According to a recent study, bempedoic acid (Nexletol), a cholesterol-lowering medication, can also reduce the risk of heart attacks and associated issues for individuals who are unable to take statin medications.
About 4,200 individuals with high LDL (bad) cholesterol who were unable to take statins due to adverse effects were included in the study, which was published in JAMA on July 11, 2023. Approximately two-thirds of them had diabetes, and their average age was 68. Bempedoic acid or a placebo was given to participants at random. Those who took the medication were 30% less likely than those who took placebos to die from a heart-related disease, have a heart attack or stroke, or require an artery-opening stent over a follow-up period of roughly 40 months. LDL levels were lowered by 21% by bempedoic acid.
Approximately 5% to 10% of statin users are forced to quit taking them, primarily due to problems connected to their muscles. Bempedoic acid has various adverse effects, such as a marginally elevated incidence of gallstones and gout, however this issue is less common. However, for those at high risk of heart disease who are unable to take statins, bempedoic acid may be an acceptable substitute.