Repatha (evolocumab) injection is a human monoclonal immunoglobin G2 (IgG2) and is taken in combination with a diet and tolerated statin. It is used in the treatment of adults of heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD). These individuals require the lowering of their LDL.
The side effects of Repatha include:
- upset stomach
- diarrhea
- cough
- urinary tract infection
- sinus infection
- influenza
- stuffy nose
- upper respiratory tract infection
- injection site redness
- muscle pain
- dizziness
- high blood pressure
- back pain
The recommended dosage of the subcutaneous drug in patients with HeFH or patients with beginning stages of hyperlipidemia is 140mg every two weeks or 420mg once a month. Repatha may interact with other medications you may be taking so consult your physician or pharmacist before starting the medication. Tell your doctor every single medication you use. Also, the drug may not be safe for babies, so tell your doctor if your pregnant or planning to become pregnant soon before using Repatha.
It is unknown if Repatha can be passed through breast milk. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding. In adults with cardiovascular disease, it is shown that Rapatha reduced the risk of coronary revascularization, myocardial infarction, and stroke.
Repatha is a clear, preservative-free, and sterile solution for subcutaneous administration. It is given in a 1mL single-use prefilled syringe autoinjector.
Immunogenicity
As with all therapeutic proteins, there is potential for immunogenicity. Immunogenicity is the ability of a particular substance, like an antigen, to provoke an immune response in the body. Simply, immunogenicity is the ability to induce a cell-mediated immune response.
The immunogenicity of Repatha has been evaluated. There was no evidence that the presence of anti-drug binding antibodies that impacted the pharmacokinetic profile. However, the long-term consequences of using Repatha in the presence of anti-drug binding antibodies are unclear at this time.
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