What Is Leqvio, and Why Does It Matter?
Leqvio (inclisiran) is a prescription injection that helps lower levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), often called “bad” cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke. It works by blocking a protein in your liver called PCSK9, which helps your body clear more LDL from your blood.
Leqvio is now approved to be used on its own, along with diet and regular exercise, to treat adults with high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia). This is a change, as earlier, it had to be used with statins, another type of cholesterol-lowering medicine. This approval matters because many people either can’t take statins due to side effects or don’t get enough benefits from them. In fact, about 4 in 5 people in the U.S. with heart disease don’t reach their recommended LDL levels.
Why Was It Approved?
The FDA approved this new use for Leqvio after reviewing evidence showing that it’s safe, well tolerated, and effective at lowering LDL levels even when used on its own. A current study showed that Leqvio when used alone lowered LDL levels by about 47% in six months compared with another lipid-lowering medicine called ezetimibe (11%) or a placebo.
Earlier trials showed that it lowers LDL levels by up to 52% when added to statins and keeps levels low with just two doses a year, compared with placebo. More trials in people with heart disease or high cholesterol levels have proved it works well and is safe, even over several years.
What Do I Need to Know?
Leqvio is given as a shot beneath your skin in your upper arm, abdomen, or thigh by your health care provider. You’ll get your first dose, followed by a second dose after three months, and then just two doses per year after that. This schedule may make it easier to stick with your cholesterol treatment. If you miss a dose, contact your health care provider to reschedule it.
You should not use Leqvio if you’ve had an allergic reaction to it or any of its ingredients. Common side effects reported in the study included pain, redness, or rash where the needle went in your skin, joint pain, and chest colds.
If you have questions about side effects or whether Leqvio is right for you, or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to get pregnant, talk with your health care provider. Leqvio is one of several options available to help manage high cholesterol levels, especially if you have heart disease or are at risk for it.