Evolocumab
About Evolocumab
Evolocumab is an injectable prescription medicine used to lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called bad cholesterol, in adults with high cholesterol. It is also prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and certain heart surgeries in adults with established heart disease. By helping your body clear excess cholesterol from the bloodstream, it plays an important role in protecting your cardiovascular system.
This medicine is typically injected once every few weeks, and it must be used consistently at the scheduled times to work effectively. Because it is given as an injection under the skin, it can be taken with or without food. To achieve the best results, you should combine this treatment with a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, and other lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor.
While using, you may experience mild side effects like cold-like symptoms or redness at the injection site. However, if you notice severe symptoms such as severe dizziness, trouble breathing, or signs of a serious allergic reaction, you must seek medical attention immediately.
Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to this medicine or any of its ingredients in the past. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have a history of severe liver problems or other serious medical conditions so they can ensure it is safe for you.
There are no known direct interactions between this medicine and alcohol, though limiting alcohol is always recommended for general heart health. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an elderly individual, consult your doctor or pharmacist to discuss your specific safety guidelines before starting.
Uses of Evolocumab
Medicinal Benefits
When taken consistently as directed, this medicine may provide the following physiological benefits:
- Helps lower bad cholesterol: This medicine helps reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad) cholesterol levels, supporting healthier blood vessels and overall heart health.
- Reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke: By lowering cholesterol and slowing the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries, this medicine helps reduce the long-term risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and duration of treatment.
- Check the label for directions and use it as advised by the doctor. Evolocumab should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) on your thigh, stomach, or upper arm.
- Rotate the injection site each time.
- Do not inject into a tender, bruised, red, or hard spot, or into areas with scars or stretch marks.
Storage
Side Effects of Evolocumab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Cold-like symptoms (runny nose, sore throat, sinus pain)
- Redness, pain, or swelling where you injected the medicine
- Back pain or muscle aches
- Flu-like symptoms
Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):
- Severe rash, hives, itching, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (severe allergic reactions)
- Severe dizziness or trouble breathing
Drug Warnings
- Check the medicine before use: Use it only if the solution is clear and colourless to pale yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy or contains particles.
- Rotate injection sites: Change the injection site with each dose to help prevent skin irritation. Suitable sites include the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm.
- Avoid damaged skin: Do not inject into skin that is bruised, tender, red, hard, or scarred.
- Do not shake the device: Avoid shaking the syringe or autoinjector, as this may damage the medicine.
- Dispose of needles safely: Place used needles and syringes in a puncture-resistant sharps container. Do not throw them into household waste.
Drug Interactions
- No clinically significant drug interactions are known with Evolocumab when used as directed.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Evolocumab interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionLimited data is available on the effect of Evolocumab in pregnancy. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Evolocumab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIf you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before receiving Evolocumab. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionEvolocumab may cause fatigue. Do not drive or operate machines if you experience any symptoms that may alter your alertness after taking Evolocumab.
Liver
cautionNo dose adjustment is required in case of mild to moderate liver impairment. However, if you have liver problems, inform your doctor before receiving Evolocumab. No data are available on the usage of Evolocumab in patients with severe liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionNo dose adjustment is required in patients with kidney impairment. However, if you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before receiving Evolocumab.
Children
unsafeEvolocumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a heart-healthy diet: Focus on foods rich in fibre, such as oats, vegetables, and fruits, while limiting saturated fats and trans fats.
- Stay physically active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, every week as permitted by your doctor.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking damages your blood vessels and accelerates plaque buildup. Quitting smoking will support your overall cholesterol treatment.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Managing your weight helps improve your overall cholesterol profile and reduces strain on your heart.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may advise regular monitoring of liver and kidney function tests to monitor the liver and kidney functions.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hyperlipidemia: Generally, your body contains bad cholesterol-low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and good cholesterol-high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Good cholesterol is good for our heart and helps in reducing the LDL in our body, whereas an excess of bad cholesterol (LDL) leads to the risk of heart diseases like heart attack and stroke. The high amount of bad cholesterol in the blood is known as hyperlipidemia, which results in narrow and clogged arteries. The blockage is most often caused by fat buildup and other substances, resulting in the formation of plaque in the arteries that feed the heart (coronary arteries). Eating high-fat or high-cholesterol-containing foods and drinks and genetic factors are the primary causes of high cholesterol.
FAQs
Evolocumab is used to treat Hyperlipidemia.
Evolocumab works by inhibiting the PCSK9- LDL receptor binding process and thereby helps decrease the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels in the blood.
No, you should not stop taking this medicine without discussing it with your doctor. High cholesterol is a long-term condition, and stopping treatment will likely cause your cholesterol levels to rise again. Talk to your doctor before making any changes.
It should be stored in the refrigerator, but it can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C or 77°F) in its original carton for up to 30 days if needed. Once it reaches room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure about proper storage.
Yes, you can inject it at home after a healthcare provider has trained you or a caregiver on how to prepare and inject it correctly. Do not attempt to inject it until you feel comfortable with the process. Talk to your doctor if you need retraining.
Do not inject the medicine if it looks cloudy, discoloured, or contains visible particles. Use a new syringe or autoinjector instead, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor about what to do with the damaged dose.
The safety of this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not fully established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits against potential risks.
Some parts of the injection device, such as the needle cap, may contain dry natural rubber (a form of latex). If you have a severe latex allergy, tell your healthcare provider before using this medicine. Talk to your doctor about alternative options if necessary.
There are no direct interactions between alcohol and this medicine. However, limiting alcohol intake is generally recommended to support heart health and maintain healthy liver function. Talk to your doctor about safe alcohol limits for you.
