Inclisiran: A New Era in Cholesterol Management
- Jun 11
- 3 min read
Inclisiran: A New Era in Cholesterol Management
If you've struggled to lower your cholesterol despite taking medication—or can’t tolerate statins—there’s a new option that might change everything. It’s called Inclisiran, and it's making a real difference for people at high risk of heart disease.
What is Inclisiran?
Inclisiran (brand name Leqvio) is a type of cholesterol-lowering injection. It works differently from statins. Rather than reducing how much cholesterol your liver makes, it helps your body remove more LDL (“bad”) cholesterol from your bloodstream.
It does this by switching off a protein called PCSK9 using a process called RNA interference—basically a way to stop the liver from producing something that gets in the way of clearing cholesterol. The result? Lower LDL levels, with effects that last for months.
How is it taken?
One of the best things about Inclisiran is the dosing schedule:
First injection
Second dose 3 months later
Then just twice a year
It’s a quick, under-the-skin injection—usually given in the tummy, thigh or upper arm—by a healthcare professional. It’s often done at your GP practice or in some pharmacies and clinics.
Who can have it on the NHS?
Inclisiran is offered on the NHS in the UK, but it's not for everyone. You may be eligible if:
You have established cardiovascular disease (like a previous heart attack or stroke)
Your cholesterol levels remain high (typically LDL above 2.6 mmol/L)
You’ve tried the maximum tolerated dose of statins (and possibly other medications like ezetimibe)
Or you’re statin intolerant
It’s usually prescribed as a secondary prevention tool—so if you’ve already had a heart-related event, it’s much more likely to be considered.
Can I get Inclisiran privately?
Yes, you can.
If you don’t qualify for Inclisiran on the NHS—or you want to start treatment sooner—you can choose to have it privately. At Pulteney Pharmacy, we offer private Inclisiran injections for £2,000 per dose, including consultation and administration.
Booking is simple. Visit www.pulteneypharmacy.com to arrange an appointment or speak with our team for more information.
How effective is it?
In clinical trials, Inclisiran has shown to reduce LDL cholesterol by around 50%, even when people were already taking other cholesterol medications.
And because it works in a different way, it can be safely combined with statins or other drugs for an even greater effect.
Ongoing studies are now tracking whether it also reduces heart attacks and strokes long-term—but early results are promising.
Are there any side effects?
Inclisiran is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect is mild redness or soreness where the injection goes in. Some people report minor cold-like symptoms or joint aches, but these are uncommon.
As with all medicines, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional about your personal risks and benefits.
A few things to keep in mind
Even though Inclisiran is powerful, it’s not a substitute for a healthy lifestyle. Keeping active, eating well, stopping smoking, and managing your blood pressure all still matter.
In summary
Inclisiran is an exciting development in the fight against high cholesterol. Whether you’re managing an existing heart condition or just haven’t found the right treatment yet, it could offer a convenient, effective alternative—especially for people who prefer fewer doses.
Want to learn more or book privately?
Visit www.pulteneypharmacy.com or contact us directly. We’re happy to help you explore whether Inclisiran is right for you.
For more information please check the site below by British heart foundation
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