Leqvio (Inclisiran) After Surgery: Safety Considerations
There are no specific contraindications to administering Leqvio (inclisiran) injection after surgery, and it can generally be resumed according to your regular dosing schedule once you have recovered from the immediate post-operative period.
Understanding Leqvio
Leqvio (inclisiran) is a small interfering RNA (siRNA) medication that reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by preventing hepatic synthesis of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) 1. Unlike many medications that affect coagulation or wound healing, Leqvio:
- Is administered only twice yearly after initial doses at days 1 and 90
- Does not have anticoagulant or antiplatelet properties
- Is not known to interfere with wound healing
- Has a safety profile similar to placebo in clinical trials 1, 2
Post-Surgical Considerations
Timing of Administration
If you're scheduled for surgery and are due for a Leqvio injection:
- Before major surgery: No need to discontinue or delay Leqvio before surgery
- After surgery: You can receive your scheduled Leqvio injection once you've recovered from the immediate post-operative period (typically 24-48 hours)
- During recovery: No special monitoring is required related to Leqvio administration
Key Differences from Medications Requiring Perioperative Management
Unlike many medications that require specific perioperative management, Leqvio does not:
- Affect blood clotting (unlike anticoagulants that require careful perioperative management) 3
- Increase bleeding risk during or after surgery
- Interfere with anesthesia or pain management
- Require bridging therapy like some cardiovascular medications 3
Special Considerations
While Leqvio itself doesn't pose specific surgical risks, be aware of:
Injection site reactions: The most common side effect of Leqvio is mild to moderate injection site reactions 1, 4. If your surgical site is near a typical injection site, consider using an alternative injection location.
Concomitant medications: If you're taking other lipid-lowering therapies alongside Leqvio, some of these (particularly statins) might have their own perioperative considerations that should be addressed separately.
Overall health status: As with any medication, your overall health status and the specific nature of your surgery should be considered when determining the optimal timing for resuming Leqvio.
Conclusion
Leqvio (inclisiran) does not require special perioperative management and can be safely administered after surgery once you've recovered from the immediate post-operative period. Unlike medications that affect coagulation or wound healing, Leqvio has not demonstrated any specific risks related to surgical procedures.
Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you're taking, including Leqvio, before undergoing any surgical procedure to ensure comprehensive perioperative care.