Has your doctor told you that your cholesterol level is a little high? You probably already take daily pills for it. But for some people, it's a bit difficult to control their cholesterol levels with pills alone. That's why today we're talking about a relatively new and very powerful injection that doctors use. Its name is Inclisiran.
What exactly is Inclisiran?
Simply put, this is a medicine that is given to treat high cholesterol. The main thing that this injection does is to reduce the level of 'bad cholesterol' (LDL - Low-Density Lipoprotein) in your blood. Did you know, this bad cholesterol is what gets deposited on the walls of our blood vessels, gradually narrowing them, and ultimately paving the way for dangerous diseases like heart attack and stroke. So controlling this LDL level is very important.
The most important thing is that taking this medicine alone is not enough. To get the best results, you must control your diet and exercise daily along with this treatment.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
It is essential for your safety to share this information with your doctor. Tell them without hiding anything.
- About Allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have an allergic reaction to Inclisiran, any other medicine, food, or dye.
- About pregnancy: If you are pregnant, or are expecting to become pregnant soon, it is very important to tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child, also inform the doctor.
How do you use this medicine?
This is not like a pill that you can take home. This is a subcutaneous injection. That means it can only be given by a doctor or a nurse who has been trained to do so. So it will only be given to you in a hospital or doctor's clinic. You will not be allowed to take it home and keep it.
Usually this is given first, and the second dose is given 3 months later. After that, this injection is only needed every 6 months . So only two injections per year.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
It is very important to take this injection at regular intervals. This is what keeps your cholesterol levels in check. If you are unable to go on the scheduled day, call your clinic or doctor immediately and reschedule for another day. Don't miss it.
What if I take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital or clinic, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have somehow taken too much of the medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What else should I be careful about when taking this medicine?
- Regular check-ups: After you start taking this medication, your doctor will ask you to come in regularly. Be sure to go for those check-ups. It's very important to check your cholesterol levels and see if the medication is working properly.
- Blood tests: You may also be asked to have some blood tests to check things like your cholesterol levels and liver function. Don't skip them.
- Interactions with other medications: As far as we know, Inclisiran is unlikely to cause any major interactions with other medications. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this one can cause minor side effects. But most of the time, these are not serious. Let's take a look at what these side effects are.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Sudden skin rash, severe itching, redness all over the body, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue. |
| Shortness of breath | Feeling like you're having a heart attack, feeling like your chest is constricting. If you experience any of these symptoms, go to the hospital immediately. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported if they persist | |
| Discomfort at the injection site | Redness, slight pain, itching, or slight swelling at the injection site. This usually subsides within a day or two. |
| Joint pain | There may be pain in joints such as knees and elbows. |
| Diarrhea | Some people may experience bloating. |
If you experience any other strange symptoms that are not on this list, don't be afraid to talk to your doctor about them. Don't keep anything to yourself.
Take-Home Message
- Inclisiran is an injection given under the skin to control high cholesterol. It is only given in a hospital or clinic.
- Before taking this medication, be sure to tell your doctor about any allergies you have and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Be sure to take your medication on time (usually every 6 months). If you miss a dose, call the clinic immediately.
- If you experience any serious allergic symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or facial swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- To get the best results from this medication, it is essential to have a good diet and exercise daily .
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