Inclisiran (Subcutaneous)

Generic name: inclisiran [ in-kli-SIR-an ]
Brand name: Leqvio
Drug class: Miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 28, 2024.

Uses for inclisiran

Inclisiran injection is used together with a proper diet, alone or together with other medicines (eg, statins), to treat heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in patients who need additional lowering of their LDL cholesterol.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using inclisiran

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of inclisiran injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of inclisiran injection in the elderly.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of inclisiran

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

In addition to this medicine, your doctor may change your diet to one that is low in fat, sugar, and cholesterol. Carefully follow your doctor's order about any special diet.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Precautions while using inclisiran

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of inclisiran

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• difficulty in moving
• muscle pain or stiffness
• pain in the joints

Less common

• Chest tightness
• cough producing mucus
• trouble breathing

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Leqvio

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antihyperlipidemic

Frequently asked questions

• What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?
• Can Leqvio be taken without a statin?
• Does Leqvio cause weight gain?
• How is Leqvio injection administered?
• What is the mechanism of action for Leqvio (inclisiran)?
• Is Leqvio FDA approved as a high cholesterol treatment?
• Who is the actor in the Leqvio commercial?
• Where can I find the Leqvio FDA package insert?
• How does Leqvio work in treating high cholesterol?

View more FAQ

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer