Evolocumab
Generic name: evolocumab
Brand name: Repatha
Dosage forms: single-dose prefilled autoinjector; single-dose prefilled syringe; single-dose on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge
Drug class:PCSK9 inhibitors
What is evolocumab?
Evolocumab is an FDA approved medicine designed to treat high LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol levels.
It is a monoclonal antibody that binds to PCSK9 protein which decreases LDL cholesterol levels. Having a lower LDL cholesterol level reduces your risk of strokes and heart disease.
Evolocumib is given as an injection under the skin, that you can have at home, either every 2 weeks or once a month.
What is evolocumab used for?
Evolocumab is an injectable prescription medicine used:
- in adults with cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of heart surgery.
- along with diet alone or together with other cholesterol-lowering medicines in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia (including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]) to reduce low density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol.
- along with diet and other LDL-lowering medicines in children aged 10 years and older with HeFH to reduce LDL cholesterol.
- along with other LDL-lowering medicines in adults and children aged 10 years and older with a type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH), to reduce LDL cholesterol.
It is not known if evolocumab is safe and effective in children with HeFH or HoFH who are younger than 10 years of age or in children with other types of hyperlipidemia.
Who should not take evolocumab?
Do not use evolocumab if you or your child are allergic to it or to any of the ingredients in evolocumab. See the end of this page for a complete list of ingredients in evolocumab.
What should I tell my doctor before taking evolocumab ?
Before you or your child start using evolocumab, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you or your child:
- are allergic to rubber or latex. The needle covers on the single-dose prefilled syringes and within the needle caps on the single-dose prefilled SureClick® autoinjectors contain dry natural rubber. The single-dose Pushtronex system (on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge) is not made with natural rubber latex.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if evolocumab will harm your unborn baby. See below for more information about evolocumab and pregnancy. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while taking evolocumab.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will take evolocumab or breastfeed. See below for more information on evolocumab and breastfeeding.
How should I use evolocumab?
You should only give yourself or someone else the injection if you have received full training ...
