Nexlizet

Drug Description

What is NEXLIZET and how is it used?

NEXLIZET is a prescription medicine that contains 2 cholesterol lowering medicines, bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. NEXLIZET is used along with diet and other lipid-lowering medicines in the treatment of adults with:

heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). HeFH is an inherited condition that causes high levels of “bad” cholesterol called low density lipoprotein (LDL).
known heart disease who need additional lowering of “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

What are possible side effects of NEXLIZET?

NEXLIZET may cause serious side effects, including:

Gout may happen more in people who have had gout before but also can happen in people who have never had it before.

increased levels of uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia). This can happen within 4 weeks of you starting NEXLIZET and continue throughout your treatment. Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood uric acid levels while you are taking NEXLIZET. High levels of blood uric acid may lead to gout. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of hyperuricemia and gout:
- severe foot pain especially in the toe joint
- warm joints
- swelling
- tender joints
- joint redness
tendon rupture or injury. Tendon problems can happen in people who take bempedoic acid,one of the medicines in NEXLIZET. Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Symptoms of tendon problems may include pain, swelling, tears, and inflammation of tendons including the arm, shoulder, and back of the ankle (Achilles).
Stop taking NEXLIZET until tendon rupture has been ruled out by your healthcare provider. The most common areas of pain and swelling are the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the biceps tendon (upper arm), and the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. This can happen with other tendons.
- Tendon rupture can happen while you are taking NEXLIZET. Tendon ruptures can happen within weeks or months of starting NEXLIZET.
- The risk of getting tendon problems while you take NEXLIZET is higher if you:
  - are over 60 years of age
  - are taking antibiotics (fluoroquinolones)
  - are taking steroids (corticosteroids)
  - have had tendon problems
  - have renal failure
- Stop taking NEXLIZET immediately and get medical help right away if you get any of thefollowing signs or symptoms of a tendon rupture:
  - hear or feel a snap or pop in a tendon area
  - bruising right after an injury in a tendon area
  - unable to move the affected area or put weight on the affected area
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk of tendon rupture with continued use ofNEXLIZET. You may need a different lipid-lowering medicine to treat your cholesterol levels.

The most common side effects of NEXLIZET include:

symptoms of the common cold, flu, or flu-like symptoms
back pain
bronchitis
anemia
diarrhea
muscle spasms
stomach pain
pain in shoulder, legs, or arms
increased liver enzymes
fatigue

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of NEXLIZET. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

DESCRIPTION

NEXLIZET tablets, for oral use, contain bempedoic acid, an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor, and ezetimibe, a dietary cholesterol absorption inhibitor.

The chemical name for bempedoic acid is 8-hydroxy-2,2,14,14-tetramethyl-pentadecanedioic acid. The molecular formula is C₁₉H₃₆O₅, and the molecular weight is 344.5 grams per mole. Bempedoic acid is a white to off-white crystalline powder that is highly soluble in ethanol, isopropanol and pH 8.0 phosphate buffer, and insoluble in water and aqueous solutions below pH 5.

Structural formula:

The chemical name for ezetimibe is 1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(R)-[3-(4-fluorophenyl)-3(S)hydroxypropyl]-4(S)-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2-azetidinone. The molecular formula is C₂₄H₂₁F₂NO₃ and the molecular weight is 409.4 grams per mole. Ezetimibe is a white, crystalline powder that is freely to very soluble in ethanol, methanol, and acetone and practically insoluble in water.

Structural formula:

Each film-coated tablet of NEXLIZET contains 180 mg of bempedoic acid and 10 mg of ezetimibe, and the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxy propyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate. The film coating comprises of FD&C Blue #1/Brilliant Blue FCF Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue #2/Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake, glyceryl monocaprylocaprate, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and titanium dioxide.

Indications & Dosage

INDICATIONS

NEXLIZET is indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease who require additional lowering of LDL-C.

Limitations Of Use

The effect of NEXLIZET on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Recommended Dosage

The recommended dosage of NEXLIZET, in combination with maximally tolerated statin therapy, is one tablet orally once daily. One tablet of NEXLIZET contains 180 mg of bempedoic acid and 10 mg of ezetimibe.

Swallow the tablet whole. NEXLIZET can be taken with or without food.

After initiation of NEXLIZET, analyze lipid levels within 8 to 12 weeks.

Coadministration With Bile Acid Sequestrants

Administer NEXLIZET either at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after bile acid sequestrants [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

HOW SUPPLIED

Dosage Forms And Strengths

NEXLIZET is available as:

Tablets: 180 mg/10 mg, blue, oval shaped, debossed with “818” on one side and “ESP” on the other side.

NEXLIZET (bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets are supplied as follows:

Tablet Strength	Description	Package Configuration	NDC No.
180 mg of bempedoic acid and 10 mg of ezetimibe	blue, oval shaped, debossed with “818” on one side and “ESP” on the other side	Bottle of 30 tablets with child-resistant cap	72426-818-03
180 mg of bempedoic acid and 10 mg of ezetimibe		Bottle of 90 tablets with child-resistant cap	72426-818-09

Storage And Handling

Store at 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C); excursions permitted to 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store and dispense in the original package protected from extreme heat and humidity. Do not discard desiccant.

Manufactured by: Piramal Healthcare UK Limited Northumberland NE61 3YA United Kingdom. Revised: Feb 2020

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS

The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling:

Hyperuricemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]
Tendon Rupture [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.

Bempedoic Acid

The data described below reflect exposure to bempedoic acid in two placebo-controlled trials that included 2009 patients treated with bempedoic acid for 52 weeks (median treatment duration of 52 weeks) [see Clinical Studies]. The mean age for bempedoic acid-treated patients was 65.4 years, 29% were women, 3% were Hispanic, 95% White, 3% Black, 1% Asian, and 1% other races. All patients received bempedoic acid 180 mg orally once daily plus maximally tolerated statin therapy alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies. At baseline, 97% of patients had clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and about 4% had a diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). Patients on simvastatin 40 mg/day or higher were excluded from the trials.

