Inclisiran Sodium
Leqvio
Leqvio (Inclisiran Sodium) is a prescription medication used in adults to reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, commonly known as “bad” cholesterol. It’s indicated explicitly for conditions like heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Leqvio is administered as a subcutaneous injection every six months, typically alongside a statin and a balanced diet. It works by inhibiting the production of PCSK9 in the liver, thereby increasing the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. While generally well-tolerated, Leqvio can cause side effects, ranging from mild injection site reactions to more serious allergic responses. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and patients with a history of allergies to its ingredients should avoid it. If you’re considering Leqvio for cholesterol management, you can buy Leqvio online from licensed pharmacies to begin treatment.
Product Overview
Leqvio is an FDA-approved medication designed to help adults with high cholesterol levels, particularly those suffering from heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Leqvio targets PCSK9, a protein that reduces the liver’s ability to remove LDL (bad) cholesterol from the bloodstream. By inhibiting PCSK9, Leqvio helps to lower LDL cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart disease and other related complications. This long-term treatment is administered as an injection, typically once every six months after the initial doses.
Leqvio offers a convenient solution for cholesterol management. Unlike daily oral medications, it requires only two injections within the first three months, followed by a single injection every six months. This regimen ensures consistent and effective cholesterol control, making it an excellent option for individuals struggling with high cholesterol that cannot be managed with diet, exercise, or statins alone. Leqvio is commonly prescribed in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, to maximize its effectiveness.
If you’re considering Leqvio as a treatment option, you can now easily buy Leqvio online. Online pharmacies provide a hassle-free way to access this essential medication. Whether you’re seeking to manage your cholesterol or reduce the risk of heart-related health problems, Leqvio for cholesterol management offers a reliable solution with minimal maintenance. Always consult your doctor to determine if Leqvio is the right choice for your health needs.
What Are the Uses of Leqvio?
Leqvio is a medication prescribed for adults who are dealing with specific health issues related to cholesterol:
- Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia: This is a genetic condition where individuals inherit genes that cause high cholesterol levels. Leqvio is used to help manage and reduce these cholesterol levels.
- Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: This disease develops when cholesterol builds up on the walls of arteries, narrowing them and potentially leading to heart problems. Leqvio helps reduce the cholesterol that contributes to this artery narrowing.
- Complementary Treatments: Doctors typically prescribe Leqvio along with a statin drug, which also helps lower cholesterol. Additionally, they recommend maintaining a balanced diet to support overall heart health and maximize the effectiveness of Leqvio.
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Leqvio?
- Form: Leqvio is administered as a liquid solution that comes in a prefilled syringe and is ready for use.
- Strength: Each syringe of Leqvio contains 284 milligrams (mg) of the medication in a total volume of 1.5 milliliters (mL) of solution.
- Administration: You will receive Leqvio as an injection under the skin, which is done at your doctor’s office. Each syringe is designed for a single use only.
This setup ensures that you receive the medication in the correct dosage, conveniently administered by healthcare professionals.
What Are the Recommended Dosage of Leqvio?
Dosage of Leqvio for Primary Hyperlipidemia
Leqvio is used to lower LDL cholesterol (often called “bad” cholesterol) in adults who have primary hyperlipidemia. This includes conditions like heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), which is a type of high cholesterol caused by genetic factors.
Dosage Schedule:
- Initial Dose: You will receive your first injection of 284 mg of Leqvio.
- Second Dose: Three months after your initial dose, you will receive another 284 mg injection.
- Subsequent Doses: After the second dose, you will continue to receive a 284 mg injection of Leqvio every six months.
This regular dosing schedule helps maintain the effectiveness of the medication in managing cholesterol levels. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and discuss any questions or concerns you have about your treatment plan.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Leqvio?
- Long-term Treatment: Leqvio is intended for long-term use if it proves safe and effective for you. Your doctor will guide you through the process of how it is administered, the dosage, and the frequency of administration.
- Administration Details: Leqvio is given as an injection under the skin at your doctor’s office. Typically, the first two injections are spaced three months apart. Following that, you will receive an injection every six months. Common injection sites include the upper arm, thigh, or belly. Your doctor will carefully choose an injection site, avoiding any areas with rashes, infections, inflammation, or damaged skin.
