Bempedoic Acid: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Bempedoic acid is a cholesterol-lowering medicine called an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor, used to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with high cholesterol alongside diet and exercise. It requires a prescription in the United Kingdom and can be used with other cholesterol-lowering medicines, or alone when those treatments are not possible.

Bempedoic acid belongs to a class called ACL inhibitors. ACL is an enzyme involved in the process the liver uses to make cholesterol. Blocking this enzyme reduces cholesterol production and helps the liver remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.

LDL cholesterol can contribute to fatty deposits in artery walls. Lowering it is the main cholesterol-related effect of this medicine. Its action on cholesterol production also explains why pregnancy and breastfeeding need careful consideration.

Bempedoic acid is used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, often called LDL cholesterol, in adults with hypercholesterolaemia. This includes heterozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia, an inherited condition associated with high cholesterol. Treatment is used alongside diet and exercise, either with other LDL cholesterol-lowering medicines or alone when other cholesterol-lowering treatment is not possible.

It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults at increased risk who cannot use recommended statin therapy, including those not using a statin. These events include cardiovascular death, heart attack, stroke and procedures to restore blood flow through the heart's arteries.

The label lists 180 mg oral tablets, described as white to off-white and oval. The label lists a recommended dosage of 180 mg orally once daily, with or without food. Lipid levels are assessed within 8 to 12 weeks after treatment begins.

The label states that no dosage adjustment is necessary for mild or moderate liver impairment; severe liver impairment has not been studied. Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Store in the original package at 20°C to 25°C. The label permits temperature excursions to 15°C to 30°C. Keep the medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

A missed dose can interrupt the regular treatment schedule used for cholesterol-lowering medicines. Check the patient leaflet or ask a pharmacist for advice about when to resume treatment, particularly if the next dose is due soon. Do not double a dose to make up for a missed dose.

Bempedoic acid may cause fetal harm because it reduces cholesterol synthesis. Human pregnancy data are insufficient to assess the risks of birth defects, miscarriage or other pregnancy outcomes. The label advises discontinuation when pregnancy is recognised unless treatment benefits outweigh potential fetal risks.

Bempedoic acid has been detected in breast milk and may harm a breastfed infant. Effects on breastfed infants and milk production are unknown. Breastfeeding benefits, the mother's treatment needs and potential infant risks should be considered with a doctor.