High cholesterol is a problem for many people these days, isn't it? Sometimes, no matter how much we control our diet, exercise, and take cholesterol-lowering pills, it's difficult to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. In such cases, your doctor may prescribe you a special, somewhat modern type of injection. Evolocumab is one such injection. So let's talk about everything clearly and simply.
What is Evolocumab?
Simply put, Evolocumab is a drug that is given to control high cholesterol levels in your blood. It is not usually used alone. It is used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise. Sometimes this drug is given alone, and other times it is given in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications.
You may find this medicine in the market under names like `Repatha` or `Repatha SureClick`.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before you start using this medicine, it is important to tell your doctor the following information. Do not hide this information, as it is very important for your own safety.
- About your allergies: Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies, not just to Evolocumab, but to any other medicine, food, dyes, preservatives, or latex.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: If you are currently pregnant or planning to have a baby, you should tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is essential to inform your doctor about this even while breastfeeding.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
This is a shot that you give yourself under your skin . Don't be afraid if it feels new to you at first. Your doctor or a trained nurse will show you clearly how to give this shot easily and painlessly.
- Take it on time: It is very important to take it exactly as prescribed by your doctor, on the same day, at the same time. Continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.
- Disposing of used needles: This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. There is a special sharps container for them. If you don't have one, ask your doctor about how to get one.
- Read the instruction sheet:The box that comes with this medicine has clear instructions on how to use it (INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE). Read it carefully. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.
- Is it given to children? In some special cases, this medicine can be prescribed to children over the age of 10. But only your doctor can decide.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more than the prescribed dose of this medicine by mistake, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital as soon as possible.
What if I forget a dose of medicine?
It is very important not to miss doses of this medicine. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor for advice on what to do next.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- Regular check-ups: See your doctor at regular intervals to check the progress of your treatment. Let him know if your symptoms are getting worse or not. You may also need to have regular blood work .
- Part of a complete program: Remember, this shot is not a magic bullet. It is just one part of a complete program to protect your heart health. Follow the special diet your doctor gives you. Avoid alcohol and smoking completely. Ask your doctor what exercise is right for you and how long you should do it.
- MRI Scan: If you ever have to have an MRI scan, do not enter the scanner wearing certain on-body infusers. Inform the medical staff about this before the scan.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. Be aware of the side effects listed in the table below.
| Evolocumab side effects | |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Increased blood sugar levels | Feeling hungrier than usual, excessive thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue, and blurred vision. |
| Infection | Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. |
| These are usually not serious, but if they persist, tell your doctor. | |
| Other minor ailments | Diarrhea, muscle pain, nausea, redness, itching, or slight pain at the injection site. |
Important: This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything unusual, please contact your doctor for advice.
How to store the medicine?
Because this is a vaccine, it is very important to store it properly.
- Keep away from children and pets.
- Refrigeration (best method): Store the medicine inside the refrigerator, not in the door. However, do not store it in the freezer. If the medicine freezes, do not use it. Keep it in the original carton until you need it. Remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you need the vaccine and let it come to room temperature.
- Storage at room temperature: If necessary, this medicine can be stored at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius) for up to 30 days. However, it should be kept in the original carton. If stored at room temperature, it should be discarded after 30 days or when the expiration date (whichever comes first) is reached.
- Other information: Protect from direct sunlight and excessive heat. Do not shake the medicine.
Consult your doctor or hospital for advice on the safest way to dispose of expired or unwanted medicine.
Take-Home Message
- Evolocumab is a vaccine used to control high cholesterol, along with diet and exercise.
- Always tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking, allergies, and whether you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- Learn how to inject the vaccine correctly. Dispose of used needles safely as directed by your doctor.
- Keep the medicine in the refrigerator and take it out 30 minutes before use. Never put it in the freezer.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as severe skin irritation or swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never let anyone else use it.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What is the Evolocumab / Repatha vaccine/pen for?
This is not a regular cholesterol pill (Statin)! This is a highly effective (PCSK9 Inhibitor) expensive injection that is injected into the stomach/thigh once every 2 weeks or once a month to dissolve/cleanse that cholesterol by 60% at once for patients with severe/hereditary (Familial Hypercholesterolemia) 'bad cholesterol (LDL)' and those at risk of heart attack/stroke!
💬 How does this vaccine (Evolocumab) clean up bad cholesterol (LDL) when it enters our body?
This is the magic of the latest technology! Our liver has receptors that capture LDL cholesterol. But our own body's own protein called 'PCSK9' destroys those receptors. As soon as this vaccine enters the body, it finds that 'PCSK9 protein' and completely blocks/destroys it (Monoclonal antibody). When the receptors are released, they come out of the liver and capture all the cholesterol in the blood and destroy it.
💬 What are the side effects of this vaccine worth millions of dollars?
This is a very safe and effective medicine! The only major side effects are 'Injection site reactions' (redness, swelling and pain at the injection site). Some people may get a runny nose/nasopharyngitis and a little back pain. But it does not harm the liver or muscles like other drugs (statins)!
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