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Repatha
Used for High Cholesterol
Used for High Cholesterol
Repatha (evolocumab) is a PCSK9 inhibitor that's given as an injection under the skin. It treats high cholesterol in adults and certain children. It works best with a heart-healthy diet and regular exercise. Repatha (evolocumab) also helps lower the risk of events like heart-related death, heart attack, and stroke in adults at risk. The medication is injected either once every 2 weeks or once a month. Side effects can include common cold symptoms and discomfort at the injection site.
What is Repatha (evolocumab)?
What is Repatha (evolocumab) used for?
- High cholesterol in adults
- Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) in people ages 10 years and older
- Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) in people ages 10 years and older
- Lowering the risk of heart-related death, heart attack, stroke, hospitalization for chest pain, and the need for heart procedures in adults at risk
How Repatha (evolocumab) works
Repatha (evolocumab) is a monoclonal antibody that works as a PCSK9 inhibitor. PCSK9 is a protein in your body that stops your liver from removing cholesterol from your blood.
Repatha (evolocumab) blocks PCSK9 from doing its job. This helps your body get rid of extra cholesterol from your blood. It helps lower how much low-density lipoprotein (LDL) — or "bad" cholesterol — is in your blood.
When does Repatha (evolocumab) start working?Time passed since treatment started:
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Repatha |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | PCSK9 inhibitor |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
More on Repatha (evolocumab) essentials
Side effects of Repatha (evolocumab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Common cold symptoms (4%)
- Back pain (2%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)
- Joint pain (2%)
- Nausea (2%)
- Tiredness (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Muscle spasms
- Cough
- Flu-like symptoms
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Bruising
- Rash
- Reaction at the injection site (redness, pain, or bruising)
Note: Side effects were from adults. Side effects in children might be a little different.
Repatha (evolocumab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic reaction: trouble breathing or swallowing; hives; rash; itching; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
When do Repatha (evolocumab) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
H
D
W
M
Injection site reaction
More on Repatha (evolocumab) side effects
The following Repatha (evolocumab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Back pain
- Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
- Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
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Pros and cons of Repatha (evolocumab)
Pros
- Taken once every 2 weeks or once a month
- Can use for inherited cholesterol conditions in kids 10 years and up
- Has different injection devices to choose from (prefilled syringe, autoinjector, or on-body infusor)
Cons
- Must give as an injection under the skin
- Might cause reactions at the injection site like redness and pain
- Caution use in people with a latex allergy for syringes and autoinjectors (some have parts made with natural rubber)
Pharmacist tips for Repatha (evolocumab)
- You can inject Repatha (evolocumab) at any time of day. Set reminders on your calendar to help you remember when to inject it. Depending on your treatment plan, you inject the medication either once every 2 weeks or once a month.
- You might have a reaction where you injected Repatha (evolocumab). The area could look red, feel a little sore, or get a bruise. This can usually happen a few hours after the injection and often goes away in a couple days. To help it feel better, you can wrap an ice pack in a towel and hold it over the area for a few minutes. But if the reaction gets worse or doesn't go away, talk to your care team.
- It can take a week or two for Repatha (evolocumab) to start lowering your cholesterol after each injection. But it can take a few months or longer to see the most benefit. Get your blood tests done when instructed and follow up with your prescriber so they can check your progress. Keep taking Repatha (evolocumab) as prescribed, even if you don't see results right away.
- If you miss your dose of Repatha (evolocumab) within 7 days: Inject the medication at your usual dose as soon as you remember. Then, you can continue with your regular dosing schedule.
- If you miss your dose of Repatha (evolocumab) by more than 7 days: If you take the medication every 2 weeks, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your next usual day. If you take it once a month, inject the medication at your usual dose when you remember. Then, take your next dose one month from that day.
- If you're pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding: Let your care team know. It isn't known if Repatha (evolocumab) is safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Your prescriber can help explain the risks and benefits and help you decide the safest option for you.
How to use and how to inject Repatha (evolocumab):
- Your care team will show you how to use the Repatha (evolocumab) injection device you have. They'll make sure you can do it on your own. Carefully review the instructions for use before each injection. Ask your care team if you have questions about how to use and inject the medication.
- How to store Repatha (evolocumab): Keep the medication in the refrigerator (but don't let it freeze). Also keep it in the original carton to protect it from light. If needed, you can also keep Repatha (evolocumab) at room temperature (68ºF to 77ºF) for up to 30 days. Don't use the medication if it's been out of the fridge for longer than that.
- Before injecting Repatha (evolocumab): Take the medication out of the fridge so it can reach room temperature. For the syringe or autoinjector, let it sit for 30 minutes. For the on-body infusor, wait 45 minutes. This helps make the injection more comfortable. Don't use a microwave or put it in direct sunlight since it can damage the medication. Check that the liquid is clear and colorless to slightly yellow.
- Where to inject Repatha (evolocumab): Inject the medication under the skin in your thigh or stomach (at least 2 inches away from your belly button). You can also have someone inject it at the back and outer side of your upper arm. Avoid areas that are sore, bruised, red, hard, or have scars or stretch marks. Choose a different spot each time to prevent irritation.
- For the Repatha (evolocumab) syringe: Pull the needle cap straight off. Don't leave it off for more than 5 minutes since it can dry out the medication. Pinch your skin to make a fold about 2 inches thick. Then, insert the needle into the fold of skin at a 45- to 90-degree angle. Slowly push the plunger all the way down until the syringe is empty. This can take up to 15 seconds. If your dose is 420 mg, give 3 injections in a row within 30 minutes.
- For the Repatha (evolocumab) SureClick autoinjector: Pull off the orange cap. Then, use the autoinjector within 5 minutes so the medication doesn't dry out. Stretch or pinch your skin, and place the yellow side of the autoinjector on your skin. Push down and press the gray button to start the injection. Hold it in place for up to 15 seconds until the viewing window turns yellow all the way. If your dose is 420 mg, give 3 injections in a row within 30 minutes.
- For the Repatha (evolocumab) on-body infusor: Load the infusor with the cartridge of 420 mg of medication. Give the injection within 5 minutes to avoid drying it out. Pull the green tabs to turn the infusor on (the blue light should flash). Stick it onto a flat area of skin. Then, press the start button once. The green light will flash and you'll hear a click when the injection starts. You can walk around during the 5-minute injection. When the light stays green and the infusor beeps, the injection is done. Don't get the infusor wet. If you drop the infusor or cartridge, use a new set.
- After each Repatha (evolocumab) injection: Throw away your used syringe, autoinjector, or on-body infusor in a sharps container right away. Don't put them in the regular trash or recycling. It's important to keep everyone safe from getting poked with needles.
More on Repatha (evolocumab) tips
Risks and warnings for Repatha (evolocumab)
Repatha (evolocumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergic to latex
Some people can have an allergic reaction to Repatha (evolocumab). Signs can include a rash, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing. If this happens, stop using Repatha (evolocumab) and get medical help right away.
Some Repatha (evolocumab) syringes and autoinjectors have needle covers made with dry natural rubber. These can cause an allergic reaction in people with a latex allergy. If you're allergic to latex, tell your prescriber so they can choose a safer option for you.
Repatha (evolocumab) dosage
The average cost for 2 sureclicks of 1ml of 140mg/ml of Repatha (evolocumab) is $25.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 96.38% off the average retail price of $691.00.
Typical dosage for Repatha (evolocumab)
Repatha (evolocumab) is injected under the skin into the fatty tissue into your stomach, thigh, or the back of the outer, upper arm.
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Adults with high cholesterol or at high risk for serious cardiovascular events: The typical dose is 140 mg injected once every 2 weeks, or 420 mg injected once a month.
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HeFH: The typical dose is 140 mg injected once every 2 weeks, or 420 mg injected once a month.
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HoFH: The typical dose is 420 mg injected once a month. After a couple months, your prescriber might raise your dose to 420 mg injected once every 2 weeks if needed.
How much does Repatha (evolocumab) cost?
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Repatha (brand)
$25.00
What are alternatives to Repatha (evolocumab)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Repatha (evolocumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
News about Repatha (evolocumab)
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Repatha (evolocumab) images
