Drug Detail:Evolocumab (Evolocumab)
Generic Name: Evolocumab On-Body Infusor [ e-voe-LOK-ue-mab ]
Drug Class: PCSK9 inhibitors
Uses of Evolocumab On-Body Infusor:
- It is used to lower cholesterol.
- It is used in some people to lower the chance of heart attack, stroke, and certain heart procedures.
What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Evolocumab On-Body Infusor?
- If you are allergic to evolocumab on-body infusor; any part of evolocumab on-body infusor; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take evolocumab on-body infusor with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Evolocumab On-Body Infusor?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take evolocumab on-body infusor. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Follow the diet plan that your doctor told you about.
- High blood sugar has happened with evolocumab on-body infusor. This includes diabetes that is new or worse.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is this medicine (Evolocumab On-Body Infusor) best taken?
Use evolocumab on-body infusor as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- It is given into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
- If you will be using evolocumab on-body infusor at home, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to use it.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- If stored in a refrigerator, let evolocumab on-body infusor come to room temperature before using it. Leave it at room temperature for at least 45 minutes. Do not heat evolocumab on-body infusor.
- Do not open until you are ready to use.
- Do not touch the start button until you have put this device on your skin. This button can only be pushed 1 time.
- Do not get the device wet.
- Do not give into a mole, scar, or bruise.
- Do not put on skin with a lot of hair.
- Do not give into skin that is irritated, bruised, red, infected, or scarred.
- Move the site where you give evolocumab on-body infusor as you were told by the doctor.
- Do not give into the same place as another shot.
- Do not shake.
- Do not use evolocumab on-body infusor if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- This medicine is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
- Call the doctor right away if you think that the device may not have worked the right way. Call the doctor right away if the On-body Injector comes off before or during a dose, if it is leaking, or if the sticky part is wet. Call the doctor right away if the light on the On-body Injector flashes red.
- Throw away after using. Do not use the device more than 1 time.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it has been 7 days or more since the missed dose, take a missed dose and start a new schedule based on when the dose is given.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.
What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, more thirst, more hungry, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
What are some other side effects of Evolocumab On-Body Infusor?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Flu-like signs.
- Signs of a common cold.
- Back pain.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Evolocumab On-Body Infusor?
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 30 days. If stored at room temperature and not used within 30 days, throw evolocumab on-body infusor away.
- If stored at a temperature higher than room temperature, talk with the doctor to see if evolocumab on-body infusor may still be used.
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
- Do not use if it has been frozen.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
- If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
- Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about evolocumab on-body infusor, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
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