Leqvio

Leqvio is a prescription medication used in combination with a statin drug to lower bad (LDL) cholesterol. It is the first in a group of drugs called small interfering RNA (siRNA) therapy drugs. Leqvio works by stopping RNA that is involved in the production of substances that regulate cholesterol absorption.

Leqvio comes in an injectable form to be administered subcutaneously (just under the skin) by a health care provider. After the first injection and a follow-up injection three months later, Leqvio is administered only twice per year after that.

Common side effects include joint pain, diarrhea, pain in the legs or arms, urinary tract infection, chest cold, shortness of breath, and rash, redness and pain at the injection site.

• Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation

The recommended dosage of Leqvio, in combination with a statin medication, is 284 mg administered as a single subcutaneous injection (under the skin) initially, again at 3 months, and then every 6 months.