Adverse reactions led to discontinuation of treatment in 11% of bempedoic acid-treated patients and 8% of placebo-treated patients. The most common reasons for bempedoic acid treatment discontinuation were muscle spasms (0.5% versus 0.3% placebo), diarrhea (0.4% versus 0.1% placebo), and pain in extremity (0.3% versus 0.0% placebo). Adverse reactions reported in at least 2% of bempedoic acid-treated patients and more frequently than in placebo-treated patients are shown in Table 1.

Table 1. Adverse Reactions (≥ 2% and Greater than Placebo) in Bempedoic Acid-Treated Patients with ASCVD and HeFH

Adverse Reaction	Bempedoic acid + Statin and ± Other Lipid Lowering Therapies (N = 2009) %	Placebo (N = 999) %
Upper respiratory tract infection	4.5	4.0
Muscle spasms	3.6	2.3
Hyperuricemia^a	3.5	1.1
Back pain	3.3	2.2
Abdominal pain or discomfort^b	3.1	2.2
Bronchitis	3.0	2.5
Pain in extremity	3.0	1.7
Anemia	2.8	1.9
Elevated liver enzymes^c	2.1	0.8
^a. Hyperuricemia includes hyperuricemia and blood uric acid increased. ^b. Abdominal pain or discomfort includes abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, abdominal pain lower, and abdominal discomfort. ^c. Elevated liver enzymes includes AST increased, ALT increased, hepatic enzyme increased, and liver function test increased.

Tendon Rupture

Bempedoic acid was associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture, occurring in 0.5% of bempedoic acid-treated patients versus 0% of placebo-treated patients.

Gout

Bempedoic acid was associated with an increased risk of gout, occurring in 1.5% of bempedoic acid-treated patients versus 0.4% of placebo-treated patients.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Bempedoic acid was associated with an increased risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatomegaly in men with no reported history of BPH, occurring in 1.3% of bempedoic acid-treated patients versus 0.1% of placebo-treated patients. The clinical significance is unknown.

Atrial Fibrillation

Bempedoic acid was associated with an imbalance in atrial fibrillation, occurring in 1.7% of bempedoic acid-treated patients versus 1.1% of placebo-treated patients.

Laboratory Tests

Bempedoic acid was associated with persistent changes in multiple laboratory tests within the first 4 weeks of treatment. Laboratory test values returned to baseline following discontinuation of treatment.

Increase in Creatinine and Blood Urea Nitrogen

Overall, there was a mean increase in serum creatinine of 0.05 mg/dL compared to baseline with bempedoic acid at Week 12. Approximately 3.8% of patients treated with bempedoic acid had blood urea nitrogen values that doubled (versus 1.5% placebo), and about 2.2% of patients had creatinine values that increased by 0.5 mg/dL (versus 1.1% placebo).

Decreased Hemoglobin and Leukocytes

Approximately 5.1% of patients treated with bempedoic acid (versus 2.3% placebo) had decreases in hemoglobin levels of 2 or more g/dL and below the lower limit of normal on one or more occasion. Anemia was reported in 2.8% of patients treated with bempedoic acid and 1.9% of patients treated with placebo. Hemoglobin decrease was generally asymptomatic and did not require medical intervention. Decreased leukocyte count was also observed. Approximately 9.0% of bempedoic acid-treated patients with normal baseline leukocyte count had a decrease to less than the lower limit of normal on one or more occasion (versus 6.7% placebo). Leukocyte decrease was generally asymptomatic and did not require medical intervention. In clinical trials, there was a small imbalance in skin or soft tissue infections, including cellulitis (0.8% versus 0.4%), but there was no imbalance in other infections.

Increase in Platelet Count

Approximately 10.1% of bempedoic acid-treated patients (versus 4.7% placebo) had increases in platelet counts of 100 × 10⁹/L or more on one or more occasion. Platelet count increase was asymptomatic, did not result in increased risk for thromboembolic events, and did not require medical intervention.

Increase in Liver Enzymes

Increases in hepatic transaminases (AST and/or ALT) were observed with bempedoic acid. In most cases, the elevations were transient and resolved or improved with continued therapy or after discontinuation of therapy. Increases to more than 3× the upper limit of normal (ULN) in AST occurred in 1.4% of patients treated with bempedoic acid versus 0.4% of placebo patients, and increases to more than 5× ULN occurred in 0.4% of bempedoic acid-treated versus 0.2% of placebo-treated patients. Increases in ALT occurred with similar incidence between bempedoic acid-and placebo-treated patients. Elevations in transaminases were generally asymptomatic and not associated with elevations ≥2× ULN in bilirubin or with cholestasis.

Increase in Creatinine Kinase

Approximately 1.0% of patients (versus 0.6% placebo) had elevations of CK levels of 5 or more times the normal value on one or more occasions, and 0.4% of patients (versus 0.2% placebo) had elevations of CK levels of 10 or more times.

Ezetimibe

In 10 double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials, 2396 patients with primary hyperlipidemia (age range 9-86 years, 50% women, 90% Caucasians, 5% Blacks, 3% Hispanics, 2% Asians) and elevated LDL-C were treated with ezetimibe 10 mg/day for a median treatment duration of 12 weeks (range 0 to 39 weeks).

Adverse reactions led to discontinuation of treatment in 3.3% of ezetimibe-treated patients and 2.9% of placebo-treated patients. The most common reasons for ezetimibe treatment discontinuation were arthralgia (0.3%), dizziness (0.2%), and gamma-glutamyltransferase increased (0.2%). Adverse reactions reported in ≥2% of patients treated with ezetimibe and at an incidence greater than placebo in placebo-controlled studies of ezetimibe, regardless of causality assessment, are shown in Table 2.

Table 2. Clinical Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of Patients Treated with Ezetimibe and at an Incidence Greater than Placebo, Regardless of Causality

Adverse Reaction	Ezetimibe 10 mg (%) n = 2369	Placebo (%) N = 1159
Upper respiratory tract infection	4.3	2.5
Diarrhea	4.1	3.7
Arthralgia	3.0	2.2
Sinusitis	2.8	2.2
Pain in extremity	2.7	2.5
Fatigue	2.4	1.5
Influenza	2.0	1.5

The frequency of less common adverse reactions was comparable between ezetimibe and placebo.