- Combination with Other Medications: Leqvio is often prescribed in combination with a statin drug, which also helps to lower cholesterol levels. Common statins include:
- Rosuvastatin (Ezallor Sprinkle, Crestor)
- Atorvastatin (Lipitor)
- Simvastatin (Zocor)
- If you are unable to take statins, your doctor might recommend a different type of cholesterol-lowering medication, such as ezetimibe (Zetia).
- This treatment plan is tailored to your specific health needs and monitored by your doctor to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Leqvio Work?
Leqvio is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It works by targeting a protein called PCSK9, which affects the liver’s ability to remove “bad” cholesterol (LDL) from the blood. Normally, PCSK9 can stop LDL receptors in the liver from working properly, which reduces the liver’s ability to clear cholesterol. Leqvio helps by blocking PCSK9, allowing the liver to remove more LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. This leads to lower cholesterol levels. It is given as an injection, usually twice a year after an initial dose. Leqvio is especially helpful for people with high cholesterol who may not be able to control their cholesterol with diet, exercise, or other medications like statins. Studies have shown that it can reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes when used alongside other treatments to lower cholesterol.
Important Safety Information for Using Leqvio
What Are the Side Effects of Leqvio?
Common side effects of Leqvio
Leqvio (inclisiran) can cause several common side effects, each influenced by its mechanism of action as a PCSK9 inhibitor used to lower cholesterol levels:
- Injection Site Reactions: These are the most common and include pain, redness, and swelling at the site where the injection is given. These reactions are generally mild and temporary.
- Muscle Pain and Stiffness: Patients may experience discomfort in their muscles, which can include generalized pain or specific joint pain. This can affect mobility but is typically manageable.
- Respiratory Issues: Some users report respiratory symptoms such as bronchitis or a cough-producing mucus, which could complicate breathing.
- Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs): A noticeable increase in urinary frequency, pain during urination, or cloudy and bloody urine may indicate a UTI.
- Diarrhea: This can occur and may be accompanied by abdominal pain or discomfort.
- Dizziness and Headaches: These neurological effects can impact daily activities and overall well-being.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Although less common, some patients may experience angina or other heart-related symptoms, necessitating closer monitoring by healthcare providers.
Serious Side Effects of Leqvio: While taking Leqvio, some people may experience severe side effects. It’s important to note that the following list does not include all possible serious side effects. If you encounter any severe reactions while on Leqvio, contact your doctor immediately. If you believe you are having a life-threatening medical emergency, dial 911 or contact your local emergency services right away. Serious side effects of Leqvio may include:
- Severe Allergic Reactions: Leqvio can cause serious allergic reactions, which may include symptoms like hives, severe itching, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. These reactions require immediate medical attention as they can be life-threatening.
- Injection Site Reactions: Although often mild, reactions at the injection site can sometimes be severe. Symptoms might include intense pain, swelling, redness, and the formation of blisters or lumps. If severe, these reactions can complicate further dosing and require medical management.
- Elevated Liver Enzymes: Leqvio has been associated with increases in liver enzymes, which can indicate liver damage. Patients should have their liver function monitored, and any significant changes may necessitate discontinuation of the treatment.
- Kidney Injury: Though rare, Leqvio can affect kidney function, leading to changes in urine output, the appearance of blood in the urine, or other signs of kidney distress. Patients with pre-existing kidney conditions should use this medication with caution.
- Respiratory Effects: Some patients may experience bronchitis, coughing, or difficulty breathing. If these symptoms worsen or become severe, it could indicate a serious respiratory reaction to the medication.
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Leqvio?
There are no specific severe warnings associated with the use of Leqvio. However, if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms while taking this medication, it’s essential to consult your doctor promptly. This will ensure that any potential issues are addressed quickly and appropriately. Below are some of the common warning signs to keep in mind when taking Leqvio:
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Leqvio may cause allergic reactions, including rash, pruritus, and, in rare cases, more severe reactions like anaphylaxis. If signs of hypersensitivity occur, immediate discontinuation and appropriate medical intervention are necessary.
- Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, swelling, and irritation at the injection site are common side effects. These are generally mild and resolve on their own, but monitoring is advised.
- Liver Enzyme Elevations: Leqvio may increase liver enzymes (transaminases). Regular liver function monitoring is recommended before starting therapy and during treatment.
