Evolocumab, Repatha
Description: Antilipemic Agent, PCSK9 Inhibitor; Monoclonal Antibody
CSA NA – FDA Approved – REMS (N) – Can Ship
How Does It Work
Evolocumab, Repatha is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG2 isotype) that binds to PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/Kexin type) protein and inhibits its ability to bind to low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR) on the liver which reduces the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
Indications For Use
Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia
Precautions
Before starting Evolocumab, Repatha makes sure your physician is aware of any allergies and medications you currently take.
Usual Dosing
Subcutaneous Injection: Inject 140mg every 2 weeks or 420mg once monthly.
Pharmacist Tips On Using
How to Take: Do not shake. If refrigerated, allow standing at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (single-use prefilled autoinjector or single-use prefilled syringe) or at least 45 minutes (single-use on-body infuser with prefilled cartridge) prior to use (do not warm with heat or hot water). Administer subcutaneously into areas of the abdomen (except for the 2-inch area around the navel), thigh, or upper arm; only use areas that are not tender, bruised, red, or indurated. Do not coadminister with other injectable drugs at the same injection site. Rotate the injection site with each injection. When using single-use on-body infuser, administer medication within 5 minutes of inserting cartridge; do not use if infuser gets wet.
Side Effects
Upper respiratory tract infections, cough, nasopharyngitis, hypertension, dizziness, fatigue, diabetes mellitus, gastroenteritis, nausea, urinary tract infection, local injection site reaction, muscle pain.
Note this is not a complete list of side effects for Evolocumab, Repatha only common ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I do if side effects are intolerable?
If side effects are causing a lot of distress speak to your physician as soon as possible to discuss options.