7 Statin Alternatives You Can Take to Help Lower Your Cholesterol
Statins may not be safe and effective for all people with high cholesterol. Some statin alternatives, like fibrates, may be able to help. Review your options here.
Leqvio
Used for High Cholesterol
Used for High Cholesterol
Leqvio (inclisiran) is an injectable medication used to treat high cholesterol in adults. It's used together with a statin and with a heart-healthy diet. Leqvio (inclisiran) works as a small interfering RNA (siRNA) to help lower cholesterol. It's given as an injection under your skin and it must be given by a healthcare professional. After the first two starter doses, the injection is given twice a year. Side effects aren't common. But they can include joint pain and reactions at the injection site like pain and redness.
What is Leqvio (inclisiran)?
What is Leqvio (inclisiran) used for?
- High cholesterol, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), in adults - as an add-on to a heart-healthy diet and statin therapy
How Leqvio (inclisiran) works
Leqvio (inclisiran) belongs to the drug class called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Once injected, the medication gets absorbed into your liver. In the liver cells, the medication works to break down the gene that helps make a protein called PCSK9. Normally, PCSK9 helps adjust the amount of cholesterol in your body.
By breaking down this gene, Leqvio (inclisiran) stops your liver from making PCSK9. It helps your liver get rid of more "bad" cholesterol (LDL, or low-density lipoprotein) from your blood.
When does Leqvio (inclisiran) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Leqvio |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | siRNA |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Leqvio (inclisiran)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, redness, rash; 8%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Joint pain
- Bronchitis
When do Leqvio (inclisiran) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Injection site reactions
The following Leqvio (inclisiran) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Leqvio (inclisiran)
Pros
- Helps lower "bad" cholesterol by about 50% when used with a statin
- Given twice a year (after two starter doses)
- Few side effects
Cons
- Must be given as an injection under the skin by a healthcare professional at their clinic
- Must be used with statin therapy
- Doesn't replace having a balanced diet and regular exercise plan to help lower cholesterol levels
Pharmacist tips for Leqvio (inclisiran)
- Write down your appointments for Leqvio (inclisiran) on your calendar. This will help you remember when to get your injections and not miss any doses.
- If you miss an appointment by less than 3 months, call the medical office to reschedule and get Leqvio (inclisiran) as soon as possible. Afterwards, you can continue your usual dosing schedule. But if you miss your appointment by more than 3 months, you'll have to restart a new dosing schedule. This means taking the medication every 3 months for 2 doses, and then every 6 months after that.
- During your appointment, a healthcare professional will give you your Leqvio (inclisiran) injection under your skin. They'll pick a spot on your stomach, upper arm, or thigh. They'll be careful not to give the injection where your skin is damaged to prevent irritation. This includes areas with sunburns, inflammation, infection, or rash.
- Sometimes, the area where you got your Leqvio (inclisiran) injection can hurt or get red a few hours afterwards. These injection site reactions should go away on their own after a day or two. But in the meantime, you can use a cold pack to help. Tell your care team if these reactions get worse or don't go away after a couple days.
- Be sure you get any blood work that your prescriber asks for while you're taking Leqvio (inclisiran). This helps them check your cholesterol levels. They want to make sure your treatment plan is working well for you.
- Keep following a heart-healthy diet and get enough exercise while taking Leqvio (inclisiran). Eating healthy and exercising will also help lower your cholesterol levels.
Leqvio (inclisiran) dosage
The average cost for 1 syringe of 1.5ml of 284mg/1.5ml of Leqvio (inclisiran) is $0.00 with a free GoodRx coupon.
Syringe
Syringe| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5ml of 284mg/1.5ml | 1 syringe | $0.00 | $0.00 |
Typical dosage for Leqvio (inclisiran)
The medication is given as an injection under the skin by a healthcare professional. It's injected into your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
The typical dose is 284 mg injected under the skin every 3 months for 2 doses, then every 6 months after that.
How much does Leqvio (inclisiran) cost?
To access savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Leqvio (brand)
$0.00
What are alternatives to Leqvio (inclisiran)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Leqvio (inclisiran). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Leqvio (inclisiran)
Leqvio (inclisiran) images
