A problem that many of us have is this " cholesterol ". When we go to see a doctor, it is difficult to find someone who has not heard, "Your cholesterol is a little high, be careful." Some people do not pay much attention to this, but it can actually be like a silent killer. When cholesterol in the body increases over time, it can pave the way for serious diseases such as heart attack and stroke . So, we usually do this by controlling our diet , exercising, or taking the pills that the doctor gives us. But sometimes it is difficult to control cholesterol with these things alone. That is why today we are going to talk about a new, powerful treatment that comes to the rescue at such times. That is the Inclisiran vaccine.
Simply put, what is Inclisiran?
Inclisiran is a special injection that is given to control high cholesterol levels . The brand name we use for this is LEQVIO. The special thing about this is that it is not like the cholesterol pills we take every day, it only needs to be taken once every few months.
Imagine, our liver is the main factory that produces cholesterol. What the Incliziran injection does is send a little message to that factory. That message tells it to reduce the production of "bad cholesterol" ( LDL cholesterol ). It's like controlling the production speed in a factory. In this way, this medicine can significantly reduce the level of bad cholesterol in our blood.
But this is not magic . You need to continue to control your diet and exercise while taking this vaccine. That's how you will get the best results.
Things you need to tell your doctor before getting this vaccine
It is very important to inform your doctor about your complete health condition before using any medication. Be sure to tell them about these facts, especially before receiving the inclisiran vaccine.
- Allergies: Tell us if you have any allergies to any medications, foods, or other substances. If you have any skin rashes, itching, or swelling, be sure to tell us about them. Especially if you have had a previous allergy to Inclisiran or a similar drug, don't hide it.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant: Many medications can be harmful to the baby during pregnancy. Therefore, it is essential to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medicines can pass to your baby through breast milk, so you should still seek medical advice before using this vaccine during this time.
- All other medications you are taking: This is very important. If you are taking medication for another condition (for example, diabetes, high blood pressure), tell your doctor about it. Also, tell your doctor about all the over-the-counter painkillers, vitamins, Ayurvedic medicines, honey, and herbal supplements you are taking. This is very important because some medications can interact with each other.
How is the vaccine given? Can't I get it at home?
No. This is not a medicine you can take at home. Inclisiran is a subcutaneous injection . This must be given to you by a doctor or a trained nurse in a hospital or clinic.
There is usually a schedule for giving doses of this vaccine.
1. First vaccination.
2. Then the second vaccination in 3 months .
3. From then on, the next vaccination is given every 6 months .
So all you have to do is come to the clinic on the exact date the doctor gives you and get the vaccine. Don't miss these dates. If for some reason you can't come on the date you were given, call the doctor or the clinic as soon as possible and make another appointment.
What to do if you overdose?
Since this vaccine is administered by a medical professional, the risk of overdose is very low. However, if you suspect that something has happened, go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What are the possible side effects of this vaccine?
Like any medicine, the Incliziran injection can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Most of the time, they are not serious. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Type of side effect | Description and what to do |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions | These can occur very rarely but are very dangerous. - Skin irritation, severe itching. - Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. - Difficulty breathing or chest tightness. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. |
| Common and less serious side effects (tell your doctor if these persist) | |
| Discomfort at the injection site | This is the most common side effect. You may experience some mild pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the injection site. This usually subsides within a day or two. |
| Joint Pain | Some people may experience some pain in their joints (e.g. knees, elbows). If this is bothersome or persists, tell your doctor at your next clinic appointment. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, do not hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Things to keep in mind during treatment
During the time you receive this vaccine, your doctor will monitor your progress.
- Regular medical checkups: Your doctor will often order blood tests to see how well your cholesterol levels are going and to check for other problems. Don't skip these tests.
- Be aware of symptoms: Tell your doctor if your symptoms (such as chest pain) don't improve or get worse.
- Lifestyle changes: As we mentioned earlier, this vaccine alone is not enough. You also need to incorporate a healthy diet (low in fat, sugar, and flour) and regular exercise (like brisk walking for at least 30 minutes a day) into your life. It is when these two go together that you will get the best results.
Remember, this medicine is prescribed for you only. Never give it to someone else or recommend it to them because it is good for you. Since everyone's health is different, the same medicine will not work for everyone.
Take-Home Message
- Inclisiran is a powerful injection given every few months to control high cholesterol.
- This vaccine is only given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic. It cannot be used at home.
- Before getting the vaccine, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have, all other medications you are taking, and whether you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- Minor side effects such as slight pain at the injection site or joint pain may occur. However, if you experience severe allergic symptoms such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, go to the hospital immediately.
- To get the best results from this vaccine, it is essential to have a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Get the vaccine exactly on the dates your doctor gives you. Don't skip dates.
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