NEXLIZET

In a 4-arm, 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group, factorial trial, 85 patients received NEXLIZET (180 mg of bempedoic acid and 10 mg of ezetimibe) once daily [see Clinical Studies]. The mean age for NEXLIZET-treated patients was 62 years, 51% were women, 12% Hispanic, 78% White, 19% Black, and 2% Asian. At baseline, 61% of patients had clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and/or a diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. All patients received NEXLIZET plus maximally tolerated statin therapy. Patients taking simvastatin 40 mg/day or higher and patients taking nonstatin lipid-lowering therapy (including fibrates, niacin, bile acid sequestrants, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors) were excluded from the trial.

Adverse reactions led to discontinuation of treatment in 8% of patients on NEXLIZET, 5% of patients on placebo, 10% of patients on bempedoic acid, and 12% of patients on ezetimibe. The most common reason for NEXLIZET treatment discontinuation was oral discomfort (2% NEXLIZET versus 0% placebo). The most commonly reported adverse reactions (incidence ≥3% and greater than placebo) observed with NEXLIZET, but not observed in clinical trials of bempedoic acid or ezetimibe, were urinary tract infection (5.9% NEXLIZET versus 2.4% placebo), nasopharyngitis (4.7% NEXLIZET versus 0% placebo), and constipation (4.7% NEXLIZET versus 0% placebo).

Postmarketing Experience

Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is generally not possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

The following additional adverse reactions have been reported in postmarketing experience for ezetimibe:

Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria; erythema multiforme; myalgia; elevated creatine phosphokinase; myopathy/rhabdomyolysis; elevations in liver transaminases; hepatitis; abdominal pain; thrombocytopenia; pancreatitis; nausea; dizziness; paresthesia; depression; headache; cholelithiasis; cholecystitis.

Drug Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS

No specific pharmacokinetic drug interaction studies with NEXLIZET have been conducted. Drug interactions that have been identified in studies with bempedoic acid or ezetimibe determine the interactions that may occur with NEXLIZET.

Simvastatin
Clinical Impact:	Concomitant use of NEXLIZET with simvastatin causes an increase in simvastatin concentration and may increase the risk of simvastatin-related myopathy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Intervention:	Avoid concomitant use of NEXLIZET with simvastatin greater than 20 mg.
Pravastatin
Clinical Impact:	Concomitant use of NEXLIZET with pravastatin causes an increase in pravastatin concentration and may increase the risk of pravastatin-related myopathy [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Intervention:	Avoid concomitant use of NEXLIZET with pravastatin greater than 40 mg.
Cyclosporine
Clinical Impact:	Concomitant use of NEXLIZET and cyclosporine increases ezetimibe and cyclosporine concentrations [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Intervention:	Monitor cyclosporine concentrations in patients receiving NEXLIZET and cyclosporine. In patients treated with cyclosporine, the potential effects of the increased exposure to ezetimibe from concomitant use should be carefully weighed against the benefits of alterations in lipid levels provided by NEXLIZET.
Fibrates
Clinical Impact:	Both fenofibrate and ezetimibe may increase cholesterol excretion into the bile, leading to cholelithiasis. Co-administration of NEXLIZET with fibrates other than fenofibrate is not recommended.
Intervention:	If cholelithiasis is suspected in a patient receiving NEXLIZET and fenofibrate, gallbladder studies are indicated and alternative lipid-lowering therapy should be considered.
Cholestyramine
Clinical Impact:	Concomitant use of NEXLIZET and cholestyramine decreases ezetimibe concentration. This may result in a reduction of efficacy.
Intervention:	Administer NEXLIZET either at least 2 hours before or at least 4 hours after bile acid sequestrants [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION].

Warnings & Precautions

WARNINGS

Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section

PRECAUTIONS

Hyperuricemia

Bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET, inhibits renal tubular OAT2 and may increase blood uric acid levels [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In clinical trials, 26% of bempedoic acid-treated patients with normal baseline uric acid values (versus 9.5% placebo) experienced hyperuricemia one or more times, and 3.5% of patients experienced clinically significant hyperuricemia reported as an adverse reaction (versus 1.1% placebo). Increases in uric acid levels usually occurred within the first 4 weeks of treatment initiation and persisted throughout treatment. After 12 weeks of treatment, the mean placebo-adjusted increase in uric acid compared to baseline was 0.8 mg/dL for patients treated with bempedoic acid.

Elevated blood uric acid may lead to the development of gout. In clinical trials, gout was reported in 1.5% of patients treated with bempedoic acid versus 0.4% of patients treated with placebo. The risk for gout events was higher in patients with a prior history of gout (11.2% bempedoic acid versus 1.7% placebo), although gout also occurred more frequently than placebo in patients treated with bempedoic acid who had no prior gout history (1.0% bempedoic acid versus 0.3% placebo).

Advise patients to contact their healthcare provider if symptoms of hyperuricemia occur. Assess serum uric acid when clinically indicated. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of hyperuricemia, and initiate treatment with urate-lowering drugs as appropriate.

Tendon Rupture

Bempedoic acid, a component of NEXLIZET, is associated with an increased risk of tendon rupture or injury. In clinical trials, tendon rupture occurred in 0.5% of patients treated with bempedoic acid versus 0% of placebo-treated patients and involved the rotator cuff (the shoulder), biceps tendon, or Achilles tendon. Tendon rupture occurred within weeks to months of starting bempedoic acid. Tendon rupture may occur more frequently in patients over 60 years of age, in those taking corticosteroid or fluoroquinolone drugs, in patients with renal failure, and in patients with previous tendon disorders.

Discontinue NEXLIZET immediately if the patient experiences rupture of a tendon. Consider discontinuing NEXLIZET if the patient experiences joint pain, swelling, or inflammation. Advise patients to rest at the first sign of tendinitis or tendon rupture and to contact their healthcare provider if tendinitis or tendon rupture symptoms occur. Consider alternative therapy in patients with a history of tendon disorders or tendon rupture.

Patient Counseling Information

Advise patients to read the FDA-approved patient labeling.

