- A Visual Guide to Heart Disease
- Medical Illustrations of the Heart Image Collection
- Take the Heart Disease Quiz!
- What brand names are available for evolocumab?
- Is evolocumab available as a generic drug?
- Do I need a prescription for evolocumab?
- What are the uses for evolocumab?
- What are the side effects of evolocumab?
- What is the dosage for evolocumab?
- Which drugs or supplements interact with evolocumab?
- Is evolocumab safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- What else should I know about evolocumab?
What are the uses for evolocumab?
- Repatha is used along with diet, exercise and maximum tolerated doses of statins to reduce LDL cholesterol in adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (and inherited disorder that causes high levels of LDL) or adults with heart problems related to excess cholesterol in the body.
- Repatha is also used along with diet and other LDL-lowering treatments, for example, statins, ezetimibe (Zetia) and LDL apheresis, to reduce cholesterol in people with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (an inherited disorder that causes high levels of LDL).
What are the side effects of evolocumab?
The most common side effects associated with Repatha treatment include
- injection site reactions,
- back pain,
- symptoms of the common cold, and
- flu-like symptoms.
Other side effects include
- diarrhea,
- muscle pain,
- muscle spasm,
- fatigue,
- urinary tract infections (UTIs),
- cough,
- allergic reactions,
- hypertension,
- headache,
- dizziness,
- joint pain,
- nausea,
- confusion, and
- pancreatitis
A more serious side effect is:
- Hypersensitivity reactions: Repatha should not be used in patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity reactions to the product. Hypersensitivity reactions include itching, rash, and hives, have occurred. Repatha should be discontinued if signs or symptoms of serious allergic reactions occur.
What is the dosage for evolocumab?
- The recommended subcutaneous dose for patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or adults with heart problems related to excess cholesterol in the body is either 140 mg every 2 weeks or 420 mg once monthly.
- The recommended subcutaneous dosage in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is 420 mg once monthly. LDL cholesterol levels should be measured 4 to 8 weeks after starting Repatha since response to therapy will depend on the degree of LDL-receptor function.
- LDL cholesterol levels should be measured within 4 to 8 weeks of starting therapy to assess response to treatment, and a decision should be made whether or not to adjust the dose.
- Repatha should only be injected subcutaneously into the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated among different sites to prevent or reduce injection site reactions and irritation. Repatha should not be co-administered with other injectable drugs at the same injection site.
Which drugs or supplements interact with evolocumab?
No clinically significant drug-drug interactions are known for Repatha.
Is evolocumab safe to take if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
- There is no data on the use of Repatha in pregnant women.
- It is not known if Repatha is secreted in human milk or whether it can cause harm to the nursing infant.
What else should I know about evolocumab?
What preparations of evolocumab are available?
Single-use pre-filled syringe and single-use pre-filled Sureclick autoinjector, each designed to deliver 1 ml of 140 mg/ml solution.
How should I keep evolocumab stored?
Repatha should be stored in the refrigerator at 2 C to 8 C (36 F to 46 F) and protected from light. It should not be frozen.
Quick GuideHeart Disease: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes

Summary
Repatha (evolocumab) is a drug that belongs to the drug class called proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors. Repatha is prescribed to reduce LDL cholesterol in adults with heterozygous or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or adutls with heart problems related to excess cholesterol in the body. Common side effects of Repatha include:
Drug interactions, dosing, storage, and pregnancy and breastfeeding information should be reviewed before taking this medication.
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
High Cholesterol (Hyperlipidemia) Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
High cholesterol can be a dangerous condition. Take the Cholesterol Quiz to understand what high cholesterol means in terms of...
-
Heart Disease Quiz: Test Your Medical IQ
Take our Heart Disease Quiz to get answers and facts about high cholesterol, atherosclerosis prevention, and the causes,...
-
Picture of Heart Detail
The heart is composed of specialized cardiac muscle, and it is four-chambered, with a right atrium and ventricle, and an...
-
Picture of Cholesterol
Cholesterol carried in particles of low density (LDL cholesterol) is referred to as the "bad" cholesterol because elevated levels...
-
Picture of Heart
The muscle that pumps blood received from veins into arteries throughout the body. See a picture of the Heart and learn more...
-
Heart Disease: Symptoms, Signs, and Causes
What is heart disease (coronary artery disease)? Learn about the causes of heart disease. Symptoms of heart disease include chest...
-
Lower Your Cholesterol, Save Your Heart
Need to lower your cholesterol levels? Use these smart diet tips to quickly and easily lower your blood cholesterol levels....
-
Cholesterol Drugs: What to Expect With Heart Medication
When diet and exercise aren't enough, should you turn to drugs? Learn cholesterol basics, drug classes, and available drugs along...
-
Heart-Healthy Diet: 25 Foods to Protect Your Cardiovascular System
See 25 foods loaded with heart-healthy nutrients that help protect your cardiovascular system. Plus, find easy meal/recipes and...
-
10 Tips for a Healthier Fast Food Diet
Losing weight is tough on the road. Fast food can't compare to the health of a well-planned, balanced diet. But if you must eat...
-
Heart Disease: Causes of a Heart Attack
Learn about heart disease and heart attack symptoms and signs of a heart attack in men and women. Read about heart disease...
