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What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 27, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Both Leqvio and Repatha are injectable medicines used to lower low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels (also referred to as "bad cholesterol"). While they target the same protein (PCSK9), they work differently to help your body manage cholesterol levels.

How They Work

Leqvio:

Repatha:

Who Can Use These Medications?

Leqvio is approved for:

Repatha can be used by:

Treatment Schedule

Leqvio:

Repatha:

Working with Other Treatments

Both medications:

Work best with:

Key Facts: Leqvio Vs Repatha
Levqio Repatha
Generic name Inclisiran Evolocumab
Company Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation Amgen
FDA Approval date Dec 2021 Aug 2015
Generic availability None None
Drug class PCSK9 inhibitor (subclass: small interfering RNA [siRNA]) PCSK9 inhibitor (subclass: human monoclonal antibody)
Dosage form Subcutaneous injection (administered by a healthcare professional) Subcutaneous injection (self-administered)
Use Reduces LDL cholesterol levels Reduces LDL cholesterol levels
Indicated for
  • Primary hyperlipidemia including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)
  • Adults with established cardiovascular disease to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Primary hyperlipidemia
  • Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in adults and children aged
  • 10 and older
  • Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in adults and adolescents aged 13 years or older
Dosing schedule and administration Once every 6 months (2 doses per year)* Once every 2 to 4 weeks
Common side effects
  • Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, or redness)
  • Joint pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Bronchitis
  • Pain in the legs and arms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Injection site reactions
  • Nasopharyngitis/sinusitis
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Influenza
  • Back pain and muscle pain
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • High blood pressure
  • Diarrhea
  • Gastroenteritis
Warnings and precautions No contraindications listed Rarely, serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur; monitor for any signs of a rash or anaphylaxis and discontinue if noted
Approximate cost $7,200 per year $6,800 per year

*After an initial course of 2 injections, 3 months apart

Related questions

References
  • Leqvio (inclisiran) Prescribing Information https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/leqvio.pdf
  • What is Leqvio. Leqvio.com. https://www.leqvio.com/what-is-leqvio
  • Repatha Prescribing Information https://www.repatha.com/-/media/Themes/Amgen/Repatha-com/Repatha-com/PDFs/repatha_pi_hcp_english.pdf
  • US FDA approves expanded indication for Novartis Leqvio® (inclisiran) to include treatment of adults with high LDL-C and who are at increased risk of heart disease. July 10, 2023. https://www.novartis.com/us-en/news/media-releases/us-fda-approves-expanded-indication-novartis-leqvio-inclisiran-include-treatment-adults-high-ldl-c-and-who-are-increased-risk-heart-disease

Read next

What is the best time of day to take Repatha?

You can inject Repatha at any time of the day, but usually people prefer injecting Repatha during daylight hours because it takes 30 to 45 minutes for it to warm up to room temperature, and you need to be able to easily see what you are doing while you are injecting it. Continue reading

How long can Repatha be kept unrefrigerated?

Repatha can be left unrefrigerated for up to 30 days at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) as long as it is kept in its original box and is not kept somewhere that gets hotter than 77°F (25°C), for example, a car glove box. This makes it easier to take your medicine with you when you’re on the go. Do not put Repatha back in the refrigerator once you have taken it out. Continue reading

Can Repatha cause high blood pressure?

Repatha can cause high blood pressure (hypertension) as a side effect. Continue reading

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