What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Leqvio and Repatha are both injectable medicines that are used for the treatment of high cholesterol and their action is to specifically lower low density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels. Although they are both inhibit a protein called PCSK9 they work by different mechanisms. Repatha is a monoclonal antibody that binds directly to PCSK9 in the liver preventing it from binding to LDL receptors. Leqvio blocks the PCSK9 protein by interfering with the translation of PCSK9 messenger RNA. Both have the same result – and that is freeing up LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells which allows LDL cholesterol to be removed from the blood.

Both are approved to treat high LDL levels caused by a genetic condition called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) but Leqvio can only be used in adults whereas Repatha may be given to adults and children aged 10 years and older with the condition.

Leqvio is also approved for use in people with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) – a condition where the arteries narrow due to a build-up of plaque

Repatha can also be given to people who have had a stroke or heart attack to reduce their risk of having another, and to adults and children over the age of 13 with another genetic condition that causes high LDL levels called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.

Both are injected subcutaneously – which means just under the skin but you can learn to inject Repatha yourself so you can self-administer it at home, but Leqvio needs to be administered by a health professional. Repatha is given every 2 to 4 weeks but Leqvio only needs to be given twice a year (every 6 months) after an initial loading dose of 2 injections, 3 months apart.

LDL cholesterol is only one of the major lipids and apolipoproteins that are relevant in cardiovascular disease which means both Leqvio and Repatha are usually given in addition to other cholesterol-lowering medicines that target triglycerides, such as statins. They both also should be administered in conjunction with lifestyle changes including a cholesterol-lowering diet and a weight management plan. Regular exercise is also important as well as avoiding smoking.

Neither Leqvio nor Repatha have any reported drug interactions and are not expected to be affected by inhibitors or inducers of cytochrome p450 enzymes or transporters.

Key Facts: Leqvio Vs Repatha

	Levqio	Repatha
Generic name	Inclisiran	Evolocumab
Company	Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation	Amgen
FDA Approval date	Dec 2021	Aug 2015
Generic availability	None	None
Drug class	PCSK9 inhibitor (subclass: small interfering RNA [siRNA])	PCSK9 inhibitor (subclass: human monoclonal antibody)
Dosage form	Subcutaneous injection (administered by a healthcare professional)	Subcutaneous injection (self-administered)
Use	Reduces LDL cholesterol levels	Reduces LDL cholesterol levels
Indicated for	Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) Heterozygous Familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH)	Adults with established cardiovascular disease to lower the risk of heart attack or stroke Primary hyperlipidemia Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in adults and children aged 10 and older Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in adults and adolescents aged 13 years or older
Dosing schedule and administration	Once every 6 months (2 doses per year)*	Once every 2 to 4 weeks
Common side effects	Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, or redness) Joint pain Diarrhea Urinary tract infections Bronchitis Pain in the legs and arms Shortness of breath	Injection site reactions Nasopharyngitis/sinusitis Upper respiratory tract infections Influenza Back pain and muscle pain Headache Dizziness High blood pressure Diarrhea Gastroenteritis
Warnings and precautions	No contraindications listed	Rarely, serious hypersensitivity reactions may occur; monitor for any signs of a rash or anaphylaxis and discontinue if noted
Approximate cost	$6,500 per year	$6,228 per year

*After an initial course of 2 injections, 3 months apart

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?

Official answer

Related medical questions

Disclaimer

Popular Keywords