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Inclisiran (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 2, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

  • Leqvio

Available Dosage Forms:

  • Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antihyperlipidemic

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) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in patients who need additional lowering of their LDL cholesterol.

Inclisiran 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 inclisiran, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to inclisiran 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. However, elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of inclisiran than younger adults.

Breastfeeding

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 inclisiran. It is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

In addition to inclisiran, 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 inclisiran is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

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

Inclisiran side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  • Trouble breathing

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

  • Bladder pain
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • chest tightness
  • cough producing mucus
  • diarrhea
  • difficulty, burning, or painful urination
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • lower back or side pain
  • pain in the arms or legs

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.

Frequently asked questions

View more FAQ

Further information

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