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Overview: Lerochol is a medicine that is used to lower a type of bad cholesterol called low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) in certain people. It is injected under the skin once monthly. The most common side effect is pain, itching, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or redness near the injection site. Lerochol is used with diet and exercise and sometimes other medicines to help you reach your goal LDL level. Ask your health care provider if you do not know your goal LDL level.

Uses

What is Lerochol used for?

Lerochol (lerodalcibep-liga) is commonly used to lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL) in certain people with high cholesterol, including people born with a genetic condition affecting how the body removes cholesterol from the blood, called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH).

Learn more about Lerochol for Lowering LDL Cholesterol.

Lerochol may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Lerochol work (mechanism of action)?

Lerochol works by binding to an enzyme in the body called PCSK9. This enzyme breaks down receptors in the liver that help remove bad cholesterol (LDL) from the blood. By binding to the PCSK9 enzyme, Lerochol prevents the breakdown of the receptors in the liver. As a result, more bad cholesterol can be removed from the blood. This can help decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.

How is Lerochol supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lerochol

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 300 mg/1.2 mL single-dose prefilled syringe
  • 300 mg/1.2 mL single-dose autoinjector

How should I store Lerochol?

Store Lerochol in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze. If needed, Lerochol can be kept at temperatures up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 3 months. If kept outside of the refrigerator, throw away Lerochol after 3 months. Keep Lerochol in the original container to protect the medicine from light until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Lerochol?

The most common side effects of Lerochol are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, bruising, tenderness, or redness/discoloration near the injection site
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Swelling in arms, hands, legs, or feet

There may be other side effects of Lerochol that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Lerochol?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Lerochol are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Lerochol may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Lerochol and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Lerochol?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Lerochol.

  • Lerochol
  • Lerodalcibep
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Lerochol.

What should I know about Lerochol before using it?

Do not use Lerochol unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Lerochol with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Lerochol out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

Lerochol comes in a prefilled syringe or autoinjector. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, ask your health care provider. 

If refrigerated, Lerochol should be removed from the refrigerator 30 minutes before using to allow it to reach room temperature.

Ask your health care provider about your goal low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) level if you do not know it. Your health care provider will likely check your LDL levels over time. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. 

Diet and exercise are important when you have high LDL levels even when you use Lerochol. Talk with your health care provider before starting any diet or exercise program.

This medicine may be used alone or with certain other medicines to lower LDL. Use all medicines that are prescribed for you. Do not stop using Lerochol without talking with your health care provider, as your cholesterol levels can increase.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Lerochol?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Lerochol is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Lerochol may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using Lerochol right away and contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Lerochol while you are pregnant. 

Breastfeeding.  It is not known if Lerochol passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Lerochol while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Lerochol?

For more information about Lerochol, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.lerochol.com or call them at 877-253-7624.

Interactions

Does Lerochol interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Lerochol and foods or drinks.

There are no known interactions between Lerochol and alcohol.

Does Lerochol interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Lerochol and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Lerochol?

If you or someone else has used too much Lerochol, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Lerochol?

Lerochol is typically used once a month. If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If you are less than 7 days late, continue your usual monthly schedule. If you are 7 or more days late, start a new monthly schedule from the day you take the missed dose. Do not use double or extra doses.