From the Guidelines
You can likely take garlic supplements with Nexletol (bempedoic acid) together, but it's crucial to discuss this with your healthcare provider before combining them, as garlic may have mild blood-thinning properties that could potentially increase the risk of bleeding, especially if you're taking other medications that affect blood clotting. Garlic supplements are sometimes taken for potential cardiovascular benefits, including modest effects on cholesterol levels 1. Nexletol is a cholesterol-lowering medication that works by inhibiting an enzyme called ATP-citrate lyase, which is involved in cholesterol production in the liver. While there's no direct interaction reported with Nexletol specifically, the blood-thinning effect of garlic could be a concern, especially if you're taking other medications that affect blood clotting.
Some studies suggest that certain dietary supplements, including garlic, may have an impact on bleeding complications due to their effects on hemostasis or sedation 1. However, the evidence is not strong, and the American Society of Anesthesiology recommends discontinuing dietary supplements 1 to 2 weeks before surgery out of maximal precaution. In the context of taking garlic supplements with Nexletol, it's essential to maintain consistent usage patterns rather than starting and stopping abruptly, as this could make it difficult to assess the effectiveness of your prescribed medication. Always inform all your healthcare providers about all supplements you're taking, including garlic, to ensure comprehensive care.
It's also worth noting that Nexletol has been shown to be effective in lowering LDL-C levels, with a 15% to 17.8% reduction in LDL-C, and is available in a combination preparation with ezetimibe 10 mg 1. However, the primary concern when taking garlic supplements with Nexletol is the potential increased risk of bleeding, and this should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Key points to consider:
- Discuss taking garlic supplements with your healthcare provider before combining them with Nexletol
- Garlic supplements may have mild blood-thinning properties that could increase the risk of bleeding
- Maintain consistent usage patterns of garlic supplements to assess the effectiveness of your prescribed medication
- Inform all healthcare providers about all supplements you're taking, including garlic, to ensure comprehensive care
- Nexletol is effective in lowering LDL-C levels, but the potential increased risk of bleeding with garlic supplements should be considered 1.
From the Research
Interaction between Garlic and Nexletol (Bempedoic Acid)
There is limited research directly addressing the interaction between garlic and Nexletol (bempedoic acid). However, we can look at the properties of garlic and its effects on the body to consider potential interactions.
Effects of Garlic
- Garlic has been shown to have lipid-lowering effects and antiplatelet activity 2, 3, 4.
- It may also have antineoplastic and antimicrobial properties, although evidence for these effects is less consistent 2, 3.
- Garlic appears to have no significant effect on drug metabolism but may interact with anticoagulants due to its antiplatelet properties 2, 5.
Considerations for Concomitant Use with Nexletol
- Nexletol (bempedoic acid) is used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.
- Given garlic's potential to lower lipid levels and its antiplatelet activity, there could be additive effects when taken with Nexletol, potentially enhancing the lipid-lowering effect or increasing the risk of bleeding 2, 3, 4.
- However, there is no direct evidence to suggest a harmful interaction between garlic and bempedoic acid, and the decision to use them together should be based on individual patient factors and medical supervision.
Safety and Efficacy
- Studies on garlic's effects on cardiovascular health and its interaction with other medications suggest that it can be safe when used appropriately 5, 6.
- The safety of concomitant use of garlic with anticoagulants has been explored, with some studies suggesting that aged garlic extract may be safe for patients on warfarin therapy 5.