- Renal Impairment: The safety and effectiveness of Leqvio in individuals with severe renal impairment have not been established. Caution is advised in patients with moderate or severe renal dysfunction.
- Pregnancy and Lactation: Leqvio is classified as a pregnancy category C drug. Its use during pregnancy should be avoided unless necessary. It is also unknown if Leqvio is excreted in breast milk, so caution should be exercised in breastfeeding women.
- Use in Combination with Statins: Leqvio is typically used alongside other lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins. To avoid adverse effects, it is important to monitor for potential interactions and adjust dosages as needed.
- Effectiveness and Risk of Cardiovascular Events: Leqvio reduces LDL cholesterol in patients at high risk of cardiovascular events. While it significantly lowers LDL cholesterol, ongoing cardiovascular health monitoring is essential.
- Use in Pediatric Populations: The safety and efficacy of Leqvio have not been established in children under 18. It should only be prescribed to adults with high cholesterol or at risk for cardiovascular events.
- Immunological Effects: Although rare, some patients may develop antibodies against Leqvio, potentially affecting the drug’s effectiveness or causing adverse effects.
- Monitoring of Lipid Levels: Patients receiving Leqvio should undergo regular lipid level assessments to ensure the desired therapeutic effects and detect potential side effects.
What Are the Leqvio Precautions?
Leqvio requires careful consideration before use, and it’s important to discuss various precautions with your healthcare provider. Before starting treatment with Leqvio, make sure to inform your doctor about your complete health history. This medication may not be suitable for everyone, particularly if you have specific health conditions or other factors that could affect its safety and effectiveness. Some of these considerations include:
- Allergic Reaction: If you have previously experienced an allergic reaction to Leqvio or any of its components, it is likely that your doctor will advise against using this medication. It’s important to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor, who can recommend other medications that may be more suitable for your condition.
- Leqvio and Pregnancy: The safety of Leqvio during pregnancy is currently unknown, as there have been no clinical trials to assess its effects on pregnant individuals. The way Leqvio works to lower cholesterol suggests that it might pose risks to a developing fetus. Consequently, if you become pregnant while on Leqvio, your doctor will likely advise discontinuing its use. It’s also important to note that Leqvio is often prescribed with statin drugs, which the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) generally advises against using during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or considering pregnancy, please discuss your treatment options with your doctor. They may suggest alternative medications that are safer during pregnancy.
- Leqvio and Birth Control: The safety of Leqvio during pregnancy has not been established. If you are sexually active and there is a possibility of pregnancy, it is important to discuss your birth control options with your doctor while you are being treated with Leqvio. This conversation will help ensure that you are taking the necessary precautions to avoid unintended pregnancy while on this medication.
- Leqvio and Breastfeeding: The safety of using Leqvio while breastfeeding is not confirmed. Researchers do not yet know if Leqvio transfers into breast milk or how it might affect a breastfed child. Though Leqvio was found in the breast milk of animals in studies, these findings may not directly apply to humans. It’s also important to consider that Leqvio is often used with statin drugs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) typically advises against using statins during breastfeeding. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, it is crucial to discuss this with your doctor. They can provide guidance on alternative treatment options and ways to safely feed your child while you are receiving treatment.
What Are the Contraindications of Leqvio?
Contraindications of Leqvio: Leqvio should not be used by individuals who have previously experienced a serious allergic reaction to inclisiran or any other components found in Leqvio. If you have had such reactions, it is crucial to inform your doctor, as this medication may not be safe for you.
What If You Missed a Dose of Leqvio?
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Leqvio, you should call and reschedule as soon as you remember. Here’s how to handle the timing:
- If less than 3 months have passed since the missed dose, you can simply take the missed dose when you remember and then continue with your regular treatment schedule as planned.
- If more than 3 months have passed since the missed dose, you will need to restart the treatment from the beginning of the dosing schedule.
If you’re unsure about when to take your next dose after missing an appointment, it’s essential to speak with your doctor for guidance.
To avoid missing a dose in the future, consider setting up reminders. You can use medication reminder apps, set alarms, or use timers on your phone to help you remember your appointments.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Leqvio?
If you accidentally receive an overdose of Leqvio, there isn’t a specific treatment to reverse the effects. In such cases, your healthcare provider will monitor you closely for any side effects that may arise from the overdose. They will provide treatment for these side effects as needed to manage any symptoms that occur.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Leqvio?
