Inclisiran (Leqvio)
Inclisiran (Leqvio) lowers production of PCSK9 in the liver. In ORION-10 and ORION-11, it lowered LDL cholesterol by 52.3% and 49.9% versus placebo at day 510 on existing therapy. Study results
How much does inclisiran lower LDL cholesterol?
Inclisiran lowered LDL cholesterol by 52.3% versus placebo in ORION-10 and 49.9% in ORION-11 at day 510. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 284 mg; ORION-10 | 52.3% vs. placebo |
| 284 mg; ORION-11 | 49.9% vs. placebo |
Both trials used initial dosing, a dose at three months, then dosing every six months. Participants continued background lipid-lowering treatment.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is inclisiran taken?
A healthcare professional gives Leqvio as a 284 mg injection under the skin initially, again at three months, and every six months thereafter. The first year therefore has more injections than later maintenance years. Prescribing information.
How does inclisiran compare with other medications?
Leqvio’s twice-yearly maintenance schedule differs from the every-two-week or monthly schedules of Repatha and Praluent. Administration in a clinic also changes billing: check both the drug and administration charges.
Which medications can be combined with inclisiran?
This treatment can be used on top of a statin, often with Ezetimibe. Combining multiple PCSK9-directed drugs is not a routine strategy; switching agents is different from taking them together. The choice depends on the needed LDL reduction, dosing preference, and insurance requirements.
How much does inclisiran cost?
Request a benefits review and an estimate for both the drug and the injection visit. Manufacturer support eligibility and medical-benefit cost sharing can change the final amount. Offers checked October 6, 2026; availability and eligibility can change.
Leqvio patient support
Request a benefits review and an estimate for both the drug and the injection visit. Manufacturer support eligibility and medical-benefit cost sharing can change the final amount.
GoodRx
Compare available pharmacy cash prices and coupons for the exact product and quantity. A pharmacy price may exclude administration charges and may differ from a manufacturer program.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover inclisiran?
Coverage for inclisiran varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare requires clinical authorization under the medical benefit. The policy includes statin-treatment or intolerance criteria and prior PCSK9-therapy failure, contraindication, or intolerance; qualifying diagnosis and LDL thresholds also apply. Commercial medical-benefit policy. |
| Aetna | Aetna requires precertification and specialist involvement. Adult pathways include ASCVD with LDL at least 70 mg/dL (55 mg/dL in specified higher-risk patients), or untreated LDL at least 190 with current LDL at least 100, plus statin treatment or documented intolerance. Medical policy 1004. |
| Cigna | Cigna requires prior authorization under policy IP0380, with separate pathways for HeFH, ASCVD, HoFH, and other hypercholesterolemia. Approval depends on documented diagnosis and treatment history; renewal requires a response to therapy. Drug coverage policy IP0380. |
| Anthem | Published clinical criteria require qualifying HeFH or ASCVD, maximally tolerated statin treatment or documented intolerance, and inadequate response despite at least 90 days of therapy and lifestyle measures. Clinical criteria CC-0209; confirm current plan adoption. |
| Blue Shield of California | Blue Shield of California requires prior authorization, LDL at least 70 mg/dL (55 at extreme risk), and at least eight weeks of high-intensity statin treatment or documented intolerance/contraindication. Inadequate response, intolerance, or contraindication to Repatha is also required. Commercial medical-benefit policy, June 2026. |
| BCBS of Texas | No listing for inclisiran was located in this named pharmacy formulary. This does not establish a denial; ask the plan about its current drug list, exceptions, and medical-benefit coverage. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of inclisiran?
Injection-site reactions, joint pain, and bronchitis were reported in adult trials. Serious allergic reactions are possible. Discuss pregnancy with the prescriber; the label advises discontinuation when pregnancy is recognized. Full safety information.
Does inclisiran reduce heart attacks or strokes?
The ORION trials cited here establish LDL lowering. They do not establish the same heart-attack or stroke benefit demonstrated in the dedicated outcomes trials of evolocumab and alirocumab. LDL efficacy and clinical-event evidence should be considered separately. Read the supporting evidence.
Is inclisiran right for you?
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