Repatha

The active ingredient in Repatha is evolocumab. It is a monoclonal antibody classified as a Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin Type 9 or PCSK9 inhibitor. PCSK9 is a protein that ordinarily prevents your liver from eliminating cholesterol in your blood. Repatha’s mechanism of action involves preventing PCSK9 from doing its job, allowing your body to eliminate excess cholesterol from your bloodstream. As a result, the medicine reduces the total quantity of low-density lipoprotein or LDL cholesterol in your blood.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using $Drugname. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Repatha:

• Make sure you know how to use Repatha safely and properly. It comes as a prefilled syringe, a prefilled SureClick autoinjector, and a hands-free Pushtronex system (on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge). Your healthcare provider will show you how to inject the medication or use the device you have.
• You or a caregiver will typically inject Repatha under the skin (subcutaneously) every two weeks or once a month, exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Injections can be given in the thigh, upper arm, or stomach (except within two inches of the belly button), rotating sites each time and avoiding bruised, scarred, or irritated areas.
• Do not stop Repatha without consulting your doctor, as LDL levels may rise.

The most common side effects of Repatha seen in clinical trials as compared to placebo include:

• Flu-like symptoms or common cold symptoms (nasopharyngitis).
• Back pain.
• Injection site reactions.
• Muscle pain or joint pain.
• High blood sugar levels.
• Upper respiratory tract infections.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Repatha. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Serious allergic reactions, including angioedema: difficulty breathing or swallowing, hives, rash, itching, and swelling of the face, lips, tongue, neck, or arms.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Repatha. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Repatha, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including whether you have:

• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.
• Allergic to rubber or natural rubber latex, as there is dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex) in the needle cover.
• Heart disease.
• Chest pain or unstable angina.

A known hypersensitivity reaction (eg, angioedema) to Repatha.

Repatha’s cholesterol-lowering effects are typically seen within 4 to 12 weeks of starting treatment. You're unlikely to notice a difference in how you feel after using Repatha because you can't feel your cholesterol rise or fall. Blood test results are the only way to confirm that the medication is effective.

When Repatha is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• Efgartigimod alfa.
• Nipocalimab.
• Rozanolixizumab.

Repatha is typically injected either:

Once every 2 weeks, or

Once a month (every 4 weeks).

For higher doses, up to three injections may be needed in a single session. Always follow your doctor's exact instructions.

Adult Dosage

Primary hyperlipidemia, Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction:

140 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks, or

420 mg once monthly.

Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH):

Start with 420 mg monthly.

If the response is inadequate after 12 weeks, the dose may be increased to 420 mg every 2 weeks.

If undergoing lipid apheresis:

Treatment may begin with 420 mg every 2 weeks, given after the apheresis session.

Pediatric Dosage (Age 10 and older)

HoFH:

Start with 420 mg monthly.

May increase to every 2 weeks if needed after 12 weeks.

If on apheresis, begin with 420 mg every 2 weeks post-treatment.

HeFH:

140 mg every 2 weeks, or

420 mg once monthly.

If it’s more than 7 days since your missed dose and you take a dose once every month, inject the single dose as soon as you remember.

Store Repatha in the refrigerator in its original carton, protect from light and heat, and keep it out of the reach of children. Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before injecting your dose.

Amgen is the company that manufactures Repatha.

There are no generic versions available.

It is not advised to stop taking Repatha suddenly, as it can increase your “bad cholesterol” (LDL-C). Speak to your healthcare provider or doctor for the correct way to wean off the medication.

Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you. There is a pregnancy safety study for Repatha if given during pregnancy. You or your healthcare providers should report taking it by contacting Amgen at 1-800-77-AMGEN (1-800-772-6436) or on their website.

It is not known if Repatha is found in breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.