When we hear the word 'cholesterol', most of us cringe a little, don't we? Especially when the doctor says, "Your bad cholesterol, that is, LDL level, is a little high," we get a little scared. What we eat and drink, whether we exercise or not, and sometimes genetic factors also affect this. So, almost all of us have heard of 'statin' type pills that are given to control cholesterol. But for some people, these drugs alone are not enough, or they cannot be used. Today we are talking about a slightly advanced, new type of drug that is used in such cases. That is Repatha.
What is Repatha? How does it lower cholesterol?
Simply put, Repatha is a shot that lowers the "bad" cholesterol, or LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol levels in our bodies. This is not a pill that we usually take, but an injection that is injected under the skin.
Now look at how this works. Imagine that our liver is the filter that removes bad cholesterol from the blood. But our body also has a protein called PCSK9 (Proprotein Convertase Subtilisin Kexin type 9) . This is like someone who reduces the efficiency of that filter, interferes with it. When the PCSK9 protein increases, the liver's ability to remove LDL from the blood decreases.
What Repatha does is inhibit the activity of that 'messing up' PCSK9 protein . When it is stopped, the liver's filter can work at maximum efficiency again without any interference, capturing and actively removing the bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Do you understand? This means that this medicine helps our body's own natural process that controls cholesterol.
Who is this Repatha medicine recommended for?
This is not a medicine for everyone. A doctor will only recommend it in a few specific cases.
- For adults with existing heart disease: This medication is used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or other heart disease. It is usually given with other cholesterol medications, such as statins.
- For people with genetically inherited high cholesterol: Some people have very high cholesterol levels due to genetic conditions that are passed down from generation to generation. These conditions are called Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) and Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) . Repatha is recommended for adults and children over 10 years of age with these conditions to control LDL levels.
Most importantly, it is essential to follow a healthy diet and exercise while using this medication. Repatha is not magic, it is just one part of the treatment plan.
What are the benefits and effects of this medicine?
Clinical studies of Repatha have shown promising results. These studies compared Repatha with a placebo (a dummy treatment) and with other cholesterol medications, such as statins.
Let's explain this further with the table below.
| Who is this medicine recommended for? | Key benefits proven by tests |
|---|---|
| Adults who already have heart disease (along with other medications such as statins) | Significantly reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death from heart disease. |
| Adults and children over 10 years of age with high cholesterol due to genetic causes | Very effectively and rapidly reduces the level of "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. |
How do you know if the medicine is working?
Your doctor will order blood tests (lipid profile tests) at regular intervals. After starting Repatha, you may notice a significant reduction in your LDL cholesterol levels within as little as 12 weeks .
Let's also learn about the use and side effects of Repatha.
How to use this?
Repatha comes as a pre-filled syringe or an injector pen. It is injected under the skin every two weeks or once a month, depending on the dose prescribed for you.
Most importantly: It's very important to learn exactly how to use this from your doctor first. Before using it for the first time, ask for a clear demonstration of how to do it.
What are the side effects?
Like any medicine, Repatha can cause minor side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Common side effects | Tips to prevent or manage |
|---|---|
| Redness, pain, and bruising at the injection site. | - Always rotate the injection site (e.g., one side of the abdomen, the next time the other side). - Take the vaccine out of the refrigerator, let it sit for 30-45 minutes , and then inject it after it has reached room temperature. |
| Cold-like symptoms (fever, body aches). | These are usually temporary. If you have any discomfort, talk to your doctor. |
| Back pain, high blood sugar levels. | Tell your doctor if any side effects bother you or persist. |
Points to pay special attention to:
- Latex Allergy: Some injection needles may contain latex in their sheaths. If you have a latex allergy, be sure to tell your doctor about this.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it is important to tell your doctor before using this medicine, as there is not enough data on its safety in these situations.
How do I get this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can buy at a pharmacy. A prescription from a doctor is required.
Usually, your primary care provider or cardiologist will decide whether you need this medication and recommend it. Depending on your doctor's advice, you may be able to get it from specialty pharmacies or perhaps through your local pharmacy.
Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without medical advice. Always consult your doctor before making any decisions.
Take-Home Message
- Repatha is a subcutaneous injection that lowers high LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
- This is especially recommended for those at high risk of heart disease and those with genetic cholesterol problems.
- It blocks a protein called PCSK9, helping the liver remove LDL cholesterol from the blood.
- This can only be obtained with a doctor's prescription. It is very important to follow your doctor's instructions.
- Side effects such as redness and cold-like symptoms at the injection site may occur, and you should inform your doctor about them.
- The best results can be achieved by using Repatha along with a healthy lifestyle.
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