Evolocumab
About Evolocumab
Evolocumab belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It is used alone or in combination with other medicines for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia. It is also used to reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, heart attack, stroke, and coronary revascularization in adults with established cardiovascular disease
Evolocumab contains Evolocumab, which belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It works by inhibiting the PCSK9-LDL receptor binding process and thereby helping to decrease LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels in the blood.
Evolocumab may cause certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, muscle spasms, arthralgia, fatigue, back pain, cough, injection site reactions, and pain at the site of injection. If these side effects bother you, inform your doctor. A trained healthcare professional will administer Evolocumab. Hence, do not self-administer.
While taking Evolocumab if you experience any allergic reactions, inform your doctor immediately. Before receiving this injection, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing or a history of liver or kidney disease, skin problems, or any allergic conditions. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting the treatment.
Uses of Evolocumab
Medicinal Benefits
Evolocumab contains Evolocumab, which belongs to the class of proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor antibody. This medicine works by binding to the PCSK9 antibody and inhibits the PCSK9 and LDL receptor binding process. This helps decrease the LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels in the blood. It is used to reduce the risk of heart attack, MI, stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Evolocumab
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle spams
- Arthralgia
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Cough
- Upper respiratory symptoms
- Injection site reactions
Drug Warnings
While taking Evolocumab if you experience any allergic reaction, inform your doctor immediately. It is important to let your doctor know about your complete medical and medication history to rule out any allergic reactions. Before receiving this injection, inform your doctor if you have any pre-existing or a history of liver/kidney disease, skin problems, or any allergic conditions. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting the treatment. Evolocumab is not recommended for use in children as the safety and efficacy are not established. Lifestyle changes like a healthy low-fat diet, less salt intake, regular exercise, smoking cessation, moderation of alcohol intake, and weight reduction should be performed for better results.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Evolocumab may interact with monoclonal antibodies (rozanolixizumab), vitamins, herbal supplements, and other medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease or skin diseases before receiving Evolocumab.
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
- Keep your weight under control with a BMI of 19.5-24.9.
- Do regular physical activity or exercise.
- Opt for a diet rich in whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products.
- Quitting smoking is the best strategy to lower the risk of heart disease.
- Avoid chronic stress. Try to enjoy and spend time with your loved ones to cope with stress and practice mindfulness techniques.
- Including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acid-containing food drinks in your daily diet.
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.
