Generic name: Evolocumab
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Repatha Prefilled Syringe?
Evolocumab works by helping the liver reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) circulating in your blood.
Evolocumab is used together with a low-fat diet and other cholesterol-lowering medications in people with homozygous or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited types of high cholesterol). These conditions can cause high blood levels of LDL cholesterol, and can also cause plaque to build up inside your arteries.
Evolocumab is also used to help lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or other heart complications in people with heart or blood vessel problems caused by plaque build-up or hardening in the arteries (also called atherosclerosis, or arteriosclerosis).
Evolocumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use evolocumab if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver or kidney disease; or
- a latex allergy.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of evolocumab on the baby.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Evolocumab is not approved for use by anyone younger than 13 years old. For certain conditions, evolocumab should not be given to a child of any age.
How should I use Repatha Prefilled Syringe
Use Repatha Prefilled Syringe (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Evolocumab is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself.
Evolocumab is available in a prefilled syringe, a SureClick prefilled autoinjector, or a Pushtronex on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge. Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions, or call the manufacturer at 1-844-737-2842.
The Pushtronex on-body infusor is a special device placed on the skin that delivers your evolocumab dose slowly. You will need to wear the device for about 9 minutes to get the full dose. While wearing the on-body infusor, you may perform moderate activities such as walking, bending, or reaching.
Your care provider will show you the best places on your body to inject evolocumab or place the on-body infusor. Use a different place each time you give an injection. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Each single-use prefilled syringe, cartridge, or injection device is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still some medicine left inside. Follow any state or local laws about throwing away used needles and syringes. Use a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
Store evolocumab in the refrigerator in its original carton and protect from light and heat. Do not freeze. Throw away any evolocumab that has been frozen.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before injecting your dose. Do not heat a syringe or injection device.
You may also store evolocumab in the original carton at cool room temperature, away from light and heat. Use the medicine within 30 days if it is kept at room temperature.
Handle this medicine carefully. Dropping an injection device can cause it to break. Do not use an injection device that has been dropped onto a hard surface, even if you cannot see a break in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
Do not shake this medicine. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
You should not stop using evolocumab without your doctor's advice, or your LDL cholesterol levels may increase.
Evolocumab is only part of a complete treatment program that also includes diet, statin medication, and regular blood testing. Follow your doctor's instructions very closely.
Use the missed dose within 7 days after that injection was due, but skip the missed dose if you are more than 7 days late. After a missed dose, go back to your original schedule and use the medicine again when your next scheduled dose is due.
Do not use two doses at one time.
Repatha Prefilled Syringe side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, severe itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.
Common side effects may include:
- redness, pain, or bruising where an injection was given;
- back pain;
- flu symptoms; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Repatha Prefilled Syringe?
Do not inject evolocumab into skin that is bruised, sore, scarred, or hardened.