Leqvio (inclisiran) is a brand-name drug used to lower cholesterol in certain adults. Leqvio comes as a solution in a single-dose syringe that a healthcare professional administers as a subcutaneous injection according to a dosing schedule.
Leqvio is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
Doctors typically prescribe Leqvio in combination with a balanced diet and certain other drugs called statins.
Leqvio belongs to a drug class called PCSK9 inhibitors. Leqvio is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Leqvio, including its strength and how you will receive the medication. For a comprehensive look at Leqvio, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Leqvio provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Leqvio dosage that’s right for you.
The information below describes Leqvio’s recommended dosages. Your doctor will prescribe the correct Leqvio dosage for you.
Leqvio form
Leqvio comes as a solution in a single-dose syringe. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will inject Leqvio subcutaneously. You’ll receive your injection at your doctor’s office or a clinic.
Leqvio strength
Leqvio comes in one strength: 284 milligrams (mg) per 1.5 milliliters (mL) of solution.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage amount to fit your needs.
Note: Leqvio’s dosing is not based on weight.
Dosage for lowering LDL cholesterol
The recommended Leqvio dose to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, is 284 mg per injection.
After 3 months, you’ll receive a second 284-mg injection. Then, every 6 months, you’ll receive one 284-mg injection.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will inject each Leqvio dose.
Long-term treatment
Leqvio is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Leqvio is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Leqvio comes as a solution in a prefilled syringe for subcutaneous injection. You’ll receive the injection at your doctor’s office or a clinic.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will inject Leqvio under the skin on your abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. They’ll avoid injecting into any areas that are injured, inflamed, infected, or have rashes.
When you first start treatment, your doctor will describe the frequency of your injections. After your first injection, you will receive a second injection 3 months later. You’ll then receive an injection every 6 months.
If you have questions about how or when you will receive Leqvio, talk with your doctor.
Below are some frequently asked questions about Leqvio. If you have additional questions, your doctor or pharmacist can provide you with more information.
Will my dosage need to be adjusted if I have liver or kidney problems?
No. Your doctor won’t typically adjust your Leqvio dosage if you have mild or moderate kidney or liver problems. However, it’s important to note that Leqvio has not been studied in people with severe liver problems. It is also unknown whether the drug is safe to use if you have end stage kidney disease.
If you have problems with your kidney or liver, talk with your doctor before starting your Leqvio treatment.
Will my doctor start me on a lower dosage and change it during my treatment?
No. Your doctor will likely prescribe the same Leqvio dose throughout your treatment. However, the frequency of your dose will likely change. For more details, see the “How Leqvio is given” section above.
If you have questions about your dosage, talk with your doctor.
Is the dosage of Leqvio similar to the dosage of Repatha?
No, Leqvio and Repatha come in some different forms and are given according to different dosage schedules. In addition, Repatha is prescribed to treat certain conditions that Leqvio is not used to treat.
Leqvio and Repatha (evolocumab) are both solutions that are available in prefilled syringes for subcutaneous injection. In addition, Repatha may be injected with an auto-injector called SureClick.
The drugs are given at different frequencies. The first injection of Leqvio is typically followed by another injection 3 months later. Then, injections are given every 6 months. However, Repatha is typically injected every 2 weeks or once each month.
The dose in milligrams for each drug differs because they have different active ingredients. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.
Leqvio and Repatha are approved to decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in adults with primary hyperlipidemia. Repatha is also approved to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke and the need for certain types of heart surgery in adults with heart disease.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
If you miss your Leqvio injection appointment, call your doctor’s office to reschedule as soon as you remember. They can help determine when you’ll need to receive your next dose.
If it’s been over 3 months since your missed dose, your doctor will likely recommend restarting your Leqvio dosing schedule. For dosage details, see the “Leqvio dosage” section above.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Leqvio for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. If you have questions about the dosage of Leqvio that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Leqvio. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Leqvio: For information about other aspects of Leqvio, refer to this article.
- Cost: For details about the price of Leqvio, see this article.
- Side effects: To learn about side effects that Leqvio may cause, read this article. For more information, you can also see the drug’s prescribing information.
- Details about your condition: For details about your condition, see our cardiovascular health and cholesterol hubs.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.