What are your experiences with Leqvio?

Hi @lloydrjphd

Here are other Connect discussions about Leqvio where others are discussing experience with the drug: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/search/discussions/?search=Leqvio

I couldn’t be happier than taking Leqvio.

What has led to this recommendation? What questions do you have?

LEVQIO clears my nose! The nurse thinks I'm crazy. Try fish 3 times a week and change your diet. I didn't find the LEVQIO reduced my cholesterol. It was given to stop plaque hardening on my arteries because I have the gene for CAD.

@jlharsh

I’m on 10mg rosuvastatin and that reduced my LDL to the mid/higher 60s. Doctor (and I) want to see it below 50. Adding Leqvio seemed like the best choice, since I had a mild reaction (muscle soreness) to the statin when I started on it. Repatha seems to have more side effects and requires specific storage conditions that would be hard to maintain when traveling. So, Repatha was not considered. I am hesitant to go on Higher/maximum statin due to possible risks (even though risk is low?, for example, development of diabetes).

Leqvio sounds like a wonderful solution for you, @lloydrjphd .

If I understand correctly, it is likely this every six month injection will be all you since your LDL is almost to goal now. If you do end up taking rosuvastatin (since it does more than reduce LDL) it may be worth having a conversation with your prescribing doctor about cutting the frequency to 2 or 3 times a week. My understanding is it stays in the body longer than other statins, 3 or 4 days. This way you get the benefits of the drug with a little bit in your system all the time and reducing potential for side effects.

I have my shot scheduled this week and am really looking forward to how it goes. My first four were effective and Repatha was not.

I am interested to hear how your process goes. Do you need to get insurance approval for Leqvio? Will you come back and provide updates?

@jlharsh

Long story! Cardiologist #1 and I agreed with 10mg rosuvastatin plus Leqvio was best path forward. Insurance denied. I appealed (I spent career in drug development) and insurance was then approved. Cardiologist #1 left practice and referred me to cardio #2 to administer Leqvio. Cardio #2 would not administer and told me I should try MAX doses of statin (try others), if not OK, add Zetia, …. If all else failed, he would consider Leqvio. I asked Cardio #2 about his experiences with Leqvio - he had no experiences. Also, Cardio #2 was against “health technology” such as Apple Watch and health app, etc. So, I dropped cardio #2 and have an appointment with Cardio #3 in Jan 2026 (Cardio #3 and #1 were in the same practice - cardio #2 was in a different location). Cardio #2 really did NOT want to hear or listen to what I had to say - he had his approach and was sticking to it.

How frustrating, @lloydrjphd. You have a good handle on what will work well for you and it sounds like you are ready to go!

I, too had a Cardiologist #1 that was super helpful and made everything clear for me. He retired and that seemed to get everything off track. The experience really makes me appreciate my current care.

I am interested to hear how your journey continues. Will you come back and provide an update? Do you have any tips as to how to find a cardiologist, or maybe how to leave one?

@jlharsh

I will stay connected on this board. My Cardio #3 appt is in mod January, so I will post the outcome from that initial appt.

How to find a cardiologist? I was transferred to #2 by #1 before he left. #2 recommended in part since he was closer to my home. I read reviews of #1, #2 and #3 after meeting with #2. #1 had all 5 star ratings as well as #3. Unfortunately, #2 had only a 3 star rating - patients complained he really didn’t listen to them and just wanted to impress with his medical knowledge.

I suggest anyone looking for a cardiologist look online for reviews and see if that provides any insight.