Evolocumab (brand name Repatha) is a prescription medication primarily used to significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, and the need for coronary artery bypass surgery. It is an injectable drug that belongs to a class of medications called PCSK9 inhibitors.
How Evolocumab Works
Evolocumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets and blocks a protein called Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 (PCSK9). By inhibiting PCSK9, evolocumab helps the liver remove more low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as "bad" cholesterol, from the bloodstream. This action leads to a substantial reduction in LDL-C levels, which is crucial for individuals with high cholesterol who are at risk for heart disease.
Key Uses and Benefits
Evolocumab is prescribed for specific conditions where high cholesterol poses a significant health threat:
- Primary Hyperlipidemia: For adults with high cholesterol (including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, HeFH) who require additional LDL-C lowering in conjunction with diet and statin therapy, or for those who cannot tolerate statins.
- Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease (ASCVD): For adults with established cardiovascular disease (e.g., history of heart attack or stroke) to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular events.
- Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH): For patients with this rare, severe genetic form of high cholesterol.
While evolocumab effectively helps control cholesterol levels and mitigate cardiovascular risks, it's important to understand that it does not cure these conditions or eliminate all associated risks. Patients are typically advised to continue using evolocumab injection even if they feel well, as its benefits are sustained with ongoing treatment.
Administration and Important Considerations
Evolocumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically every two weeks or once a month, depending on the prescribed dosage and condition. It is often used in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies, such as statins.
Key Facts About Evolocumab:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | PCSK9 Inhibitor (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin/Kexin type 9 Inhibitor) |
| Type | Monoclonal Antibody |
| Primary Action | Blocks PCSK9 protein, allowing the liver to remove more LDL ("bad") cholesterol from the blood. |
| Administration | Subcutaneous injection (under the skin) |
| Indications | Primary hyperlipidemia, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. |
| Benefit | Reduces LDL cholesterol and lowers the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke, and coronary artery bypass surgery. |
| Important Note | It is not a cure for high cholesterol or cardiovascular conditions and does not eliminate all risks. Consistent use is necessary for sustained benefits, even when feeling well. |
| Common Side Effects | Nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms), back pain, influenza (flu), muscle pain, injection site reactions (redness, pain, bruising). Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions. |
Patients should always follow their healthcare provider's instructions regarding diet, exercise, and the use of other medications while taking evolocumab to achieve the best possible outcomes in managing their cholesterol and cardiovascular health. For more detailed information, you can consult reliable sources like MedlinePlus or the Mayo Clinic.
