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BIOLOGIC
Repatha (evolocumab) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower the risk of major heart and blood vessel problems in adults who are at increased risk for these events.
These insights are based on 331 comments about Repatha from MyHeartDiseaseTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Benefits:
Considerations:
Repatha is a type of medicine called a PCSK9 inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein called PCSK9. This allows the liver to remove more low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or “bad,” cholesterol from the blood.
Doctors prescribe Repatha when adults are at increased risk of major heart and blood vessel problems. Repatha has been shown to lower the risk of these events, including heart attack and stroke.
These problems also include death from heart or blood vessel disease, certain types of chest pain (unstable angina) requiring a hospital stay, and procedures to restore blood flow through the arteries.
Repatha comes in three forms:
Repatha is given as an injection under the skin. People or their caregivers can give Repatha injections at home after receiving proper training from a healthcare provider.
Repatha can be injected into the thigh or stomach (abdomen). A caregiver or healthcare provider can also give the injection in the upper arm. Avoid the area within 2 inches of the belly button.
Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, red, or hard, or into areas with scars or stretch marks. Choose a different injection site each time.
The recommended dose of Repatha for adults at increased risk of major cardiovascular events is either:
For a 420-milligram dose, three separate injections of 140 milligrams each are given one after another within 30 minutes. Your healthcare provider will choose the appropriate dosing schedule for you.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
These insights are based on 331 comments about Repatha from MyHeartDiseaseTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Members who use Repatha often say the most helpful steps are staying in touch with their cardiologist, keeping up with regular cholesterol checks, and paying attention to how they feel after each dose. Many also mention practical concerns, such as learning the injection routine, planning for cost and insurance, and knowing that experiences with side effects can vary widely.
Get blood work when your doctor orders it.
“I started Repatha injections six weeks ago to lower my risk of heart attack and stroke. My cardiologist recently reviewed my blood work and was very happy with the results.”
Keep track of side effects after each dose.
“My first shot, I had all the flu symptoms side effects. I felt horrible all day. And then all week I had joint pain. Never had any side effects after the first shot, though.”
Learn the injection routine and make it easier on yourself.
“I was scared to death at the thought of injecting myself, but I discovered I could actually do it. I inject myself every two weeks.”
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In clinical studies of Repatha, the most common side effects occurred in about 5 percent to 9 percent of people. These include:
Repatha can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Amgen, the manufacturer of Repatha, offers the Repatha Co-Pay Card. Eligible people with commercial or private insurance, including coverage purchased independently or through their or their spouse’s or partner’s employer, may pay as little as $25 per month. Eligibility criteria and program maximums apply.
The Repatha Co-Pay Card is part of Amgen SupportPlus, which also offers customized support by email and text, a personalized dashboard, treatment and refill reminders, support from Amgen Nurse Partners, and a sharps disposal container program.
To learn more, visit Repatha’s resources and support page or call 844-737-2842.
Before starting Repatha, tell your doctor if you:
Other versions do not contain dry natural rubber. The packaging and Instructions for Use will tell you whether your device contains it. The Repatha prefilled pen is not made with natural rubber latex.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Repatha is also FDA-approved to lower LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol when used along with diet and exercise in:
If you miss a dose of Repatha:
If you are unsure when to take your next dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using Repatha. It is not known whether Repatha can harm a developing baby. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while using Repatha.
If you become pregnant during Repatha treatment, you are encouraged to report your pregnancy to Amgen or call 800-772-6436.
If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor. It is not known whether Repatha passes into breast milk, affects a breastfed baby, or affects milk production. You and your doctor should discuss whether to use Repatha or breastfeed.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Repatha for heart disease?
Repatha has been shown to lower the risk of major heart and blood vessel problems in adults at increased risk.
In a large clinical study called FOURIER, involving 27,564 adults with established heart and blood vessel disease, 9.8 percent of people taking Repatha had a major cardiovascular event, compared with 11.3 percent taking placebo (an inactive treatment).
These events included heart attack, stroke, death from heart or blood vessel disease, hospitalization for certain types of chest pain, or procedures to restore blood flow to the heart.
In another large study called VESALIUS-CV, Repatha reduced the risk of death from coronary heart disease, heart attack, or stroke caused by a blocked blood vessel by 25 percent compared with placebo. This study involved adults at high risk who had not previously had a heart attack or stroke.
How long does Repatha take to work for heart disease?
Repatha has been shown to lower the risk of major heart and blood vessel problems over time.
In the FOURIER clinical study, people were followed for a median of 26 months. In the VESALIUS-CV study, people were followed for a median of 55 months. Both studies showed that Repatha reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events compared with placebo.
However, neither study shows exactly how soon after starting Repatha the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other major cardiovascular events begins to decrease.
How is Repatha injection given?
Repatha is given as an injection under the skin. It comes as a prefilled pen, a SureClick autoinjector, or a prefilled syringe.
You can inject Repatha into your thigh or stomach (abdomen), at least 2 inches away from your belly button. A caregiver or healthcare provider can also give the injection in your upper arm.
Choose a different injection site each time. Avoid skin that is tender, bruised, red, or hard, or areas with scars or stretch marks.
Before injecting Repatha, let it warm naturally to room temperature for at least 30 minutes if it has been refrigerated. Do not shake it.
You or your caregiver can give Repatha injections at home after receiving proper training. Do not try to inject Repatha until your healthcare provider or nurse has shown you how. Always follow the Instructions for Use that come with your prescribed device.
On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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