This page contains brief details about the drug , it's indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Inclisiran was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on December 22, 2021 to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol which belongs to the class of medications called proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type-9 [PCSK-9] 

Mechanism of Action of undefined

Inclisiran is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) molecule that interferes with the production of PCSK9 protein in the liver. By inhibiting PCSK9 synthesis, inclisiran increases the number of LDL receptors on liver cells, promoting the clearance of LDL cholesterol from the blood. This mechanism ultimately leads to lower LDL cholesterol levels in the bloodstream, helping to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.

Uses of undefined

Inclisiran  is used to lower  high cholesterol levels in your blood (primary hypercholesterolaemia, including heterozygous familial and non-familial, or mixed dyslipidemia)  together with a statin or a cholesterol-lowering diet.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

Inclisiran will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting.  It is usually administered as a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, upper arm, or thigh. Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors. The second dose is given after 3 months and the subsequent dose every 6 months. It is available in the dose of 284mg.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

It is not recommended to use this medication if you are allergic to the active compound Inclisiran or its components. It is not recommended to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is advised to consult your physician regarding further queries. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents below 18 years.

Precautions

You should be taking a statin and following a diet to reduce your cholesterol before beginning this therapy. For the duration that you are receiving inclisiran, you should continue taking the statin and adhering to this cholesterol-lowering diet. Do not stop taking this medicine without consulting your doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have kidney disorders, breathing problems, liver disorders, heart problems, intolerance to sugars before taking this medicine. Inform your physician or pharmacist of any additional medications you are taking, have recently taken, or may take, including over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Inclisiran Injection are injection site reactions like redness, rash and pain, arthralgia, bronchitis, fever, chills and headache . If you experience any allergic reactions and serious adverse reactions, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

It is advised to adopt heart-healthy lifestyle practices, such as eating a balanced diet low in saturated and trans fats, exercising frequently, keeping a healthy weight, and quitting smoking, in addition to taking inclisiran. It is advised not to stop your regular statin medications and follow proper diet since inclisiran is only effective along with these two therapies. It is not recommended to discontinue the drug without the advice of a healthcare professional even if your symptoms improve.  Follow your doctor's advice and routinely check your cholesterol levels. This facilitates monitoring inclisiran's efficacy and enables prompt modification of your treatment regimen, if necessary. If a dose is missed for more than three months, a new dosing regimen needs to be initiated. 

Frequently Asked Question

References

  1. Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation , US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on July 2023] [ Accessed on 05-03-2024 ], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/214012s009lbl.pdf
  2. Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on November 2022] [ Accessed on 05-03-2024], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.12039.pdf 
  3. Leqvio, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Ltd, https://www.leqvio.com/

Disclaimer

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.