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Taking leqvio

Heart & Blood Health | Last Active: 3 days ago | Replies (20)

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Here’s a clear, straightforward explanation from a medical perspective about *Leqvio* and how it should be administered.

Short answer:
Skipping the initial 3-month loading dose of Leqvio (inclisiran) is not ideal and not how the medication is designed to work, but it isn’t typically dangerous. The issue is that you may not get the full LDL-lowering effect without the loading dose.

How Leqvio Normally Works:

Leqvio’s recommended schedule is:

Dose #1.

Dose #2 at 3 months.

Then every 6 months.

That 3-month “loading dose” helps quickly bring your LDL down and stabilize the drug’s effect. After that, the twice-yearly schedule maintains it.

What happens if you skip the 3-month dose?

The medication will still work, but more slowly.

Your LDL level may not drop as much as intended.

It’s not harmful to your body to skip it—just less effective for cholesterol control.

The loading dose is recommended by all guidelines and the FDA, so skipping it is off-label.

Why your doctor may be suggesting this:

Sometimes clinics propose this if:

You’re moving and will not be able to return for the 3-month shot.

They want to avoid gaps in treatment once you’ve relocated.

It’s a practical workaround, but not the most effective medical approach.

What you can ask your doctor*

To make the best decision, you might ask:

“Is there a way to schedule the 3-month dose at my new location?”

“If I skip the loading dose, how much less LDL reduction should I expect?”

“Can you coordinate with another clinic so I follow the standard schedule?”

Bottom line:

Not dangerous, but not the recommended dosing.

Best: follow the standard 0-month → 3-month → every 6 months schedule.

Acceptable alternative only if logistics absolutely prevent the loading dose.

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Replies to "Here’s a clear, straightforward explanation from a medical perspective about *Leqvio* and how it should be..."

@tommy901 Is the first dose of Leqvio/inclisiran that you referred to as a "loading dose" a different strength, quantity, or ingredients than the follow-on doses at 3 months and then 6 month intervals? If so, is it possible that the side effects would differ for the first dose as compared to future doses (i.e., less/more/different)?