How fast does Repatha work?
How long does it take for Repatha to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events?
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol blood levels are reduced within the first month of being on Repatha and within the first year there is a measurable risk reduction of myocardial infarction, stroke and coronary revascularization.
How long does it take for Repatha to reduce LDL cholesterol levels?
- In the Fourier clinical trial within four weeks of being on Repatha the blood LDL cholesterol levels (median) have decreased 57% from baseline levels to 54mg/dl and with regular Repatha dosing these levels are consistently maintained to at least 50% below original baseline levels over 168 weeks.
- The lower blood LDL cholesterol levels mean that there will be less LDL cholesterol in the blood to stick and accumulated as fatty deposits in the arteries, so over time will help prevent strokes, myocardial infarctions and coronary revascularization.
How fast does Repatha reduce the risk of cardiovascular events?
- In the first year on Repatha in the Fourier Clinical trial, there was a 12% risk reduction in the group of cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, or coronary revascularization.
- Into the second year of being on Repatha the patient's risk for having one of these cardiovascular events decreased further to 19% from their baseline risk.
- Although Repatha reduced this group of cardiovascular events the Fourier study showed no observed positive effect individually for cardiovascular death, rates of hospitalization for unstable angina or worsening heart failure or death from any cause.
- Repatha did reduce the risk of having a myocardial infarction, stroke and coronary revascularization.
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What does Repatha do?
- Repatha (evolocumab) works by helping the liver reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) circulating in your blood by inhibiting a protein called PCSK9.
- Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood slows the formation of the fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and reduces the risk of strokes, myocardial infarctions and coronary revascularization.
References
- Evolocumab and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1615664
- Supplementary Appendix to Evolocumab and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: https://www.nejm.org/doi/suppl/10.1056/NEJMoa1615664/suppl_file/nejmoa1615664_appendix.pdf
Read next
What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?
Leqvio and Repatha are both injectable medicines that are used for the treatment of high cholesterol, by specifically lowering low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Although they both inhibit PCSK9 they work by different mechanisms. Repatha is a monoclonal antibody that binds directly to PCSK9 in the liver preventing it from binding to LDL receptors. Leqvio blocks the PCSK9 protein by interfering with the translation of PCSK9 messenger RNA. Both have the same result – and that is freeing up LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells which allows LDL cholesterol to be removed from the blood.
Continue reading
What is the best time of day to take Repatha?
You can inject Repatha at any time of the day, but usually people prefer injecting Repatha during daylight hours because it takes 30 to 45 minutes for it to warm up to room temperature, and you need to be able to easily see what you are doing while you are injecting it. Continue reading
How long can Repatha be kept unrefrigerated?
Repatha can be left unrefrigerated for up to 30 days at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) as long as it is kept in its original box and is not kept somewhere that gets hotter than 77°F (25°C), for example, a car glove box. This makes it easier to take your medicine with you when you’re on the go. Do not put Repatha back in the refrigerator once you have taken it out. Continue reading
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Drug information
- Repatha Information for Consumers
- Repatha prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side Effects of Repatha (detailed)
- Repatha user reviews (713)
Related support groups
- Repatha (35 questions, 104 members)