-
Am I Having a Heart Attack? Symptoms of Heart Disease
Heart attacks symptoms vary greatly for men and women, from anxiety and fatigue to nausea and sweating. Learn the warning signs...
-
Fat-Burning Foods in Pictures: Blueberries, Green Tea, and More
Learn about fat-fighting foods such as grapefruit, hot peppers, vinegar, and more. Discover the benefits along with surprising...
-
Cholesterol Levels: What the Numbers Mean
Do you know the different cholesterol levels and what they mean? Learn the alphabet soup of cholesterol testing: LDL, HDL, good,...
-
Worst-Appetizer Pictures: Spinach Dip, Potato Skins, and More
A tasty appetizer can be a great start to any meal--but some appetizers are diet disasters. Potato skins and cheese fries pack on...
-
Snacks With 100 Calories or Less
Reducing calories is an effective weight loss strategy. Here are 25 100-calorie snacks that offer quick, satisfying solutions to...
-
The Worst Foods in Your Fridge
What are the worst foods to eat in your fridge? From mayonnaise to ice cream and butter to processed lunch meats, learn about the...
-
Food Cravings Slideshow: Chocolate, Carbs, Salt, Sugar
Learn which food cravings can wreck your diet. Whether your craving something creamy or crunchy, sweet or salty, food cravings...
-
Easy, Tasty Grilled Foods for Dinner Tonight in Pictures
Explore easy and tasty grilled foods. When your rushed to get dinner on the table, fire up the grill and use these delicious,...
-
High-Fiber Super Foods: Whole Grains, Fruits, & More
Learn about high-fiber foods. From fresh fruits to whole grains, these fiber-rich foods can lower cholesterol, prevent...
-
Heart Health Pictures: How to Lower Triglycerides
Learn 14 ways to lower triglycerides. Learn to keep your heart healthy and triglyceride levels in check with these diet,...
-
Cholesterol: High Triglyceride Foods to Avoid
High triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease. Lower triglyceride levels and reduce cholesterol by eating foods that...
-
Healthy Living: 20 Common Health Myths Exposed
Can vitamin C cure colds? Read as we dispel the half-truths and common myths of health, from X-rays to eggs, from the...
-
12 Reasons to Love the Mediterranean Diet in Pictures
The Mediterranean diet is a delicious way to eat healthy. We show you how to get the most from this diet with foods like olive...
-
Food Swaps for Meals and Snacks for Heart Health in Pictures
Explore 10 food swaps for heart-wise dining. Learn what food to buy and how to cook in order to make a big difference for your...
Related Disease Conditions
-
Cholesterol (Lowering Your Cholesterol)
High cholesterol and triglyceride levels increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Getting your cholesterol and triglyceride...
-
Heart Attack
A heart attack happens when a blood clot completely obstructs a coronary artery supplying blood to the heart muscle. A heart...
-
Fitness
Regular physical activity can reduce the risk of disease. Regular exercise can also reduce the symptoms of stress and anxiety....
-
Heart Attack Prevention
Heart disease and heart attacks can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle with diet, exercise, and stress management....
-
Heartburn During Pregnancy
Heartburn during pregnancy is quite common. During pregnancy the lower esophageal sphincter muscle becomes weakened , which...
-
Heart Attack Pathology: Photo Essay
A heart attack is a layperson's term for a sudden blockage of a coronary artery. This photo essay includes graphics, pictures,...
-
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Benefits, Uses, Foods)
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fats that help decrease one's cholesterol and triglyceride levels as well as reduce the risk of...
-
Stress and Heart Disease
The connection between stress and heart disease is not clear. Stress itself may be a risk factor, or high levels of stress may...
-
How the Heart Works
The heart is a very important organ in the body. It is responsible for continuously pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood...
-
Fitness: Exercise for a Healthy Heart
Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of heart disease. To achieve maximum benefits, do a mix of stretching exercise, aerobic...
-
Vitamins & Exercise: Heart Attack Prevention Series
Vitamins and exercise can lower your risk for heart attack and heart disease. Folic acid, vitamins, and homocysteine levels are...
-
Heart Attack Treatment
A heart attack involves damage or death of part of the heart muscle due to a blood clot. The aim of heart attack treatment is to...
-
Heart Disease
Heart disease (coronary artery disease) occurs when plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, the vessels that supply blood to...
-
High Cholesterol: Frequently Asked Questions
Cholesterol occurs naturally in the body. High blood cholesterol levels increase a person's risk of developing heart disease,...
-
Heart Attacks in Women
Heart disease, particularly coronary artery disease is the leading cause of heart attacks. Women are more likely to die from a...
-
Smoking and Heart Disease
Smoking increases the risk of heart disease in women and men. Nicotine in cigarettes decrease oxygen to the heart, increases...
-
Low Cholesterol Diet
Cholesterol is naturally produced by the body, and is a building block for cell membranes and hormones. Low-density lipoprotein...
-
Heart Disease in Women
Heart disease in women has somewhat different symptoms, risk factors, and treatment compared to heart disease in men. Many women...
-
Heart Disease Treatment in Women
Heart disease treatment in women should take into account female-specific guidelines that were developed by the American Heart...
Treatment & Diagnosis
Prevention & Wellness
From 
Healthy Heart Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.