Leqvio Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Taking This Drug

Leqvio is a prescription medication that is used to lower the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in adults who have high cholesterol and heart disease. Leqvio belongs to a class of drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors, which work by blocking a protein that prevents the liver from removing LDL from the blood.
Leqvio is given as an injection under the skin once every six months. It is usually used along with other cholesterol-lowering treatments, such as statins, diet, and exercise.
Leqvio can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Some of the most common side effects include injection site reactions, joint pain, urinary tract infections, diarrhea, and bronchitis. Some of the rare but serious side effects include severe allergic reactions, liver problems, and kidney problems.
In this article, we will explain the causes, symptoms, and treatments of the most common and serious side effects of Leqvio. We will also provide some tips and precautions to help you prevent or manage these side effects.
Common Side Effects of Leqvio
The following are some of the most common side effects that may occur in people who take Leqvio. These side effects are usually mild or moderate and may go away on their own within a few days or weeks. However, if they persist or worsen, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Injection Site Reactions
Injection site reactions are one of the most common side effects of Leqvio. They occur in about 8% of people who take the drug. Injection site reactions include:
- redness
- pain
- swelling
- bruising
- rash
- itching
These reactions usually happen within a few hours after the injection and last for a few days. They are usually mild and do not require any treatment. However, you can apply ice or a cold compress to the affected area to reduce the pain and swelling. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, if needed.
To prevent or reduce injection site reactions, you should:
- rotate your injection sites with each dose. Do not use the same site more than once every six months.
- avoid injecting into areas that are irritated, infected, scarred, or tattooed.
- clean your injection site with an alcohol swab before and after the injection.
- use a new needle for each injection and dispose of it safely in a puncture-proof container.
Joint Pain
Joint pain is another common side effect of Leqvio. It occurs in about 5% of people who take the drug Joint pain can affect any joint in your body, such as your knees, hips, shoulders, or elbows. It can cause stiffness, swelling, or reduced range of motion.
Joint pain may be caused by inflammation or damage to your joints due to high cholesterol levels or other factors. Leqvio may help reduce joint pain by lowering your cholesterol levels and improving your blood flow.
Joint pain may improve over time as your body adjusts to Leqvio. However, if it is severe or interferes with your daily activities, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They may prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce the pain and inflammation. They may also recommend physical therapy, exercise, or other treatments to improve your joint function and mobility.
To prevent or reduce joint pain, you should:
- maintain a healthy weight and avoid putting too much pressure on your joints.
- eat a balanced diet that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin D, and antioxidants.
- drink plenty of water and stay hydrated.
- avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
- warm up before exercising and stretch after exercising.
- use supportive devices such as braces, splints, or cushions if needed.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are infections that affect any part of your urinary system, such as your bladder, urethra, or kidneys. UTIs are more common in women than men, and they can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses. UTIs can occur in about 4% of people who take Leqvio.
UTIs can cause symptoms such as:
- burning, pain, or difficulty when urinating
- frequent or urgent need to urinate
- cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- lower abdominal or back pain
- fever, chills, or nausea
UTIs can be treated with antibiotics, which kill the germs that cause the infection. You should see your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you have any signs or symptoms of a UTI. They will prescribe the appropriate antibiotic for you and advise you on how to take it. You should complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent the infection from coming back or becoming resistant to the drug.
To prevent or reduce UTIs, you should:
- drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to flush out your urinary system
- urinate as soon as you feel the need and empty your bladder completely
- wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria from your anus to your urethra
- avoid using scented or harsh products on your genital area, such as soap, douches, or sprays
- wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes to keep your genital area dry and clean
- practice safe sex and use condoms or other barrier methods to prevent the transmission of germs
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a condition where you have loose or watery stools more than three times a day. Diarrhea can be caused by various factors, such as infections, food intolerance, stress, or medication. Diarrhea can occur in about 4% of people who take Leqvio.
Diarrhea can cause symptoms such as:
- abdominal cramps or pain
- bloating or gas
- nausea or vomiting
- loss of appetite or weight
- dehydration or electrolyte imbalance
Diarrhea usually goes away on its own within a few days. However, if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as blood in your stool, fever, or signs of dehydration, you should see your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They may prescribe anti-diarrheal drugs, such as loperamide or bismuth subsalicylate, to slow down your bowel movements and reduce the fluid loss. They may also recommend probiotics, such as yogurt or supplements, to restore the balance of good bacteria in your gut.
To prevent or reduce diarrhea, you should:
- drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juice, broth, or oral rehydration solutions, to replace the fluids and electrolytes that you lose through your stool
- eat small and frequent meals that are bland, low in fat, and high in fiber, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, oatmeal, or crackers
- avoid foods and drinks that can worsen your diarrhea, such as dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, spicy foods, fried foods, or artificial sweeteners
- wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the spread of germs that can cause diarrhea
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. Bronchitis can occur in about 3% of people who take Leqvio.
Bronchitis can cause symptoms such as:
- coughing up mucus that may be clear, yellow, green, or brown
- wheezing or shortness of breath
- chest tightness or pain
- fever, chills, or fatigue
Bronchitis usually improves on its own within a few weeks. However, if it is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as blood in your mucus, high fever, or trouble breathing, you should see your doctor or pharmacist for advice. They may prescribe antibiotics if your bronchitis is caused by bacteria, or bronchodilators if your bronchitis is causing wheezing or breathing difficulties. They may also recommend over-the-counter drugs such as cough suppressants, expectorants, or pain relievers to ease your symptoms.
To prevent or reduce bronchitis, you should:
- avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, which can irritate your lungs and worsen your bronchitis
- drink plenty of fluids to thin out your mucus and make it easier to cough up
- use a humidifier or vaporizer to add moisture to the air and soothe your throat and lungs
- inhale steam from a hot shower or a bowl of hot water with a few drops of eucalyptus oil to loosen your mucus and relieve congestion
- rest and avoid strenuous activities that can make you breathe harder
conclusion
The following are some of the rare but serious side effects that may occur in people who take Leqvio. These side effects are very uncommon and may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these side effects while taking Leqvio, stop using the drug and call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life-threatening or you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.