Storing Leqvio correctly is crucial to maintaining its effectiveness and safety. Here are detailed guidelines based on medical advice:
- Store Leqvio in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
- Do not freeze the medication. Freezing may damage the drug and make it less effective.
- If needed, Leqvio may be stored at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) for a maximum of 30 days. Once removed from the refrigerator, it should not be returned.
- Keep the vial or prefilled syringe in its original carton to protect it from light.
- Always check the expiration date on the packaging. Do not use the medication past the expiration date.
- If you need to dispose of any leftover medication, follow local disposal guidelines or consult a pharmacist.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Leqvio?
Before beginning treatment with Leqvio, it’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about the expected outcomes of the treatment. You should also share detailed information about your overall health, any existing medical conditions, and all other medications you are currently taking. This information will help your doctor assess whether Leqvio is a safe and suitable treatment option for you.
- Statins: Leqvio is often combined with statins (e.g., atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) to manage cholesterol levels. However, caution is needed to ensure there is no risk of excessive cholesterol lowering.
- Other Lipid-Lowering Agents: Medications like ezetimibe, which also target cholesterol, may interact with Leqvio. Always consult a doctor before combining these treatments.
- Blood Thinners: While there are no direct interactions, caution is advised when taking anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, apixaban) alongside Leqvio to monitor for bleeding risks or effects on lipid levels.
- Immunosuppressive Drugs: Drugs like cyclosporine, which suppress the immune system, may interact with Leqvio, altering its effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects.
- Other Anti-Cholesterol Medications: Niacin or fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate) may increase the risk of muscle-related side effects when used with Leqvio. Monitoring is essential.
- Oral Contraceptives: There’s no direct contraindication, but combining with other medications might affect lipid metabolism and necessitate further monitoring.
- Corticosteroids: Long-term corticosteroid use (e.g., prednisone) may impact lipid metabolism and interfere with Leqvio’s intended effect on cholesterol levels.
- Rituximab: While not a direct interaction, rituximab, an immunosuppressant, can affect the immune response and may require additional monitoring when used alongside Leqvio.
- HIV Medications (e.g., protease inhibitors): Certain HIV medications may interact with Leqvio due to changes in lipid metabolism or immune system suppression.
- Cytochrome P450 Enzyme Inhibitors or Inducers: Medications that affect liver enzymes (like cytochrome P450 inhibitors or inducers) could potentially alter how Leqvio is metabolized in the body, though the clinical significance is unclear.
What Are the Other Leqvio Interactions?
When considering Leqvio as a treatment option, it’s important to know potential drug interactions that could impact its efficacy or safety. Below is a list of other Leqvio interactions which should be taken into account:
- Other cholesterol-lowering medications: Leqvio may interact with other lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins (atorvastatin, simvastatin), ezetimibe, or fibrates. Co-administration could increase the risk of muscle-related side effects or liver toxicity, although no specific adverse interactions are confirmed for Leqvio.
- Cytochrome P450 enzyme inhibitors/inducers: Leqvio is not extensively metabolized by the cytochrome P450 enzyme system, so interactions with strong CYP450 inhibitors (like ketoconazole) or inducers (like rifampin) are unlikely.
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants): Limited information exists on interactions between Leqvio and blood thinners like warfarin. As a precaution, patients on anticoagulants should be monitored for any bleeding signs or unusual bruising.
- Immunosuppressants: While no direct drug interactions with immunosuppressive therapies (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus) have been reported, caution should be exercised when combining Leqvio with any agents that impact the immune system.
- Other RNA-based therapies: Since Leqvio is an RNA-based therapy (small interfering RNA, or siRNA), combining it with other RNA-based medications should be approached cautiously, as the cumulative effects on RNA interference mechanisms are not fully understood.
- Vaccines: Immunization with certain vaccines may need to be spaced from Leqvio treatment due to concerns regarding immune responses. Consult your healthcare provider to determine the appropriate timing.
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Leqvio should not be used during pregnancy unless necessary. It is also recommended not to be used while breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
- Liver or kidney conditions: No significant interactions with liver or kidney diseases are noted. However, Leqvio should be used cautiously in individuals with severe hepatic impairment, and dose adjustments may be necessary.
- Drug-food interactions: Leqvio can be administered regardless of food, so no known food interactions require specific precautions.
