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Overview: Leqvio is a medicine that is used to help lower a type of cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in certain people. Leqvio may help you reach LDL-C target levels if diet and exercise are not enough. Your health care provider will give you this medicine as an injection under your skin. Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near where you get this medicine is common. Get all bloodwork that your health care providers. This medicine can be used alone or with certain other medicines to reach your target LDL-C level.

Uses

What is Leqvio used for?

Leqvio (inclisiran) is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in certain people with high levels, including people born with a genetic condition affecting how the body removes cholesterol from the blood  heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

Learn more about Leqvio for hyperlipidemia.

Leqvio may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Leqvio work (mechanism of action)?

Leqvio works by shutting down production of an enzyme in the body called PCSK9. This enzyme breaks down receptors in the liver that help remove bad cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood. By blocking production of the PCSK9 enzyme, the receptors in the liver can remove more bad cholesterol from the blood. This can help decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

How is Leqvio supplied (dosage forms)?

Leqvio is available in the following dosage form that is injected under the skin.

  • 284 mg/1.5 mL prefilled syringe

How should I store Leqvio?

Leqvio is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Leqvio?

The most common side effects of Leqvio are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Joint pain
  • Bronchitis

There may be other side effects of Leqvio that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Leqvio?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Leqvio are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Leqvio may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Leqvio and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Leqvio?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Leqvio.

  • Leqvio
  • Inclisiran
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Leqvio.

What should I know about Leqvio before using it?

Leqvio is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

This medicine is injected under the skin of the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Tell your health care provider if you have any skin problems where you will get the medicine. Leqvio should not be injected into painful,  damaged, or infected areas of skin. 

Your health care provider will likely check your low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. 

Diet and exercise are important when you have high LDL-C levels even when you use Leqvio. Talk with your health care provider before starting any diet or exercise program.

This medicine may be used alone or with certain other medicines to lower LDL-C. Use all medicines that are prescribed for you. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Leqvio?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Leqvio is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Leqvio may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using Leqvio right away and contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will advise you if you should take Leqvio while you are pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Leqvio passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will advise you if you should use Leqvio while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Leqvio?

For more information about Leqvio, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.leqvio.com or call them at 833-537-8462.

Interactions

Does Leqvio interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Leqvio and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Leqvio and alcohol.

Does Leqvio interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Leqvio and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Leqvio?

If you or someone else has used too much Leqvio, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Leqvio?

Leqvio is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Leqvio as scheduled.

 If you miss an appointment to get your Leqvio dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

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