Leqvio (Inclisiran)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Leqvio Used For?
Leqvio is a specialized cholesterol-lowering medication that helps reduce ‘bad’ cholesterol levels in your blood. It’s designed to work alongside a healthy diet and exercise program to protect your heart and blood vessels.
Primary Uses
Leqvio is used to lower LDL-cholesterol (‘bad’ cholesterol) levels in adults with high cholesterol, adults who have heart disease (such as a previous heart attack or stroke), or adults with a higher chance of having a heart attack. It helps prevent cholesterol buildup in artery walls that can lead to narrowing and blockages, reducing the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other circulation problems.
How It Works
Leqvio works by silencing or turning off the gene for a protein called PCSK9, which effectively lowers levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol in your blood. It can be used with other cholesterol-lowering medicines like statins, or alone if your doctor determines you cannot take a statin.
Good to know: Leqvio works together with your cholesterol-lowering diet, exercise, and any other medications to provide maximum cholesterol control for you.
How to Take Leqvio
Leqvio is given as an injection under your skin by a doctor or healthcare provider. You don’t need to give yourself this injection – it will always be administered by a medical professional.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is one injection initially, then your next dose at 3 months, followed by injections every 6 months. The injection is given under the skin in your abdomen, or alternatively in your upper arm or thigh. Continue following your cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise program, and take any other medications as advised by your doctor while receiving Leqvio.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your appointment to have Leqvio administered, contact your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as you remember so that you can arrange your next treatment.
Important: Follow the instructions provided and use Leqvio until your doctor tells you to stop. Always keep your scheduled appointments for injections.
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Injection site reactions such as pain, redness, or rash (may affect up to 1 in every 10 people)
Important Warnings
Before starting Leqvio, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your doctor to ensure this treatment is safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Leqvio
Do not use Leqvio if you are allergic to inclisiran or any of the ingredients listed in the medication. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine safely.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Talk to your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or take any other medicines before starting Leqvio treatment.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The effects of Leqvio in pregnant women are not known. Check with your doctor if you are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. It is not known if Leqvio is found in breast milk, so talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. Your doctor can discuss the risks and benefits with you.
Drug Interactions
Leqvio is not expected to interact with other medicines, although this has not been extensively tested. However, it’s still important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications you’re taking.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking for any other conditions
- Include vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription
- Check with your doctor if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking
Alcohol & Driving
Leqvio is not expected to significantly impact your daily activities, but it’s good to be aware of any potential effects.
Alcohol
There are no known interactions between Leqvio and alcohol.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Leqvio is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Storage
Store Leqvio below 30°C. Do not freeze the medication.
Overdose Information
It is unlikely you would be given too much Leqvio since it is administered by a healthcare professional, but if you think you have been given too much, you may need urgent medical attention. Immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Leqvio works by silencing the gene for PCSK9 protein to lower bad cholesterol levels. Your doctor will monitor your cholesterol levels to determine how well the treatment is working for you.
You’ll receive one injection initially, then another at 3 months, followed by injections every 6 months thereafter.
There are no known interactions between Leqvio and alcohol, but always follow your doctor’s advice about alcohol consumption.
Contact your doctor or healthcare provider as soon as you remember so you can arrange your next treatment appointment.
Leqvio is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Yes, you should continue your cholesterol-lowering diet and exercise program as they work together with Leqvio to provide maximum cholesterol control.
Leqvio may be used with other cholesterol-lowering medicines like statins, or alone if your doctor determines you cannot take a statin. Always follow your doctor’s instructions about continuing your other medications.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.