Risk Of Hyperuricemia

Advise patients of the risk of elevated serum uric acid levels, including development of gout. Inform patients that serum uric acid levels may be monitored during treatment with NEXLIZET. Patients with signs or symptoms of hyperuricemia should contact their healthcare provider if symptoms occur [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

Risk Of Tendon Rupture

Inform patients of the risk of tendon rupture. Advise patients to rest at the first sign of tendinitis or tendon rupture and to immediately contact their healthcare provider if tendinitis or tendon rupture symptoms occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].

Risk Of Myopathy With Concomitant Use Of Simvastatin Or Pravastatin

Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider(s) if they are taking, or plan to take simvastatin or pravastatin. The risk of myopathy occurring with the use of simvastatin or pravastatin may be increased when taken with NEXLIZET. [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Pregnancy

Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus based on NEXLIZET’s mechanism of action. Advise females to inform their healthcare provider of a known or suspected pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility

Bempedoic Acid

Bempedoic acid was negative for mutagenicity in an in vitro Ames assay and negative for clastogenicity in the vitro human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay. Bempedoic acid was negative in both in vivo mouse micronucleus and in vivo rat bone marrow micronucleus/liver comet assay. In a 2-year rat carcinogenicity study, Wistar rats were given oral doses of bempedoic acid at 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg/day. An increased incidence of liver hepatocellular adenomas and hepatocellular adenomas combined with carcinomas, thyroid gland follicular cell adenoma and follicular cell adenomas combined with carcinomas, and pancreatic islet cell adenomas combined with carcinomas were observed in male rats at the dose of 30 mg/kg/day (exposure equivalent to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), based on AUC). In a 2-year mice carcinogenicity study, CD-1 mice were given oral doses of bempedoic acid at 25, 75 and 150 mg/kg/day. Bempedoic acid-related increases in the incidence of liver hepatocellular adenomas, hepatocellular carcinomas and hepatocellular adenomas combined with carcinomas in male mice were observed at 75 and 150 mg/kg/day (exposures equivalent to the MRHD). Observations of liver and thyroid tumors are consistent with PPAR alpha agonism in rodents. The human relevance of pancreatic islet cell tumor findings is unknown.

In fertility and early embryofetal development study in rats, bempedoic acid was given orally to male and female rats at 10, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day. Males were dosed for 28 days prior to mating and females were dosed 14 days prior to mating through gestation day 7. No adverse effects on fertility were observed in females in the absence of maternal toxicity. No effects were observed on male fertility outcomes, but decreases in sperm counts were observed at 60 mg/kg/day (9 times the MRHD).

Ezetimibe

A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was conducted in rats at doses up to 1500 mg/kg/day (males) and 500 mg/kg/day (females) (approximately 20 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe). A 104-week dietary carcinogenicity study with ezetimibe was also conducted in mice at doses up to 500 mg/kg/day (>150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe). There were no statistically significant increases in tumor incidences in drug-treated rats or mice.

No evidence of mutagenicity was observed in vitro in a microbial mutagenicity (Ames) test with Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli with or without metabolic activation. No evidence of clastogenicity was observed in vitro in a chromosomal aberration assay in human peripheral blood lymphocytes with or without metabolic activation. In addition, there was no evidence of genotoxicity in the in vivo mouse micronucleus test.

In oral (gavage) fertility studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats, there was no evidence of reproductive toxicity at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day in male or female rats (approximately 7 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe).

Use In Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Risk Summary

Discontinue NEXLIZET when pregnancy is recognized unless the benefits of therapy outweigh the potential risks to the fetus.

There are no available data on bempedoic acid use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are insufficient data on ezetimibe use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, bempedoic acid was not teratogenic in rats and rabbits when administered at doses resulting in exposures up to 11 and 12 times, respectively, the human exposures at the maximum clinical dose, based on AUC. In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats and rabbits during organogenesis, there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryo-fetal teratogenic or toxicologic effects at exposures up to 10 and 150 times the human exposure, respectively, based on AUC (see Data). NEXLIZET decreases cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol; therefore, NEXLIZET may cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women based on the mechanism of action [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. In addition, treatment of hyperlipidemia is not generally necessary during pregnancy. Atherosclerosis is a chronic process and the discontinuation of lipid-lowering drugs during pregnancy should have little impact on the outcome of long-term therapy of primary hyperlipidemia for most patients.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.

Data

Animal Data

Bempedoic acid

Bempedoic acid was not teratogenic when given orally at doses of 60 and 80 mg/kg/day, resulting in 11 and 12 times the systemic exposure in humans at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 180 mg to pregnant rats and rabbits, respectively. In an embryofetal development study in rats, bempedoic acid was given orally to pregnant rats at 10, 30, and 60 mg/kg/day during the period of organogenesis from gestation day 6 to 17. There were increases in the incidence of non-adverse fetal skeletal variations (bent long bones and bent scapula and incomplete ossification) at doses ≥ 10 mg/kg/day (less than the clinical exposure) in the absence of maternal toxicity. At maternally toxic doses, bempedoic acid caused decreases in the numbers of viable fetuses, increases in post-implantation loss, and increased total resorptions at 60 mg/kg/day (11 times MRHD) and reduced fetal body weight at ≥ 30 mg/kg/day (4 times the MRHD). No adverse development effects were observed when bempedoic acid was given to pregnant rabbits during the period of organogenesis (gestation day 6 to 18) at doses up to 80 mg/kg/day (12 times MRHD).

In a pre-and post-natal development study in pregnant rats given oral doses of bempedoic acid at 5, 10, 20, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day throughout pregnancy and lactation (gestation day 6 to lactation day 20), there were adverse effects on delivery in the presence of maternal toxicity, including: increases in stillborn pups, reductions in numbers of live pups, pup survival, pup growth and slight delays in learning and memory at ≥ 10 mg/kg/day (at exposures equivalent to the MRHD).

Ezetimibe

In oral (gavage) embryo-fetal development studies of ezetimibe conducted in rats (gestation days 6-15) and rabbits (gestation days 7-19) during organogenesis, there was no evidence of maternal toxicity or embryolethality at any of the doses tested (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg/day) at exposures equivalent to 10 to 150 times the MRHD, based on AUC, in rats and rabbits. In rats, increased incidences of common fetal skeletal findings (extra pair of thoracic ribs, unossified cervical vertebral centra, shortened ribs) were observed at 1000 mg/kg/day (approximately 10 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe). In rabbits treated with ezetimibe, an increased incidence of extra thoracic ribs was observed at 1000 mg/kg/day (150 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe). The animal-to-human exposure multiple for total ezetimibe at the no-observed effect level was 6 times for rat and 134 times for rabbit.

