Nexletol Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking It
When you're managing high cholesterol, Nexletol, a prescription medication used to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with heart disease or inherited high cholesterol. Also known as bempedoic acid, it works in the liver to block cholesterol production, offering an option when statins aren't enough or cause too many side effects. Unlike statins, Nexletol doesn’t affect muscles directly, which is why some people turn to it after experiencing muscle pain from other drugs. But that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. Like every medicine, it comes with its own set of risks you need to understand before starting.
Nexletol’s most common side effects include upper respiratory infections, muscle spasms, and high uric acid levels — which can lead to gout. In clinical trials, about 1 in 10 people saw their uric acid rise enough to need treatment. That’s not rare. It’s a real concern if you’ve had gout before. Some users also report tendon issues, including tendon rupture, especially if you’re over 60 or already taking corticosteroids. The FDA even added a warning about this in 2020. If you feel sudden pain or swelling in a tendon — especially your Achilles — stop taking it and call your doctor right away.
It’s also important to know how Nexletol plays with other drugs. It can increase the risk of side effects when taken with statins, a class of cholesterol-lowering drugs that reduce LDL by blocking an enzyme in the liver, especially simvastatin. Your doctor might lower your statin dose if you’re on both. It can also interact with colchicine, a drug used to treat gout and inflammation, raising the chance of muscle damage. If you’re taking either of these, make sure your provider knows you’re on Nexletol. And if you have kidney problems, your body may not clear Nexletol properly — which means higher doses could be dangerous.
What you won’t hear from the pharmacy? Many people feel fine on Nexletol. But if you’re the type who gets side effects from medications, this isn’t a gamble you should take lightly. Track how you feel — note any new pain, fatigue, or swelling. Keep a log. Bring it to your next visit. You’re not just taking a pill; you’re managing your long-term heart health, and that means staying alert to how your body responds.
Below, you’ll find real-world insights from people who’ve taken Nexletol, comparisons with other cholesterol drugs, and what to do if side effects show up. No fluff. Just what matters for your safety and results.
Bempedoic Acid Side Effects: Gout, Tendon Risks, and What You Need to Know
Dec, 2 2025