Nexlizet (bempedoic acid/ezetimibe) is prescribed to lower LDL cholesterol and heart-related risks in some people. The drug comes as a tablet that you swallow, usually once per day.

Nexlizet is prescribed to adults with certain conditions to lower:

  • LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol), and is prescribed with a nutritious diet and sometimes with other cholesterol-lowering treatments (such as a statin)
  • the risk of heart attack and a type of heart procedure called coronary revascularization, if treatment with a statin drug isn’t suitable

The active ingredients in Nexlizet are bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. Bempedoic acid belongs to a group of drugs called adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase inhibitors. Ezetimibe belongs to a group of drugs called cholesterol absorption inhibitors.

This article describes the dosage of Nexlizet, its strength, and how to take it. To learn more about Nexlizet, see this in-depth Nexlizet article.

This section describes the usual dosage of Nexlizet. Keep reading to learn more.

Nexlizet form

Nexlizet is available as an oral tablet.

Nexlizet strength

Nexlizet comes in one strength. Each tablet contains 180 milligrams (mg) bempedoic acid per 10 mg ezetimibe. This may be written as 180 mg/10 mg.

Nexlizet dosage for lowering cholesterol and heart-related risks

The usual Nexlizet dosage is one 180-mg/10-mg tablet once per day. This is the dosage for lowering cholesterol and heart-related risks. This is the dosage that’s commonly taken or recommended.

But be sure to follow the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Is Nexlizet taken long term?

Yes, Nexlizet is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

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The dosage of Nexlizet your doctor prescribes may depend on several factors.

While rare, you could experience a tendon rupture (a partial or complete tear) during Nexlizet treatment. You’re more likely to rupture a tendon in certain situations during treatment if you:

  • are above 60 years old
  • take certain drugs (such as corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics)
  • have ruptured a tendon before

If you experience a tendon rupture while taking Nexlizet, your doctor will likely recommend stopping Nexlizet immediately.

In some situations, your doctor will likely recommend that you avoid taking Nexlizet. For example, if you have moderate or severe liver problems, your doctor will recommend a different treatment option.

Nexlizet is available as an oral tablet. If you have difficulty swallowing tablets, see this article for tips on how to take this form of medication.

You may take Nexlizet with or without food, but you must swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush or chew it.

You may need to take your Nexlizet dose at a different time than certain other medications. One example is bile acid sequestrants such as colesevelam (Welchol). If you take this type of medication, you’ll likely need to take Nexlizet at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after taking it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about spacing apart other medications from Nexlizet.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Nexlizet, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Accessible drug containers and labels

Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Let your pharmacist know if you have difficulty opening medication bottles. They may have tips to help, or they may be able to supply Nexlizet in an easy-open container.

If you miss a dose of Nexlizet, talk with your doctor about whether to take it or skip it. Do not take two doses of Nexlizet to make up for a missed dose.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Nexlizet on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Do not take more Nexlizet than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case you take too much Nexlizet

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Nexlizet. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Nexlizet’s dosage.

Is Nexlizet’s dosage similar to the dosages of statin drugs, such as simvastatin?

The forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Nexlizet and simvastatin (Zocor) are oral tablets that you take once per day. Simvastatin also comes in a liquid form (FloLipid).

Nexlizet is a combination of two active ingredients: bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. While simvastatin contains one active ingredient, it’s also available together with ezetimibe (Vytorin).

The dose in mg for each drug differs. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Nexlizet to start working?

Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel Nexlizet working in your body. Blood tests may not show that your LDL cholesterol has lowered until you’ve taken Nexlizet for 2 to 3 months.

Nexlizet’s manufacturer recommends that your doctor checks your cholesterol levels 8 to 12 weeks after starting Nexlizet. Your doctor also will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working for your condition.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Nexlizet treatment, talk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.