Fetal exposure to ezetimibe (conjugated and unconjugated) was confirmed in subsequent placental transfer studies conducted using a maternal dose of 1000 mg/kg/day. The fetal maternal plasma exposure ratio (total ezetimibe) was 1.5 for rats on gestation day 20 and 0.03 for rabbits on gestation day 22.

The effect of ezetimibe on prenatal and postnatal development and maternal function was evaluated in pregnant rats at doses of 100, 300 or 1000 mg/kg/day (gestation day 6 through lactation day 21). No maternal toxicity or adverse developmental outcomes were observed up to and including the highest dose tested (17 times the human exposure at 10 mg daily based on AUC0-24hr for total ezetimibe).

Multiple-dose studies of ezetimibe coadministered with statins in rats and rabbits during organogenesis result in higher ezetimibe and statin exposures. Reproductive findings occur at lower doses in combination therapy compared to monotherapy.

Bempedoic acid/ezetimibe fixed combination drug product (FCDP)

In a combination embryofetal development study in rats, bempedoic acid and ezetimibe were given orally at 4 and 112-times MRHD (based on AUC) during the period of organogenesis (gestation day 6 to 17) in pregnant rats. Bempedoic acid in combination with ezetimibe did not alter the effects on embryo-fetal development profile of bempedoic acid or ezetimibe.

Lactation

Risk Summary

There is no information regarding the presence of bempedoic acid in human or animal milk, the effects of the drug on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. There is no information about the presence of ezetimibe in human milk. Ezetimibe is present in rat milk (see Data). When a drug is present in animal milk, it is likely that the drug will be present in human milk. There is no information about the effects of ezetimibe on the breastfed infant or the effects on milk production.

NEXLIZET decreases cholesterol synthesis and possibly the synthesis of other biologically active substances derived from cholesterol and may cause harm to the breastfed infant. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, based on the mechanism of action, advise patients that breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with NEXLIZET [see Pregnancy, CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Data

Animal Data

Ezetimibe was present in the milk of lactating rats. The pup to maternal plasma ratio for total ezetimibe was 0.5 on lactation day 12.

Pediatric Use

The safety and effectiveness of NEXLIZET have not been established in pediatric patients.

Geriatric Use

Of the 301 patients in the clinical trial of NEXLIZET, 149 (50%) were 65 and over, while 49 (16%) were 75 and over. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, and other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. However, greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.

Renal Impairment

No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild or moderate renal impairment. There is limited experience with bempedoic acid in patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR < 30 mL/min/1.73 m²), and bempedoic acid has not been studied in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving dialysis [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Hepatic Impairment

No dosage adjustment is necessary in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY]. NEXLIZET is not recommended in patients with moderate or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh B or C) due to the unknown effects of the increased exposure to ezetimibe [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].

Overdosage & Contraindications

OVERDOSE

There is no clinical experience with NEXLIZET overdosage. In the event of overdose, contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) for latest recommendations.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

NEXLIZET is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to ezetimibe tablets [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. Hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash and urticaria have been reported with ezetimibe.

Clinical Pharmacology

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Mechanism Of Action

NEXLIZET contains bempedoic acid and ezetimibe. NEXLIZET reduces elevated LDL-C through inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver and absorption in the intestine.

Bempedoic Acid

Bempedoic acid is an adenosine triphosphate-citrate lyase (ACL) inhibitor that lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by inhibition of cholesterol synthesis in the liver. ACL is an enzyme upstream of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Bempedoic acid and its active metabolite, ESP15228, require coenzyme A (CoA) activation by very long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase 1 (ACSVL1) to ETC-1002-CoA and ESP15228-CoA, respectively. ACSVL1 is expressed primarily in the liver. Inhibition of ACL by ETC-1002-CoA results in decreased cholesterol synthesis in the liver and lowers LDL-C in blood via upregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptors.

Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe reduces blood cholesterol by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol by the small intestine. The molecular target of ezetimibe has been shown to be the sterol transporter, Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), which is involved in the intestinal uptake of cholesterol and phytosterols. Ezetimibe localizes at the brush border of the small intestine and inhibits the absorption of cholesterol, leading to a decrease in the delivery of intestinal cholesterol to the liver. This causes a reduction of hepatic cholesterol stores and an increase in LDL receptors, resulting in clearance of cholesterol from the blood.

Pharmacodynamics

Administration of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe in combination with maximally tolerated statins, with or without other lipid modifying agents, decreases LDL-C, non-high density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C), apolipoprotein B (apo B), and total cholesterol (TC) in patients with hyperlipidemia.

Cardiac Electrophysiology

A QT trial has been conducted for bempedoic acid. At a dose of 240 mg (1.3 times the approved recommended dose), bempedoic acid does not prolong the QT interval to any clinically relevant extent.

The effect of ezetimibe or NEXLIZET on QT interval has not been evaluated.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

NEXLIZET

The bioavailability of NEXLIZET tablets was similar relative to that from the individual tablets, coadministered. Maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values for bempedoic acid and its active metabolite (ESP15228) were similar between formulations, but ezetimibe glucuronide and ezetimibe Cmax values were approximately 22% and 13% lower, respectively, for NEXLIZET relative to the individual tablets, coadministered. Given a similar overall extent of ezetimibe glucuronide and ezetimibe exposure (as measured by AUC), a 22% lower Cmax is unlikely to be clinically significant.

