Reviews (209)Overview: Repatha is used to help lower cholesterol in certain people. It can also lower the risk of certain health problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Repatha is given as an injection under the skin. Common side effects may include common cold or flu symptoms or pain and irritation at the injection site. Serious side effects are less common but may include allergic reactions. Get help right away if you have trouble breathing, skin rash or bumps, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat.
Uses
What is Repatha used for?
Repatha (evolocumab) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of heart surgery in people with heart disease
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people with high cholesterol
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people born with a genetic condition affecting how the body removes cholesterol from the blood (heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia)
Learn more about Managing Cholesterol With Repatha.
Repatha may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Repatha work (mechanism of action)?
Repatha works by binding to and blocking an enzyme in the body called PCSK9. This enzyme breaks down receptors in the liver that help remove bad cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood. By blocking the PCSK9 enzyme, the receptors in the liver can remove more bad cholesterol from the blood. This can help decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
How is Repatha supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Repatha
Dosage forms and strengths
- 140 mg/mL injection (prefilled syringe)
- 140 mg/mL injection (SureClick prefilled autoinjector)
- 420 mg/3.5 mL injection (Pushtronex on-body infusor)
How should I store Repatha?
Store Repatha in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), until the expiration date on the label or at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C) for up to 30 days. Do not freeze.
Do not use Repatha if it has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 30 days. Keep the medicine in its original package to protect it from light until you want to use it. Do not shake.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Repatha?
The most common side effects of Repatha are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Flu symptoms
- Back pain
- Pain, bruising, or redness near the injection site
- High blood sugar
There may be other side effects of Repatha 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 Repatha?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Repatha are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Repatha may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Repatha 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 Repatha?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Repatha.
- Repatha
- Evolocumab
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Repatha.
What should I know about Repatha before using it?
Do not use Repatha unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed. This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Repatha. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.
Do not use the same exact spot for each injection. Do not inject into any painful areas or where your skin is thickened, bruised, red, or swollen.
Do not share Repatha with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Repatha 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.
The needle covers of both the glass single-dose prefilled syringe and single-dose prefilled autoinjector contain dry natural rubber, which is made from latex. An allergic reaction may happen if you are sensitive to latex.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Repatha?
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 Repatha is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you have an allergy to rubber or latex.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Repatha could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, tell your health care provider right away. If you become pregnant, you can also report your pregnancy to the drugmaker by calling 800-772-6436. A study is being conducted to collect safety information.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Repatha 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 stop breastfeeding or stop Repatha.
How can I get more information about Repatha?
For more information about Repatha, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.repatha.com or call them at 844-737-2842.
Interactions
Does Repatha interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Repatha and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Repatha.
Does Repatha interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Repatha 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.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Repatha?
If you or someone else has used too much Repatha, 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 Repatha?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 7 days of the scheduled dose. If it is more than 7 days after your scheduled time, wait to take your dose at the regular scheduled time if you take it every 2 weeks. If you take Repatha monthly and more than 7 days have passed since your scheduled dose, take your dose and start a new schedule with this date. Do not take double or extra doses.
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