Generic name: medically reviewed
Availability: Prescription only
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available
Brand names: Evkeeza, Evinacumab
What is Evinacumab (systemic) (monograph)?
Introduction
Antilipemic agent; angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitor.
Uses for Evinacumab (Systemic)
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
Used as an adjunct to other LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) lowering therapies for the treatment of adultx and pediatric patients ≥5 years of age with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).
Safety and effectiveness not established in patients with other causes of hypercholesterolemia (including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [HeFH]). Effects on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality not determined.
Designated an orphan drug for treatment of HoFH.
Maximally tolerated doses of high-intensity statins are recommended in patients with HoFH in addition to ezetimibe and a proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor. Evinacumab with or without LDL apheresis is an adjunct option that may be considered if target LDL-C levels are not reached.
Evinacumab (Systemic) Dosage and Administration
General
Pretreatment Screening
-
Consider pregnancy testing in females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of evinacumab.
Patient Monitoring
-
Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate. The LDL-C lowering effects of evinacumab can be measured as early as 2 weeks after initiation of treatment.
Administration
Administer by IV infusion (after dilution) through an IV line containing a sterile in-line or add-on, 0.2–5 micron filter. Must dilute commercially available concentrate; discard any unused portionl after preparation.
If a dose is missed, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. Adjust monthly infusion schedule thereafter based on date of last dose administered.
If refrigerated, allow diluted solution to come to room temperature prior to administration.
Do not mix with or administer other medications concomitantly via same infusion line.
May be administered without regard to timing of lipoprotein apheresis.
Slow, interrupt, or discontinue infusion if patient develops any signs of adverse reactions, including infusion or hypersensitivity reactions.
Dilution
Calculate appropriate dose and volume to withdraw from the vial prior to dilution.
Withdraw required volume and transfer into IV infusion bag containing maximum volume of 250 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection to yield a final concentration of 0.5–20 mg/mL based on the patient's body weight. Gently invert to mix solution; do not shake.
Rate of Administration
Administer by IV infusion over 60 minutes through a sterile, in-line or add-on, 0.2–5- micron filter.
Dosage
Pediatric Patients
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
IV
≥5 years of age: 15 mg/kg once monthly (every 4 weeks).
Adults
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
IV
15 mg/kg once monthly (every 4 weeks).
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.
Renal Impairment
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.
Geriatric Patients
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.
Related/similar drugs
atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, Lipitor, Crestor, RepathaWarnings
Contraindications
-
History of serious hypersensitivity reactions to evinacumab or to any of its excipients.
Warnings/Precautions
Serious Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions including anaphylaxis reported. Discontinue infusion if signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity occur; treat according to standard-of-care. Monitor until signs and symptoms resolve.
Embryo-fetal Toxicity
Potental for fetal malformations based on animal studies.
Advise females of potential risk to fetus and consider pregnancy testing prior to initiating treatment. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception throughout treatment with evinacumab and for at least 5 months following last dose.
Immunogenicity
Potential for immunogenicity. One patient receiving evinacumab developed anti-evinacumab antibodies; no effects on the efficacy or plasma concentrations.
Specific Populations
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm. Consider pregnancy testing prior to initiating evinacumab in females of reproductive potential. Animal studies indicate evinacumab crosses placental barrier. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception throughout treatment, and for at least 5 months following the last dose of evinacumab. If pregnancy occurs during therapy, call 1-833-385-3392 to report exposure.
Lactation
Not known whether evinacumab is distributed into human milk, affects milk production, or affects breastfed infants. Maternal IgG is known to distribute into human milk. Consider benefits of breastfeeding against potential for adverse effects to breastfed infant, along with mother’s clinical need for evinacumab.
Females and Males of Reproductive Potential
Consider pregnancy testing prior to treatment with evinacumab.
Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm when administered during pregnancy. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months following the last dose.
Pediatric Use
Safety and efficacy for treatment of HoFH established in pediatric patients ≥5 years of age. Safety profile of evinacumab in pediatric patients 5-11 years of age was similar to safety profile in adults and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age, with the additional adverse reaction of fatigue.
Safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients <5 years of age.
Geriatric Use
Clinical studies did not include sufficient numbers of patients ≥65 years of age to determine whether they respond differently from younger adult patients.
Hepatic Impairment
No data available in hepatic impairment.
Common Adverse Effects
Adverse reactions (≥5%): nasopharyngitis, influenza-like illness, dizziness, rhinorrhea, fatigue, nausea.
Infusion reactions occurred in 7% of patients receiving evinacumab and more frequently than with placebo.
How should I use Evinacumab (systemic) (monograph)
General
Pretreatment Screening
-
Consider pregnancy testing in females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of evinacumab.
Patient Monitoring
-
Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate. The LDL-C lowering effects of evinacumab can be measured as early as 2 weeks after initiation of treatment.
Administration
Administer by IV infusion (after dilution) through an IV line containing a sterile in-line or add-on, 0.2–5 micron filter. Must dilute commercially available concentrate; discard any unused portionl after preparation.
If a dose is missed, administer the missed dose as soon as possible. Adjust monthly infusion schedule thereafter based on date of last dose administered.
If refrigerated, allow diluted solution to come to room temperature prior to administration.
Do not mix with or administer other medications concomitantly via same infusion line.
May be administered without regard to timing of lipoprotein apheresis.
Slow, interrupt, or discontinue infusion if patient develops any signs of adverse reactions, including infusion or hypersensitivity reactions.
Dilution
Calculate appropriate dose and volume to withdraw from the vial prior to dilution.
Withdraw required volume and transfer into IV infusion bag containing maximum volume of 250 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride injection or 5% dextrose injection to yield a final concentration of 0.5–20 mg/mL based on the patient's body weight. Gently invert to mix solution; do not shake.
Rate of Administration
Administer by IV infusion over 60 minutes through a sterile, in-line or add-on, 0.2–5- micron filter.
Dosage
Pediatric Patients
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
IV
≥5 years of age: 15 mg/kg once monthly (every 4 weeks).
Adults
Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
IV
15 mg/kg once monthly (every 4 weeks).
Special Populations
Hepatic Impairment
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.
Renal Impairment
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.
Geriatric Patients
No specific dosage recommendations at this time.
Related/similar drugs
atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin, Lipitor, Crestor, RepathaWhat other drugs will affect Evinacumab (systemic) (monograph)?
No formal drug interaction studies performed.
Specific Drugs
Drug |
Interaction |
Comments |
---|---|---|
Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin, simvastatin) |
Concentrations not meaninfully altered |