A-Z Indexes

Food

Health Guides

Health News

Evolocumab

Pronounced

"E-voe-LOK-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Repatha

Uses

Evolocumab is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. It may be used with other LDL-lowering treatments (such as "statin" drugs, ezetimibe, LDL apheresis). Evolocumab is also used by people who have heart disease to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain that require treatment in a hospital. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by improving how well your body gets rid of LDL cholesterol.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using evolocumab and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Inject this medication under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once every 2 weeks or once every month. The injection is given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If your doctor has prescribed the monthly dose and you are using the prefilled syringe/pen, you will use 3 separate injections within 30 minutes. If you are using the on-body infusor, the medication is injected over 5 minutes.

Depending on your product, take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30 to 45 minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave or place it in hot water). Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this product for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is injured, tender, hard, red, or has scars or stretch marks. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.