Inclisiran may be used on its own or together with other medicines to help lower your cholesterol and triglyceride (fat) levels in the blood.
Excessive cholesterol and triglycerides in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart diseases, including heart attack.
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Inclisiran may be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
Inclisiran is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the abdomen area, upper arm, or thigh).
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Do not inject into areas with active skin disease or injury such as skin rashes, inflammation, sunburn or skin infection.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Inclisiran.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe liver disease
- severe kidney disease or undergoing dialysis
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are being treated with Inclisiran, you may need to have regular blood tests (e.g. cholesterol levels) to check your body's response to the medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have blood tests.
What lifestyle changes should I make to reduce my cholesterol levels?
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to help you reduce your cholesterol levels. Try to control the type and amount of food that you eat each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet, and avoid eating fried foods or foods that are high in fat. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity.
Inclisiran may cause any of the following side effects: headaches, dizziness, cough, cold, diarrhoea, joint or back pain, and injection site pain, redness or rash.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Do not freeze.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.