Potential Adverse Reactions to Nexletol and Strategies for Mitigation
Nexletol, a medication used to lower cholesterol levels, has been shown to be effective in managing cardiovascular risk. However, like many drugs, it comes with potential side effects. Here's a breakdown of the known side effects, both common and less common, associated with Nexletol.
In clinical trials, symptoms of a mild allergic reaction were not reported. However, post-marketing surveillance has revealed that Nexletol can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms may include skin rash, itchiness, or flushing.
Anemia, or a low red blood cell count, can occur with Nexletol treatment, although this side effect wasn't as common as some other side effects in clinical trials. In most cases, this condition did not cause symptoms or require treatment.
Less common side effects that were not prominently reported in clinical trials but have been noted post-marketing or in real-world use include muscle spasms, back pain, and abdominal pain or discomfort. These side effects were reported at a low incidence during trials, but a slightly higher occurrence has been noted in practice.
Clinical trial data for bempedoic acid mainly documented more common adverse reactions such as hyperuricaemia (high uric acid levels), pain in extremities, anemia, and gout. Muscle spasms, diarrhea, extremity pain, and nausea led to a few treatment discontinuations, but without a significant difference versus placebo in trials.
Nexletol use may also cause increased levels of liver enzymes, although this side effect was not common in clinical trials and most people had only a mild increase. It's important to note that increased liver enzyme levels can be a sign that the liver isn't working as well as it should, but most people who had this side effect while taking Nexletol did not develop symptoms of liver problems.
Another concern is the risk of tendon problems, particularly ruptured tendons. People who are 60 years or older, have kidney failure, take corticosteroids like dexamethasone, take antibiotics called fluoroquinolones like levofloxacin, or have a history of tendon problems are more likely to experience a ruptured tendon while taking Nexletol. Tendon problems are more likely to happen during the first few weeks after beginning treatment with Nexletol, but in clinical trials, tendon problems also occurred within weeks or months of starting to take the drug. A ruptured tendon is a rare side effect, most likely to occur around the shoulder, bicep, or Achilles tendon, but problems can occur in any tendon in the body.
High uric acid levels, which can result in gout, are also a potential side effect of Nexletol. These levels typically occur within the first 4 weeks of beginning treatment with Nexletol. To monitor this, your doctor will perform blood tests during your treatment.
Lastly, it's crucial to be aware of symptoms of anemia while taking Nexletol, including less energy than usual, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, should be reported to emergency services immediately.
Before starting Nexletol, it's essential to discuss your health history with your doctor, as Nexletol may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.
- Nexletol, a drug used for lowering cholesterol levels, has potential side effects such as mild allergic reactions, anemia, and increased liver enzyme levels.
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction to Nexletol can include skin rash, itchiness, or flushing, while anemia may cause less energy, weakness, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
- Some less common side effects of Nexletol are muscle spasms, back pain, abdominal pain, and hyperuricemia, which can lead to gout.
- Tendon problems, including ruptured tendons, may occur while taking Nexletol, particularly in those aged 60 or older, with kidney failure, taking corticosteroids, or antibiotics like levofloxacin.
- In the case of higher uric acid levels, your doctor will perform blood tests to monitor the situation, as high levels can result in gout.
- Before starting Nexletol, discuss your medical history with your doctor to ensure it's suitable for you, as it may not be appropriate for those with certain chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease.
- The side effects of Nexletol should be weighed against its benefits, as it has been effective in managing cardiovascular risk, a major concern related to health and wellness, especially in the context of therapies and treatments for chronic diseases.
