone donât do the trick, and it can work even better when paired with other cholesterol medicines.
Classification:Cholesterol absorption inhibitor
Uses:
Ezetimibe is used to lower high levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.This medicine supports heart health by cutting down the risk of heart disease and stroke, especially when diet, exercise, or other medications havenât done enough.Sometimes itâs used on its own, but itâs also commonly added to statins to work even better.
How it works:
Ezetimibe helps lower your cholesterol by blocking some of it from being absorbed from the food you eat. Instead of letting that extra cholesterol get into your bloodstream, it gently stops it at the source â your gut. As a result, less harmful cholesterol builds up in your bloodstream, which lowers the strain on your heart over time.It works quietly in the background and is often used when healthy eating and exercise need a little extra help.
Dosage: As prescribed by your doctor.
Side Effects:
Stomach pain or discomfort
Diarrhea
Tiredness or feeling weak
Muscle pain or joint aches
Headache
Precautions:
Before you begin taking Ezetimibe, make sure to tell your doctor if youâve had liver problems or are already on other cholesterol medications, especially statins.Sometimes, combining them can raise the risk of side effects like muscle pain.If youâre pregnant, nursing, or thinking about it, a quick talk with your doctor can help make sure this medicine is safe for you.. Your doctor might also want to check your blood from time to time just to make sure everythingâs working smoothly.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for medical advice and proper dosage.