What is Leqvio: Uses, Warnings & Interactions
Leqvio is a prescription medication prescribed to help adults manage their cholesterol levels. It works by targeting and blocking specific proteins in the liver, which can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Leqvio is administered as a subcutaneous injection (an injection that delivers the medicine just under the skin). While Leqvio can be effective in lowering cholesterol, it should only be used with guidance from a healthcare provider.
Leqvio overview
BRAND NAMES:
Leqvio
Generic Names:
Inclisiran
Uses:
Treats high cholesterol levels in adults
Therapeutic Classes:
Lipid-lowering drug, PCSK9 inhibitor, small interfering RNA (siRNA)
Forms:
Injection
How it’s taken:
Subcutaneous injection
What is Leqvio used for?
Leqvio is used to treat adults with high cholesterol levels. More specifically, it is approved to treat primary hyperlipidemia, including a genetic condition that causes high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Typically recommended alongside diet changes and treatment with a statin, Leqvio may help lower the risk of events linked to high cholesterol levels, such as heart attack and stroke.
Key takeaways
Leqvio, known by its generic name inclisiran, is a medication that helps control cholesterol levels by going after a particular set of genetic instructions (RNA) in your body that's in charge of managing cholesterol. It specifically blocks the production of a substance called PCSK9, which allows the liver to remove more low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or "bad" cholesterol from the blood.
Patients receive Leqvio through injections provided by healthcare professionals. Initially, there is a starting dose followed by subsequent maintenance doses roughly every six months. Having to take the medicine just a few times a year might make it easier for patients to stick with their treatment plan compared to drugs that have to be taken every day.
The FDA has approved Leqvio for the management of high LDL cholesterol levels in adults diagnosed with primary hyperlipidemia. This includes conditions like heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, which are often resistant to traditional cholesterol-lowering drugs like statins.
The cost of treatment, particularly with new medications, can be a concern for many patients. There are various options available for saving on Leqvio, which could help manage the financial impact of the treatment.
While Leqvio has been approved for use to help lower LDL cholesterol, it is prescribed to be used alongside diet changes and treatment with a statin. It is not a standalone treatment, and patients will need to use it with a broader cholesterol management plan.
What form(s) does Leqvio come in
Injection
284 mg/1.5 mL (189 mg/mL)
What are common Leqvio doses?
Leqvio is given as an initial dose of 284 mg in a single subcutaneous injection.
After the initial dose, a second 284 mg injection is given three months later.
Subsequent doses of 284 mg are then administered every six months.
How to take Leqvio
Only trained healthcare professionals should prepare and administer the medication. Patients should not attempt to self-inject unless they’ve been instructed to do so by their healthcare provider.
Patients receive Leqvio as an injection under the skin. The typical sites for the injection are the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. It should not be injected into areas with an active disease or wound.
As with most medications, Leqvio is stored at room temperature and kept away from excess heat and moisture.
It should be inspected before administration. The medication should be discarded if it appears discolored or particles seem to be floating in the solution.
What to do if you miss a dose of Leqvio
If it's been less than 3 months since the missed dose, administer the missed dose as soon as possible and continue with the original schedule without changes.
If more than 3 months have passed, start a new dosing schedule. Give the initial dose immediately, followed by another dose at 3 months and, subsequently, every 6 months.
Leqvio contraindications
There are no known contraindications on the FDA label. However, patients who have experienced hypersensitivity or allergic reactions to inclisiran should not take Leqvio.
Leqvio warnings
The safety of Leqvio during pregnancy isn't established, so it should not be used by pregnant women unless clearly needed. The effects of Leqvio on breast milk and infants are also not fully understood.
The safety and efficacy of Leqvio in children under 18 have not been established.
Individuals with severe liver problems should use Leqvio with caution.
Those with severe kidney problems or dialysis-dependent kidney disease should consult their healthcare provider, as it’s unclear whether Leqvio is fully safe to use with these conditions.
Leqvio interactions
There are no known drug interactions with Leqvio. However, there are not enough studies to conclude whether Leqvio can interact with other drugs. Consult a healthcare provider if you take other medications before starting Leqvio.
Leqvio side effects
Leqvio may trigger side effects that vary across individuals based on the body's reaction to the medication. While some patients may not notice any adverse effects, others could experience a range of symptoms from mild to severe.
Injection site reactions, including pain, redness, and rash around the area of injection
Joint pain (arthralgia)
Inflammation of the airways (bronchitis)
Sources:
Leqvio highlights of prescribing information, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2023)
Inclisiran injection, Medline Plus (2022)
Leqvio drug label information, DailyMed (2023)
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