Bempedoic acid

Following single oral administration of NEXLIZET (180 mg of bempedoic acid and 10 mg of ezetimibe), mean (±SD) Cmax and AUC of bempedoic acid were 12.6 (± 2.80) μg/mL and 202 (± 43.4) μg.hr/mL, respectively; the median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) was 3.0 hours. Following multiple-dose administration of bempedoic acid monotherapy, the steady-state maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and AUC at 180 mg/day were 20.6 ± 6.1 μg/mL and 289.0 ± 96.4 μg•h/mL, respectively. Bempedoic acid steady-state pharmacokinetics were generally linear over a range of > 60 mg to 220 mg (approximately 33% to 122% of the recommended dosage of 180 mg daily). There were no time-dependent changes in bempedoic acid pharmacokinetics following repeat administration at the recommended dosage, and bempedoic acid steady-state was achieved after 7 days. The mean accumulation ratio was approximately 2.3-fold.

The steady-state Cmax and AUC of the active metabolite (ESP15228) of bempedoic acid were 2.8 ± 0.9 μg/mL and 51.2 ± 17.2 μg•h/mL, respectively. ESP15228 likely made a minor contribution to the overall clinical activity of bempedoic acid based on systemic exposure, relative potency, and pharmacokinetic properties.

Ezetimibe

After a single dose of NEXLIZET to fasted adults, mean ± SD ezetimibe Cmax of 3.56 ± 1.90 ng/mL were attained with a median Tmax of 5 hr. Ezetimibe-glucuronide mean Cmax values of 107 ± 46 ng/mL were achieved with a median Tmax of 1 hr. For ezetimibe monotherapy, there was no substantial deviation from dose proportionality between 5 mg and 20 mg (0.5-to 2-fold the recommended dosage). The absolute bioavailability of ezetimibe cannot be determined, as the compound is virtually insoluble in aqueous media suitable for injection.

Effect Of Food

NEXLIZET

After the administration of NEXLIZET with a high-fat, high calorie breakfast in healthy subjects, the AUC for bempedoic acid and ezetimibe were comparable to the fasted state. Compared to the fasted state, the fed state resulted in 30% and 12% reductions in Cmax and 2-hour and 2.5-hour delays in median time to attain maximum concentration (Tmax) of bempedoic acid and ezetimibe, respectively. For ezetimibe glucuronide, a 12% and 42% decrease in AUC and Cmax, respectively, were observed under fed relative to fasted conditions.

This effect of food is not considered to be clinically meaningful.

Distribution

Bempedoic acid

The bempedoic acid apparent volume of distribution (V/F) was 18 L. Plasma protein binding of bempedoic acid, its glucuronide and its active metabolite, ESP15228, were 99.3%, 98.8% and 99.2%, respectively. Bempedoic acid does not partition into blood cells.

Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe and ezetimibe-glucuronide are highly bound (> 90%) to human plasma proteins.

After a single 10 mg dose of ezetimibe, the mean AUC for total ezetimibe increased approximately 1.7-fold in patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh A), compared to healthy subjects. The mean AUC values for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe increased approximately 3-to 4-fold and 5-to 6-fold, respectively, in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) or severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C). In a 14-day, multiple-dose study (10 mg daily) in patients with moderate hepatic impairment, the mean AUC for total ezetimibe and ezetimibe increased approximately 4-fold on Day 1 and Day 14 compared to healthy subjects.

Other Specific Populations

Bempedoic Acid

The pharmacokinetics of bempedoic acid were not affected by age, gender, race, or weight.

Ezetimibe

Geriatrics

In a multiple-dose study with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were about 2-fold higher in older (≥ 65 years) healthy subjects compared to younger subjects [see Use In Specific Populations].

Gender

In a multiple-dose study with ezetimibe given 10 mg once daily for 10 days, plasma concentrations for total ezetimibe were slightly higher (< 20%) in women than in men.

Race

The pharmacokinetics of ezetimibe is not affected by race.

Drug Interaction Studies

Bempedoic Acid

Cytochrome P450 Substrates

In vitro metabolic interaction studies suggest that bempedoic acid, as well as its active metabolite and glucuronide forms are not metabolized by and do not interact with cytochrome P450 enzymes.

Transporter-mediated Drug Interactions

In vitro drug interaction studies suggest bempedoic acid, as well as its active metabolite and glucuronide form, are not substrates of commonly characterized drug transporters with the exception of bempedoic acid glucuronide, which is an OAT3 substrate. Bempedoic acid weakly inhibits OAT3 at high multiples of clinically relevant concentrations, and bempedoic acid and its glucuronide weakly inhibit OATP1B1, and OATP1B3 at clinically relevant concentrations. Bempedoic acid weakly inhibits OAT2 in vitro, which is likely the mechanism responsible for minor elevations in serum creatinine and uric acid [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].

Probenecid

Administration of bempedoic acid 180 mg with steady-state probenecid resulted in a 1.7-and a 1.2-fold increase in bempedoic acid AUC and Cmax, respectively. AUC and Cmax for bempedoic acid active metabolite (ESP15228) were increased 1.9-and 1.5-fold, respectively. These elevations are not clinically meaningful and do not impact dosing recommendations.

Statins

The pharmacokinetic interactions between bempedoic acid (at systemic exposure relevant to the indicated ASCVD population) and simvastatin 20 mg, atorvastatin 10 mg, pravastatin 40 mg, and rosuvastatin 10 mg were evaluated in clinical trials.

Simvastatin

Administration of simvastatin 20 mg with 240 mg of bempedoic acid or 40 mg with 180 mg of bempedoic acid in healthy subjects at steady-state resulted in approximately 2-fold (91% for 20 mg and 96% for 40 mg) and 1.5-fold (54% for 20 mg and 52% for 40 mg) increases in simvastatin acid AUC and Cmax, respectively [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Pravastatin

Administration of pravastatin 40 mg with steady-state bempedoic acid 240 mg in healthy subjects resulted in 99% (2-fold) and 104% (2-fold) increases in pravastatin acid AUC and Cmax, respectively [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Atorvastatin and Rosuvastatin: Elevations of 1.7-fold in AUC of atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin and/or their major metabolites were observed, suggesting a weak interaction. These elevations were generally within the individual statin exposures and do not impact dosing recommendations.

Warfarin

In vitro studies indicate that bempedoic acid is not an inhibitor or inducer of CYP2C9. Because warfarin is primarily eliminated through CYP2C9, its pharmacokinetics is not expected to be altered by bempedoic acid.

Other

Bempedoic acid had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of metformin or the oral contraceptive Ortho-Novum 1/35.

Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe had no significant effect on a series of probe drugs (caffeine, dextromethorphan, tolbutamide, and IV midazolam) known to be metabolized by cytochrome P450 (1A2, 2D6, 2C8/9 and 3A4) in a "cocktail" study of twelve healthy adult males. This indicates that ezetimibe is neither an inhibitor nor an inducer of these cytochrome P450 isozymes, and it is unlikely that ezetimibe will affect the metabolism of drugs that are metabolized by these enzymes.

Cyclosporine

Administration of ezetimibe with cyclosporine (75–150 mg BID) resulted in a 2.4and a 2.9-fold increase in total ezetimibe AUC and Cmax, respectively [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Fibrates

Administration of ezetimibe with fenofibrate (200 mg QD for 14 days) resulted in a 1.48-and a 1.64-fold increase in total ezetimibe AUC and Cmax, respectively. Administration with gemfibrozil (600 mg BID for 7 days) resulted in a 1.64-and 1.91-fold increase in total ezetimibe AUC and Cmax, respectively [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

Cholestyramine

Administration of ezetimibe with cholestyramine (4 g BID for 14 days) resulted in a 55% and a 4% decrease in total ezetimibe AUC and Cmax, respectively [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].

No clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic interaction was observed following co-administration of ezetimibe with aluminum & magnesium hydroxide combination antacid, cimetidine, glipizide, lovastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, fluvastatin, simvastatin, digoxin, ethyl estradiol/levonorgestrel, and warfarin.

Clinical Studies

The efficacy of NEXLIZET was investigated in a single, multi-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial that enrolled 301 patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, or multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease on maximally tolerated statin therapy. The efficacy of NEXLIZET in patients with multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease has not been established.

Study 1 (NCT03337308) was a 4-arm, 12-week trial that assessed the efficacy of NEXLIZET in 301 patients randomized 2:2:2:1 to receive either NEXLIZET (180 mg of bempedoic acid and 10 mg of ezetimibe) (n = 86), bempedoic acid 180 mg (n = 88), ezetimibe 10 mg (n = 86), or placebo (n = 41) once daily as add-on to maximally tolerated statin therapy. Patients were stratified by cardiovascular risk and baseline statin intensity. Patients on simvastatin 40 mg per day or higher and patients taking non-statin lipid-lowering therapy (including fibrates, niacin, bile acid sequestrants, ezetimibe, and PCSK9 inhibitors) were excluded from the trial.

Overall, the mean age at baseline was 64 years (range: 30 to 87 years), 50% were ≥ 65 years old, 50% were women, 12% Hispanic, 81% White, 17% Black, and 1% Asian. Sixty-two percent (62%) of patients had clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) and/or a diagnosis of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). The mean baseline LDL-C was 149.7 mg/dL. At the time of randomization, 65% of patients were receiving statin therapy; and 35% were receiving high intensity statin therapy.

The primary efficacy outcome measure of the study was the percent change from baseline to Week 12 in LDL-C. The difference between NEXLIZET and placebo in mean percent change in LDL-C from baseline to Week 12 was -38% (95% CI: -47%, -30%; p < 0.001). High-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) were examined as exploratory endpoints and were not included in the statistical hierarchy. The difference between NEXLIZET and placebo in mean percent change from baseline to Week 12 was -5% for HDL and median percent change from baseline to Week 12 was -11% for TG. The maximum LDL-C lowering effect was observed at Week 4. For additional results see Table 3.

Table 3. Effects of NEXLIZET on Lipid Parameters in Patients on Maximally Tolerated Statin Therapy (Mean % Change from Baseline to Week 12 in Study 1)^a

	LDL-C LS Mean	non-HDL-C LS Mean	apo B LS Mean	TC LS Mean
NEXLIZET (180 mg/10 mg; n = 86^b)	-36	-32	-25	-26
Bempedoic acid (180 mg; n = 88^b)	-17	-14	-12	-12
Ezetimibe (10 mg; n = 86^b)	-23	-20	-15	-16
Placebo (n = 41^b)	2	2	6	1
Mean Difference of NEXLIZET versus Placebo (95% CI)	-38 (-47, -30)	-34 (-44, -23)	-30 (-40, -20)	-27 (-35, -19)
apo B = apolipoprotein B; HDL-C = high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, LDL-C = low-density lipoprotein cholesterol; LS = least squares; SE = standard error; TC = total cholesterol. Background statin: atorvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin. ^a. 3.5% of subjects on NEXLIZET, 6.8% of subjects on bempedoic acid, 7% of subjects on ezetimibe and 2.4% of subjects on placebo had missing LDL-C data at Week 12. Percent change from baseline was analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with treatment and randomization strata (high intensity statin versus other and (ASCVD and/or HeFH versus multiple CV risk factors) as factors and baseline lipid parameter as a covariate. Missing data for LDL-C, non-HDL-C, TC and apo B were imputed through multiple imputation using a pattern mixture model (PMM) account for treatment adherence. ^b. Number of randomized subjects at baseline

Examination of age, gender, and race subgroups did not identify differences in response to NEXLIZET among these subgroups in any of the trials.

Bempedoic Acid

In two 52-week trials that included 3009 adult patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease on maximally tolerated statin therapy, the difference between bempedoic acid and placebo in mean percent change in LDL-C from baseline to Week 12 was -17% to -18%. Bempedoic acid also significantly lowered non-HDL-C (-13%), apo B (-12% to -13%), and TC (-11%) compared with placebo.

Ezetimibe

Ezetimibe Added to On-going Statin Therapy: In a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8-week study, 769 patients with primary hyperlipidemia, known coronary heart disease or multiple cardiovascular risk factors who were already receiving statin monotherapy, but who had not met their NCEP ATP II target LDL-C goal, were randomized to receive either ezetimibe or placebo in addition to their on-going statin therapy.

Ezetimibe, added to on-going statin therapy, significantly lowered TC (-17%), LDL-C (-25%), apo B (-19%), non-HDL-C (-23%), and TG (-14%), and increased HDL-C (+3%) relative to baseline and compared with a statin administered alone. LDL-C reductions induced by ezetimibe were generally consistent across all statins.

