Leqvio: A New Approach to Lowering Bad Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that helps the body build cells and produce vitamins and hormones. But when there's too much cholesterol in the blood—especially the "bad" kind called low-density lipoprotein (LDL)—it can become a serious health concern. This LDL cholesterol builds up in the arteries and leads to atherosclerosis—a condition that narrows or blocks blood vessels and increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.¹

Reducing LDL cholesterol is one of the most important steps in preventing and managing heart disease.² That’s why doctors commonly prescribe statins, a group of medicines proven to lower LDL levels and reduce the risk of heart-related events.³

When statins aren’t enough 

While statins work well for many people, they don’t work the same for everyone.⁴ In fact:

Some people don’t respond as strongly to statins.⁴

   - Others experience side effects and cannot tolerate them.⁵

   - Nearly 30% discontinue statin treatment⁶

That’s where newer medications like Leqvio come into the picture.

Leqvio: A modern solution to lowering cholesterol

Leqvio is a new type of cholesterol-lowering treatment. It’s approved for adults who⁷:

   - Have high LDL cholesterol despite taking statins

   - Have mixed dyslipidemia or hypercholesterolemia

   - Cannot tolerate statins and need another option to lower their cholesterol

How does Leqvio work?

Leqvio works by targeting a protein in the liver called PCSK9.⁷

Let’s break it down simply:

    - The liver removes LDL cholesterol from the blood using special “receptors.”⁸

    - A protein called PCSK9 can destroy these receptors, making it harder for the body to remove LDL cholesterol.⁹

    - Leqvio prevents the body from making PCSK9 in the first place. This allows more LDL receptors to stay active, removing more “bad” cholesterol from your bloodstream.⁷

The active ingredient in Leqvio, inclisiran, uses a technology called RNA interference to block the production of PCSK9 at the genetic level. This decrease in the levels of PCSK9 results in increased clearance of LDL cholesterol levels.³

How is Leqvio administered? 

One of the most appealing aspects of Leqvio is its convenient dosing schedule. It is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection), usually in a clinic or hospital.¹⁰

Dosing Schedule³:

    - First dose: Day 0

    - Second dose: After 3 months

    - Maintenance doses: Once every 6 months (twice a year)

This schedule makes Leqvio especially suitable for people who find it hard to take daily medications or prefer less frequent treatment.³

Where is it injected?

A healthcare provider will usually inject Leqvio into the abdomen, upper arm, and thigh.

Precautions before initiating Leqvio

Before receiving Leqvio, patients should make sure that the doctor knows if they are¹⁰:

    - have severe liver or kidney problems

    - receiving dialysis

    - pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

    - have any allergies or prior reactions to medications

Possible side effects of Leqvio 

Leqvio is generally well-tolerated. Most people don’t experience significant side effects, but like all medications, some mild symptoms may occur.¹⁰

Common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people)¹⁰:

     - Injection site reactions: pain, redness, swelling, or a rash

If experiencing anything unusual or severe, must visit doctor right away.

Storage and Safety Guidelines 

Leqvio is typically administered in a healthcare setting, but in case you need to store it temporarily at home¹⁰:

    - This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

    - Do not freeze

Unused or expired medication should be returned to your pharmacy or healthcare provider for safe disposal.

How Does Leqvio Compare to Other Cholesterol-Lowering Options? 

Leqvio provides a powerful yet simple option for people who need extra help controlling their cholesterol.

Accessing Leqvio in India: The Named Patient Program (NPP)

Leqvio is not yet widely available in all parts of the world, including India. However, patients in India can access Leqvio through a special channel called the Named Patient Program (NPP).¹¹

What is the NPP? 

The NPP allows doctors to prescribe medications that are not yet commercially available in India but are approved in other countries. Through this regulated system, patients can receive:

    - Legally authorized medication

    - High-quality, original drug supply

    - Support in documentation, delivery, and follow-up

If you’re in India and Leqvio is recommended for you, your doctor can help you apply for access through the NPP available at the Rx4U portal.

Key Takeaways: What You Should Know About Leqvio

    - Leqvio (inclisiran) is a modern cholesterol-lowering treatment designed to reduce LDL cholesterol by about 50%

    - It works by blocking PCSK9 production in the liver, allowing better clearance of cholesterol

    - Ideal for people with familial hypercholesterolemia, heart disease, or inadequate response to statins

    - Requires only two injections per year after initial doses

    - Has a convenient dosing schedule and a good safety profile

    - Available in India via the Named Patient Program

FAQs About Leqvio 

1. Is Leqvio better than statins?

Not necessarily better, but different. Statins are still the first-line therapy.³ Leqvio is typically used in addition to statins or when statins aren’t enough.⁷

2. How quickly does Leqvio work?

You’ll begin to see a drop in LDL levels within weeks after the first dose, with full effect after the second dose. The benefits continue with regular 6-month dosing.³

3. Is it safe to use Leqvio long term?

Yes, long-term studies have shown Leqvio to be both effective and safe for sustained cholesterol reduction.¹⁰

4. Can I take Leqvio if I’m allergic to statins?

Yes. Leqvio may be a good option for patients who cannot tolerate statins, though your doctor may recommend combining it with other non-statin medications as well.⁷

Note:

The information provided is for education purpose only and is subjected to prescribing information of the drug and the guidance of your treating physician. Always consult your health care provider before making any medical decision for starting your treatment.

Disclaimer:

Rx4U procures prescribed medicines directly from manufacturers or authorized distributors. It does not claim ownership of any trademarks and complies with the provisions of the Trademark Act, 1999, particularly Sections 30 and 30(1) concerning ‘Fair Use’. It solely facilitates access to new launches through named patient import.

References:

    - Cholesterol 101: an introduction. American Heart Association. Updated February 16, 2024. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/about-cholesterol

    - Poli A, Catapano AL, Corsini A, Manzato E, Werba JP, Catena G, et al. LDL-cholesterol control in the primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases: An expert opinion for clinicians and health professionals. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2023;33(2):245-57.

    - Cholesterol lowering drugs. NCBI Bookshelf. Updated February 12, 2024. Accessed June 19, 2025.

    - Karlson BW, Wiklund O, Palmer MK, Nicholls SJ, Lundman P, Barter PJ. Variability of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol response with different doses of atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin: results from VOYAGER. Eur Heart J Cardiovasc Pharmacother. 2016;2(4):212-7.

    - Bytyci I, Penson PE, Mikhailidis DP, Wong ND, Hernandez AV, Sahebkar A, et al. Prevalence of statin intolerance: a meta-analysis. Heart J. 2022;43(34):3213-23.

    - Bradley CK, Wang TY, Li S, Robinson JG, Roger VL, Goldberg AC, et al. Patient‐reported reasons for declining or discontinuing statin therapy: insights from the PALM registry. J Am Heart Assoc. 2019;8(7):e011765.

    - European Medicines Agency. Updated November 25, 2024. Accessed June 19, 2025. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/leqvio

    - Goldstein JL, Brown MS. The LDL receptor. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2009;29(4):431-8.

    - Horton JD, Cohen JC, Hobbs HH. Molecular biology of PCSK9: its role in LDL metabolism. Trends Biochem Sci. 2007;32(2):71-7.

    - Prescribing Information. Novartis Europharm Limited.

    - Patil S. Early access programs: Benefits, challenges, and key considerations for successful implementation. Perspect Clin Res. 2016;7(1):4-8. doi:10.4103/2229-3485.173779