Leqvio (inclisiran) and Repatha (evolocumab) are prescription injectable medications used to treat high cholesterol.
They work to help reducelow-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), or “bad” cholesterol.
To do this, they both target the PCSK9 protein but in slightly different ways.
Maskot / Getty Images
Maskot / Getty Images
What Is Leqvio?
Unlike other injectable cholesterol lowering medications, Leqvio must be administered by a healthcare professional in the clinic.
After the initial injection, subsequent injections should be given three months later and then every six months.
Repatha is a monoclonal antibody targeting PCSK9 to reduce LDL-C.
It is one of two medications in thePCSK9 inhibitordrug class.
This allows the liver to remove more of this bad cholesterol, thus lowering LDL-C levels in the blood.
Repatha can be administered either every two weeks or once monthly.
It is available in three dosage forms: syringe, auto-injector, and on-body infusor.
Each delivery unit contains a single dose of the medications and is intended to only be used once.
It is unknown whether or not Repatha is safe to use during pregnancy.
The needle cover of the injection gadget contains a latex derivative.
Key Similarities
Both Leqvio and Repatha are similar in how they work.
They also have favorable side effect profiles.
Reported side effects are minimal, and the medications are generally tolerable.
Both medications effectively lower LDL-C.
Unfortunately, because these are both newer medications, no generics are currently available.
Consult your healthcare provider and review your prescription insurance coverage to determine your best, most affordable option.
Repatha, however, has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
Other differences between Leqvio and Repatha include how they are administered and the conditions they treat.
Most notably, Leqvio must be administered by a healthcare professional, and Repatha is self-administered.
It is best to proactively monitor for any signs of a reaction, especially following the initial doses.
Prevent injection site reactions by ensuring proper injection technique and rotating injection sites.
Summary
Leqvio and Repatha are prescription injectable medications used to lower LDL-C. Repatha requires more frequent dosing than Leqvio.
Prescribers' Digital Reference.Repatha.
DailyMed.Label: Leqvio - inclisiran injection, solution.
2017;376(18):1713-1722. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1615664