Ezetimibe Initiated Concurrently with a Statin: In four, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 12-week trials, in 2382 hyperlipidemic patients, ezetimibe or placebo was administered alone or with various doses of atorvastatin, simvastatin, pravastatin, or lovastatin. When all patients receiving ezetimibe with a statin were compared to all those receiving the corresponding statin alone, ezetimibe significantly lowered LDL-C (ezetimibe + all atorvastatin doses [-56%] versus all atorvastatin doses alone [-44%]; ezetimibe + all simvastatin doses [51%] versus all simvastatin doses alone [-36%]; ezetimibe + all pravastatin doses [-39%] versus all pravastatin doses alone [-25%]; ezetimibe + all lovastatin doses [-40%] versus all lovastatin doses alone [-25%]). LDL-C reductions induced by ezetimibe were generally consistent across all statins.

Medication Guide

PATIENT INFORMATION

NEXLIZETTM
(NEX-lee-zet)
(bempedoic acid and ezetimibe) tablets, for oral use

What is NEXLIZET?

heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). HeFH is an inherited condition that causes high levels of “bad” cholesterol called low density lipoprotein (LDL).
known heart disease who need additional lowering of “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.

It is not known if NEXLIZET can decrease problems from high cholesterol, such as heart attacks, stroke, death, or other heart problems.

It is not known if NEXLIZET is safe and effective in people with severe kidney problems including people with end-stage kidney disease who are on dialysis.

It is not known if NEXLIZET is safe and effective in people with moderate to severe liver problems.

It is not known if NEXLIZET is safe and effective in children under 18 years of age.

Do not take NEXLIZET if you are allergic to ezetimibe tablets. Ezetimibe, one of the active ingredients in NEXLIZET, can cause serious allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, angioedema, rash, and urticaria. Stop taking NEXLIZET, call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction including:

swelling of your face, lips, mouth or tongue
wheezing
severe itching
fast heart beat or pounding in your chest
trouble breathing
skin rashes, redness, or swelling
dizziness or fainting

See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in NEXLIZET.

Before you start taking NEXLIZET, tell your healthcare provider about all your medicalconditions, including if you:

have or had gout.
have or had tendon problems.
are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you become pregnant while taking NEXLIZET. You and your healthcare provider will decide if you should take NEXLIZET while you are pregnant.
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if NEXLIZET passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take NEXLIZET or breastfeed. You should not do both.
have severe kidney problems.
have moderate or severe liver problems.

NEXLIZET may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how NEXLIZET works. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescriptionand over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take or plan to take:

simvastatin or pravastatin (other cholesterol lowering medicines). Taking simvastatin or pravastatin with NEXLIZET may increase your risk of developing muscle pain or weakness (myopathy).
cyclosporine (often used in organ transplant patients)
fibrates (used to lower cholesterol)
cholestyramine (used to lower cholesterol)

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I take NEXLIZET?

Take NEXLIZET exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to take it. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Take 1 NEXLIZET tablet by mouth each day.
Swallow the NEXLIZET tablet whole. Do not cut, chew, or crush the tablet.
You may take NEXLIZET with or without food.
If you take a medicine that lowers cholesterol by binding bile acids, such as colesevelam or cholestyramine, take NEXLIZET at least 2 hours before or 4 hours after you take bile acid binding medicines. Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if you take these medicines.
If you take too much NEXLIZET, call your poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

What are possible side effects of NEXLIZET?

NEXLIZET may cause serious side effects, including:

Gout may happen more in people who have had gout before but also can happen in people who have never had it before.

increased levels of uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia). This can happen within 4 weeks of you starting NEXLIZET and continue throughout your treatment. Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood uric acid levels while you are taking NEXLIZET. High levels of blood uric acid may lead to gout. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of hyperuricemia and gout:
- severe foot pain especially in the toe joint
- warm joints
- swelling
- tender joints
- joint redness
tendon rupture or injury. Tendon problems can happen in people who take bempedoic acid,one of the medicines in NEXLIZET. Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Symptoms of tendon problems may include pain, swelling, tears, and inflammation of tendons including the arm, shoulder, and back of the ankle (Achilles).
Stop taking NEXLIZET until tendon rupture has been ruled out by your healthcare provider. The most common areas of pain and swelling are the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the biceps tendon (upper arm), and the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. This can happen with other tendons.
- Tendon rupture can happen while you are taking NEXLIZET. Tendon ruptures can happen within weeks or months of starting NEXLIZET.
- The risk of getting tendon problems while you take NEXLIZET is higher if you:
  - are over 60 years of age
  - are taking antibiotics (fluoroquinolones)
  - are taking steroids (corticosteroids)
  - have had tendon problems
  - have renal failure
- Stop taking NEXLIZET immediately and get medical help right away if you get any of thefollowing signs or symptoms of a tendon rupture:
  - hear or feel a snap or pop in a tendon area
  - bruising right after an injury in a tendon area
  - unable to move the affected area or put weight on the affected area
- Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk of tendon rupture with continued use ofNEXLIZET. You may need a different lipid-lowering medicine to treat your cholesterol levels.

The most common side effects of NEXLIZET include:

symptoms of the common cold, flu, or flu-like symptoms
back pain
bronchitis
anemia
diarrhea
muscle spasms
stomach pain
pain in shoulder, legs, or arms
increased liver enzymes
fatigue

Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store NEXLIZET?

Store NEXLIZET in the original package at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
Protect from heat and moisture.
Do not throw away the packet that helps to keep your medicine dry (desiccant).
NEXLIZET comes in a bottle with a child-resistant cap.

Keep NEXLIZET and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of NEXLIZET.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use NEXLIZET for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give NEXLIZET to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about NEXLIZET that is written for healthcare professionals.

What are the ingredients in NEXLIZET?

Active Ingredients: bempedoic acid and ezetimibe
Inactive Ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, hydroxy propyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone K30, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium starch glycolate
Tablet coating: FD&C Blue #1/Brilliant Blue FCF Aluminum Lake, FD&C Blue #2/Indigo Carmine Aluminum Lake, glyceryl monocaprylocaprate, partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, and titanium dioxide

This Patient Package Insert has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

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