Repatha Sureclick (evolocumab)
Antihyperlipidemic - PCSK9 Inhibitors Subcutaneous Pen Injector (ML)
Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
Overview
Evolocumab, a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody that binds to proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9), is an antilipemic agent.
Evolocumab, a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody produced in genetically engineered mammalian (Chinese hamster ovary) cells, is an inhibitor of human proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9). PCSK9 is a serine protease that is produced principally in the liver. The major function of PCSK9 is to regulate the metabolism of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol by promoting the degradation of LDL receptors, the primary receptors responsible for clearing circulating LDL cholesterol.
PCSK9 binds to the LDL receptor on the surface of hepatocytes and directs it towards lysosomal degradation; this causes a reduction in the amount of LDL receptors available to bind and remove LDL particles from circulation, and consequently increases plasma LDL-cholesterol concentrations. Evolocumab binds specifically and with high affinity to PCSK9, preventing the binding of PCSK9 to the LDL-cholesterol receptor, and thereby increasing the number of receptors available to clear LDL cholesterol. Reductions in lipoprotein (a), apolipoprotein B, and other lipid fractions also have been demonstrated with evolocumab therapy.
Familial hypercholesterolemia is a group of inherited disorders characterized by excessive elevations in LDL-cholesterol concentrations and early atherosclerotic disease. In most cases, the condition is caused by mutations in the LDL-receptor gene, but mutations in other genes, including the gene encoding apolipoprotein B and PCSK9, also can cause the condition. In the heterozygous form of familial hypercholesterolemia, LDL-receptor function is impaired by up to 50% and in the more serious but rare homozygous form, LDL-receptor function is reduced by 70-97%.
In patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, the severity of the mutation and corresponding residual LDL-receptor activity affect response to evolocumab therapy. Patients with 2 receptor-defective mutations (corresponding to relatively functional LDL-receptor activity) appear to derive the greatest benefit from evolocumab therapy; patients with one negative (corresponding to very little or no LDL-receptor activity) and one defective mutation have a lesser response, and those with 2 receptor-negative mutations generally do not respond to therapy.
After a single subcutaneous injection of evolocumab (140 or 420 mg), maximal suppression of free PCSK9 occurs within 4 hours and returns to baseline once drug concentrations fall below the limit of quantification. Maximum LDL-cholesterol reduction occurred by 2 weeks after a single 140-mg dose and by 3 weeks after a single 420-mg dose of evolocumab. Evolocumab exhibits dose-dependent nonlinear pharmacokinetics.
Following subcutaneous administration of a single 140- or 420-mg dose of the drug in healthy adults, the estimated absolute bioavailability was approximately 72% and peak plasma concentrations were attained in approximately 3-4 days. After multiple dosing, an accumulation ratio of approximately two- to threefold was observed, and serum trough concentrations approached steady state by 12 weeks. Elimination of evolocumab is concentration-dependent; at low concentrations, elimination occurs principally through saturable binding to the PCSK9 target, while at higher concentrations, elimination occurs principally through a non-saturable proteolytic pathway.
The effective half-life of evolocumab is estimated to be 11-17 days.
USES: Evolocumab is used along with a proper diet to help lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. It is also used by people who have a high risk for serious heart and blood vessel problems to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, certain types of chest pain, death from heart disease, or needing certain types of heart or blood vessel surgery. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.
It works by improving how well your body gets rid of LDL cholesterol. In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.
Generic name: evolocumab
Pronunciation: (E-voe-LOK-ue-mab)
Drug class: Antihyperlipidemic - PCSK9 Inhibitors
Therapeutic class: Cardiovascular Therapy Agents
Reference product & biosimilars
No reference, biosimilar or interchangeable associated with this drug.
Today’s intelligence on Repatha Sureclick
Indications
The following indications are listed for Repatha Sureclick:
- Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia
- Hypercholesterolemia
- Increased Cardiovascular Event Risk
Also known as: Elevated Blood Cholesterol Level, Familial Heterozygous Hypercholesterolemia, Familial Homozygous Hypercholesterolemia, Heterozygous Familial Elevated Blood Cholesterol.
Dosing
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Evolocumab is administered subcutaneously. The drug is administered as an every-2-week or once-monthly dosing regimen.
Evolocumab is commercially available as a prefilled syringe, prefilled auto-injector, and on-body infusor pump with prefilled cartridge. Patients and/or their caregivers should be trained on the proper techniques for preparation and administration of evolocumab using these devices. If the on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge is used in pediatric patients 10-17 years of age, adult supervision is necessary. A monthly evolocumab dose of 420 mg can be administered using the on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge or by consecutively administering three 140-mg subcutaneous injections within 30 minutes using the prefilled syringes or auto-injectors. Patient preference for dosing frequency and injection volume should be considered when determining the method of administration.
Prior to use, all commercially available dosage forms of evolocumab (prefilled syringes and auto-injectors, on-body infusors with prefilled cartridges) should be stored at 2-8degreesC in their original carton to protect from light; the drug should not be frozen or shaken. Alternatively, patients may store these products at room temperature at 20-25degreesC; however, the drug must be used within 30 days or otherwise discarded if stored under these conditions. Prior to administration, evolocumab prefilled syringes and auto-injectors should be allowed to warm to room temperature for at least 30 minutes, and the on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge should be allowed to warm to room temperature for at least 45 minutes.
Evolocumab injection should be inspected visually prior to administration and should not be used if the solution is discolored, cloudy, or contains particulate matter. Commercially available evolocumab injection contains no preservatives and is intended for single use only.
