A problem that many people have is that this cholesterol is increasing. Sometimes, no matter how much we control our diet and exercise daily, it is difficult to reduce cholesterol levels to the desired level. This is especially a big challenge in cases of high cholesterol that comes from generations. It is in cases like these that doctors think about new treatment methods in addition to standard treatments. Today we are going to talk about one such new, advanced drug. Its name is Evinacumab. It is given as a vaccine.
Simply put, what is Evinacumab?
Evinacumab is a special medicine used to lower high cholesterol levels. To be precise, it is an injection that is given into a vein . This medicine is not usually given alone. It is treated with changes in your lifestyle, such as a proper diet and exercise . Sometimes this medicine is used alone, and sometimes it is given together with other medicines that lower cholesterol.
This medicine can be found in the market under the brand name `EVKEEZA`. But remember, this is a medicine that is only given under the supervision of a doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. It is especially important to mention these points.
- If you have an allergy to this Evinacumab medicine or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant, or are expecting a baby soon , this is a very important point.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding your child .
Based on this information, the doctor will decide whether this medicine is suitable for you or not.
How do you inject this medicine into the body?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Evinacumab is an injection that is given into a vein (intravenous or IV) by a trained doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic . It is given in the same way as if you were given a saline solution. So you have to go to the hospital or clinic every time you get the medicine.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have overdosed in any way, inform the medical staff immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . You can also go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Most importantly, this medicine is prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
Can there be interactions with other medications?
Research on how this medicine interacts with other medications has not yet been completed, so it's safest to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
Tell your doctor about all of this:
- Medicine prescribed by a doctor
- Medicine you buy yourself from a pharmacy
- Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines (Herbs)
- Vitamins and Dietary Supplements
- If you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs, you should definitely tell them about it.
These things can sometimes react with your medication and cause unwanted effects.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
Your doctor will check your condition regularly while you are on this treatment. Therefore , it is very important to attend your appointments on time . If your symptoms do not improve or if they seem to be getting worse, tell your doctor immediately.
Special information about pregnancy!
This is the most important and serious thing you need to know about this medicine.
Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine. Also, avoid getting pregnant for 5 months after stopping the medicine. Talk to your doctor about a suitable birth control method for this.
This is because Evinacumab can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. Therefore, if you have even the slightest suspicion that you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause some side effects. Some of them require immediate attention. You can clearly know about them from the table below.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue. |
| Fast heartbeat | Chest pain that feels like a heartbeat. |
| Trouble breathing | Difficulty breathing, feeling faint. |
| Tell your doctor if it persists or is bothersome. | |
| Itching at the injection site | The skin around the injection site is itchy. |
| Muscle weakness | Feeling of lifelessness and weakness in the muscles. |
| Nasal congestion | A stuffy or runny nose, similar to a cold. |
| Nausea | Feeling like vomiting. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Evinacumab is a special injection that is injected into a vein in a hospital to control high cholesterol.
- Before starting this treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking.
- Avoid getting pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for 5 months after stopping it. It can be very harmful to the baby in the womb.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any severe side effects such as difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or rapid heartbeat.
- Be sure to follow the doctor's instructions and follow-up appointments. Talk openly with the doctor about any concerns.
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