What is Leqvio (Inclisiran)?
Leqvio (pronounced “LEK-vee-oh”) is a prescription medicine used to lower LDL cholesterol — often called “bad cholesterol.”
It contains the active ingredient Inclisiran, which works differently from traditional cholesterol medicines like statins. Leqvio is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection) by a healthcare professional.
It is mainly prescribed for people who:
- Have high LDL cholesterol that doesn’t improve enough with diet and statins
- Have atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)
- Have familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) — a genetic condition causing very high cholesterol
Table of Contents
Leqvio Mechanism of Action
Leqvio works in a unique and modern way compared to statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Here’s how:
- Leqvio contains Inclisiran, a small interfering RNA (siRNA).
- It blocks the production of a protein called PCSK9 in the liver.
- PCSK9 normally destroys LDL receptors — which remove cholesterol from your blood.
- By stopping PCSK9, Leqvio helps your body retain more LDL receptors and remove more bad cholesterol from your bloodstream.
This means your LDL cholesterol levels drop significantly and stay low for longer periods.
Leqvio Dosage & Administration (How to Take It)
Leqvio is not a daily pill — it’s an injection given by a healthcare provider.
Here’s the Leqvio dose schedule:
- First dose – given on Day 1
- Second dose – after 3 months
- Maintenance dose – every 6 months after that
Each dose contains 284 mg of Inclisiran in a 1.5 mL prefilled syringe.
You don’t have to take it at home. It’s usually injected into the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh at the doctor’s clinic.
Leqvio Injection Price (2025 Update)
The cost of Leqvio can vary based on your country, insurance, and pharmacy.
As of 2025, in the United States:
- The average price per injection of Leqvio (284 mg) is around $3,200 to $3,600 USD.
- Since it’s given twice a year, the annual cost is about $6,400–$7,200.
However, most insurance plans and Novartis (the manufacturer) offer copay and patient assistance programs, which can reduce your cost significantly.
In India and other countries, prices may differ and are often lower than in the U.S.
Leqvio vs Statins
| Feature | Leqvio (Inclisiran) | Statins (e.g., Atorvastatin, Rosuvastatin) |
|---|---|---|
| Type | siRNA cholesterol-lowering injection | Oral tablets |
| Dosage | Twice a year (after initial doses) | Daily |
| How it works | Blocks PCSK9 production | Reduces cholesterol production in liver |
| LDL Reduction | 50–60% | 30–50% |
| Common Side Effects | Injection site reactions | Muscle pain, liver enzyme rise |
| Convenience | Very high | Requires daily use |
Is Leqvio better than statins?
Leqvio is not a replacement but an addition for people who still have high cholesterol despite taking statins. It works well alongside statins or for those who can’t tolerate statins due to side effects.
Leqvio vs Repatha (PCSK9 Inhibitor Comparison)
Both Leqvio and Repatha (Evolocumab) target PCSK9, but their methods differ.
| Feature | Leqvio (Inclisiran) | Repatha (Evolocumab) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Stops PCSK9 production (siRNA) | Blocks PCSK9 protein directly (antibody) |
| Dosing Frequency | Every 6 months | Every 2–4 weeks |
| Administration | In clinic | Self-injection at home |
| Effectiveness | Similar LDL reduction (50–60%) | Similar LDL reduction (50–60%) |
| Convenience | Very high | Moderate |
Is Leqvio better than Repatha?
If you prefer fewer injections, Leqvio is more convenient.
But if you need faster results or home administration, Repatha might be preferred.
Doctors often decide based on patient lifestyle, tolerance, and cost.
Who Should Take Leqvio?
Leqvio is usually prescribed for:
- Adults with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD)
- Adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)
- People whose LDL cholesterol remains high despite taking statins and eating healthy
Leqvio is not for children and not for people with mild cholesterol elevation that can be managed with diet alone.
Leqvio Side Effects
Like all medicines, Leqvio may cause side effects. Most are mild and short-term.
Common Side Effects:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Joint pain (arthralgia)
- Cold or flu-like symptoms
- Back pain
- Fatigue
Less Common or Serious Side Effects:
- Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling)
- Trouble breathing (rare)
- Liver enzyme changes (rare — requires monitoring)
If you notice serious allergic reactions after the injection, seek medical help immediately.
Warnings & Precautions Before Using Leqvio
Before starting Leqvio, tell your doctor if you:
- Are pregnant or planning pregnancy
- Are breastfeeding
- Have liver problems
- Have a history of allergic reactions to injections
Leqvio has not been fully studied in pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid it unless clearly needed.
Also, it’s not known if Inclisiran passes into breast milk — so always consult your doctor first.
Benefits of Leqvio: Why It’s a Game-Changer
Long-lasting effect: Just two injections per year maintain cholesterol control.
Better patient compliance: No need to remember daily pills.
Fewer side effects: Compared to some statins.
Works with or without statins: Can be combined or used alone.
Strong evidence: Proven in clinical trials to reduce LDL up to 60%.
For busy people who struggle with daily medication, Leqvio offers simplicity and effectiveness.
Leqvio Clinical Trials and Effectiveness
In large studies like ORION-9, ORION-10, and ORION-11, researchers found that:
- Leqvio reduced LDL cholesterol by about 50–60%
- The effect lasted for 6 months or longer
- It showed no major safety concerns
These results made Leqvio one of the most innovative cholesterol treatments approved in recent years.
Patient Experience and Real-Life Results
Many patients report:
“After my second Leqvio shot, my LDL dropped from 180 to 80 in just months.”
“I love not having to take pills every day — just two shots a year.”
However, some mention mild soreness at the injection site, which usually goes away within a few days.
Tips for Best Results with Leqvio
- Don’t skip follow-ups – Always get injections on time (every 6 months).
- Continue healthy eating – Low-fat, high-fiber diet supports results.
- Stay active – Exercise helps raise HDL (“good cholesterol”).
- Check cholesterol levels – Regular testing helps track progress.
- Inform your doctor about any new symptoms or allergies.
FAQs
1. What is Leqvio used for?
Leqvio is used to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with ASCVD or HeFH, especially when statins alone aren’t enough.
2. Is Leqvio better than statins?
Leqvio works differently. It’s not a replacement, but it’s great for those who can’t tolerate or don’t get enough benefit from statins.
3. Is Leqvio better than Repatha?
Both are effective. Leqvio is more convenient (twice a year), while Repatha is more frequent (biweekly or monthly).
4. How much does Leqvio cost?
Around $3,200–$3,600 per injection in the U.S., but assistance programs can reduce it.
5. Does Leqvio cause serious side effects?
Serious side effects are rare. Most people experience mild injection site pain or flu-like symptoms.
6. How do you pronounce Leqvio?
It’s pronounced “LEK-vee-oh.”
