High cholesterol levels are a significant risk factor for heart disease, a leading cause of death worldwide. Statins are the main drug class of cholesterol lowering medications. For example, atorvastatin (brand name Lipitor) and rosuvastatin (brand name Crestor). While these are very effective in managing cholesterol, some individuals may require additional medications to achieve desired cholesterol levels as defined by their doctors. Bempedoic acid is a newer class of medication that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2020. It offers a promising approach to lowering cholesterol levels and therefore reducing the risk of heart-related complications. In this blog post, we will discuss how bempedoic acid works, the benefits, and considerations for bempedoic acid to understand its overall role in cardiovascular health.
Read our blog about Understanding Cholesterol
Understanding Bempedoic Acid:
Bempedoic acid reduces the production of cholesterol in the liver. It works differently in the body than statins, providing an additional method for cholesterol lowering.
Benefits of Bempedoic Acid:
LDL Cholesterol Reduction: Bempedoic acid is particularly effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, often referred to as “bad cholesterol.” It can significantly reduce LDL cholesterol by approximately 15-20% when used together with statin therapy.
Non-Statin Option: For individuals who cannot tolerate or are unable to take statins due to other health conditions, bempedoic acid offers an alternative cholesterol lowering option. It can be used alone or in combination with statins to achieve better cholesterol control.
Oral Administration: Bempedoic acid is available in oral tablet form, making it a convenient and user-friendly option for individuals requiring additional cholesterol management.
Usage and Considerations:
Prescription and Dosage: Bempedoic acid is available only by prescription and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. The typical dosage is one tablet of 180 milligrams once a day.
Safety and Side Effects: Bempedoic acid is generally well-tolerated by patients. Common side effects may include abdominal and limb pain, upper respiratory tract infections, and certain elevated lab levels. If you experience any concerning side effects when taking this medication, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Combination Therapy: Bempedoic acid is often used in combination with statin therapy for individuals who require further LDL cholesterol reduction. Combining these treatments can lead to better cholesterol control and enhanced cardiovascular protection.
Lifestyle Modifications: Alongside medication, lifestyle modifications are essential for managing cholesterol levels effectively. Adopting a heart-healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco smoke and excessive alcohol intake are crucial components of heart health.
Conclusion:
Bempedoic acid is a relatively new option for lowering LDL cholesterol levels and improving cardiovascular health. It is typically taken in combination with a statin medication. As a non-statin alternative, it offers an additional approach to managing cholesterol for individuals with specific needs or who cannot take traditional cholesterol lowering medications.
If you have concerns about your cholesterol levels or cardiovascular health, consult with a healthcare professional. They can evaluate your specific condition, assess your cardiovascular risk, and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for you.
References:
1) Kulshreshtha M. An Update on New Cholesterol Inhibitor: Bempedoic Acid. Curr Cardiol Rev. 2022;18(2):e141221198875. doi: 10.2174/1573403X17666211214111658. PMID: 34906059; PMCID: PMC9413737.
2) Shriver K. Bempedoic Acid: A Novel LDL Cholesterol-Lowering Agent. Clin Diabetes. 2020 Oct;38(4):405-407. doi: 10.2337/cd20-0038. PMID: 33132512; PMCID: PMC7566933.
3) https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/211616s000lbl.pdf