- Other systemic medications: While no major interactions are reported with common systemic treatments, patients should always disclose all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to their healthcare provider to assess any risk of potential interactions.
[Note: This isn’t a complete list, and there could be other drugs that interact with Leqvio. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Leqvio Alternatives?
There are various other medications available that can help manage your condition. Some of these alternatives might be more suitable for you than Leqvio. If you are considering other options, it’s crucial to have a discussion with your doctor. They can provide information about different medications that could effectively treat your condition and suit your specific health needs.
- Lipitor (atorvastatin)
- Zocor (simvastatin)
- Repatha (evolocumab)
- Praluent (alirocumab)
- Zetia (ezetimibe)
- Nexletol (bempedoic acid)
- Tricor (fenofibrate)
- Lopid (gemfibrozil)
- Niaspan (niacin)
- Slo-Niacin (niacin)
- Prevalite (cholestyramine)
- Questran (cholestyramine)
- Welchol (colesevelam)
- Crestor (rosuvastatin)
- Pravachol (pravastatin)
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Leqvio Cost & Coupons
The cost of Leqvio can be significant, with prices often exceeding $1000 per month for those without comprehensive health insurance coverage. Many Americans face high out-of-pocket expenses because their insurance plans may not fully cover medications like Leqvio. To help manage these costs, some people choose to buy Leqvio online from Canada, where the medication is available at a lower price. One option to consider is purchasing Leqvio from services like Polar Bear Meds, which allows customers to order the medication in the USA from Canada. By doing so, patients can benefit from more affordable pricing. Additionally, first-time customers can use the Leqvio coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their initial purchase, making it easier to access this vital treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leqvio a statin?
Leqvio is not a statin. While statins are a common type of medication used to lower cholesterol by affecting the liver’s production of cholesterol, Leqvio works differently. Often, doctors prescribe Leqvio alongside a statin because combining these medications can enhance the overall effectiveness of lowering cholesterol levels. If you have any questions about using Leqvio with a statin, it’s a good idea to discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist to understand how these treatments work together for your cholesterol management.
What should I know about Leqvio vs. Repatha?
Leqvio and Repatha are medications prescribed to lower cholesterol, but they work in slightly different ways and are used for varying conditions. Both are suitable for adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, a genetic condition that leads to high cholesterol. Additionally, Repatha can also be used in adults and some children with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, another genetic cholesterol condition.
Repatha also has the added benefit of reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes in adults with specific types of heart disease. Both medications are administered via injections under the skin. Leqvio injections are given at your doctor’s office every six months after the initial two doses. Repatha is administered more frequently, either every two or four weeks, and you can learn to give yourself these injections at home. For more detailed information on how Leqvio compares to Repatha and to determine which treatment might be best for you, it’s essential to discuss it with your doctor.
How long does it take to work?
Leqvio starts working soon after the first dose is administered. Clinical trials have shown that LDL cholesterol levels typically begin to decrease within 14 days following the initial dose. However, it’s important to understand that you might not feel any different during this time, as high cholesterol usually doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. To track the effectiveness of Leqvio, your doctor will regularly check your cholesterol levels through blood tests. This monitoring helps ensure that the treatment is effectively lowering your cholesterol.
Does Leqvio (Inclisiran) lower triglycerides?
Leqvio (inclisiran), when used alongside a statin, has been shown to help lower triglyceride levels. Research indicates that after approximately 1.5 years of treatment, individuals using both Leqvio and a statin see a reduction in their triglyceride levels. Statins alone are known to reduce triglycerides by about 20 to 40%. Additionally, it’s recommended to combine Leqvio with lifestyle changes that can further help manage triglycerides. These include adopting a Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats, and maintaining a regular exercise routine. These combined approaches enhance the overall effectiveness of the treatment in managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Does Leqvio cause weight gain?
Leqvio (inclisiran) itself does not typically cause weight gain. However, it’s often prescribed along with statins, which are another type of cholesterol-lowering medication. A significant study from 2014 indicated that people who have been taking statins for around ten years might experience some weight gain, possibly due to dietary changes. To maximize the benefits of your cholesterol treatment with Leqvio, it’s crucial to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular physical activity. These habits not only support your treatment but also help in managing your weight. If you notice any changes in your weight after using Leqvio for an extended period, it’s advisable to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
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