Evolocumab should be administered subcutaneously into the abdomen (except for the 2-inch area around the navel), thigh, or upper arm; injection sites should be rotated. Areas that are tender, bruised, red, or indurated, or that have scars or stretch marks should be avoided. The on-body infusor should be securely attached to a clean, firm, and flat skin surface that is less likely to have body hair or on which the body hair can be trimmed; it should not be used on areas with wrinkles, skin folds, moles, or excessive hair. Injection of the drug using a prefilled syringe or auto-injector may take up to 15 seconds to complete; injection of the drug using the on-body infusor with prefilled cartridge takes about 5 minutes to complete. Evolocumab should not be administered with other drugs at the same injection site.
If a dose of evolocumab is missed, the missed dose should be administered as soon as possible within 7 days. If a dose of evolocumab is missed in a patient receiving the every-2-week regimen and the missed dose is not administered within 7 days, the dose should be withheld and the next dose should be administered at the regularly scheduled time. If a dose of evolocumab is missed in a patient receiving the once-monthly regimen and the missed dose is not administered within 7 days, the dose should be administered and a new dosing schedule should be initiated starting on that date.
| Drug label | Dosing type | Instructions |
|---|---|---|
| Repatha 140 Mg/Ml Sureclick | Maintenance | Inject 1 milliliter (140 mg) by subcutaneous route every 2 weeks in the abdomen, thigh, or outer area of upper arm (rotate sites). |
No dosing information is available for this tab.
Drug interactions
There is no enhanced messaging for this drug.
There are no contraindication interactions for this drug.
Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Efgartigimod-Alfa
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Efgartigimod-alfa binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of efgartigimod-alfa states that efgartigimod-alfa should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, efgartigimod-alfa should be discontinued.(3)
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with efgartigimod-alfa have not been performed. Efgartigimod-alfa may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)
Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Nipocalimab-Aahu
SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Nipocalimab-aahu binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of nipocalimab-aahu states that nipocalimab-aahu should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, nipocalimab-aahu should be discontinued.(3)
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with nipocalimab-aahu have not been performed. Nipocalimab-aahu may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)
Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Rozanolixizumab-Noli
SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.
MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Rozanolixizumab-noli binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)
CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medications that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)
PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.
PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of rozanolixizumab-noli states that concurrent use with medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) should be closely monitored for reduced effectiveness of these medications. If long-term use of such medications is essential for the patient, consider discontinuing rozanolixizumab-noli and use alternative therapies.(3)
DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with rozanolixizumab-noli have not been performed. Rozanolixizumab-noli may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)
Contraindications
*History of serious hypersensitivity reaction to evolocumab or any ingredient in the formulation.
There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.
There are no severe contraindications for this drug.
- No disease contraindications
Adverse reactions
Adverse effects reported in >5% of patients receiving evolocumab and occurring more frequently than with placebo in clinical studies of adults with primary hyperlipidemia include nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, back pain, and injection site reactions.
Adverse effects reported in >5% of patients receiving evolocumab and occurring more frequently than with placebo in adults with established cardiovascular disease include diabetes mellitus, nasopharyngitis, and upper respiratory tract infection.
Less Frequent
- Diabetes mellitus
- Hypertension
Rare or Very Rare
- Angioedema
More Frequent
- Back pain
- Influenza
- Injection site sequelae
- Pharyngitis
- Upper respiratory infection
Less Frequent
- Arthralgia
- Bruising
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Gastroenteritis
- Headache disorder
- Memory impairment
- Muscle spasm
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Pain in oropharynx
- Sinusitis
- Urinary tract infection
Rare or Very Rare
- Eczema
- Erythema
- Flu-like symptoms
- Skin rash
- Urticaria
Precautions
No enhanced messaging available.
Safety and efficacy of evolocumab have not been established in pediatric patients with types of hyperlipidemia other than homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. In addition, safety and efficacy of evolocumab have not been established in pediatric patients <10 years of age with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia.
The principal efficacy study of evolocumab in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia included 7 pediatric patients >=13 years of age who received the drug in combination with diet and other LDL-cholesterol lowering therapies; in addition, 19 pediatric patients >=11 years of age with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia received evolocumab in open-label trials.
In a 24-week, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in pediatric patients >=10 years of age with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, 104 patients received evolocumab 420 mg subcutaneously once monthly and 53 patients received placebo; 39 patients (25%) were 10-11 years of age.
Available data from clinical trials and postmarketing reports on evolocumab in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes.
Adverse embryofetal or postnatal developmental effects have not been observed in monkeys exposed to evolocumab during the period of organogenesis through parturition at dose exposures up to 12 times the maximum recommended human dosage; however, studies with another proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitor demonstrated some evidence of humoral immune suppression in infant monkeys exposed to the drug in utero.
To monitor pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women exposed to evolocumab, a pregnancy safety study has been established. Clinicians and patients are encouraged to call 800-772-6436 or visit https://wwwext.amgen.com/products/global-patient-safety/adverse-event-repor ting to report evolocumab exposure in pregnant women.
It is not known whether evolocumab is distributed into human milk. Human IgG is distributed into human milk; however, published data suggest that the IgG antibodies present in human milk are not substantially distributed into the circulation of neonates and infants.
The potential adverse effects of evolocumab on the infant should be weighed against the known benefits of breastfeeding, taking into account the importance of the drug to the woman.
In clinical studies, 41% of patients who received evolocumab were 65 years of age or older and 8% were 75 years of age or older. Although no overall differences in safety or efficacy have been observed between geriatric patients and younger adults in controlled studies or in other clinical experience, the possibility of increased sensitivity to evolocumab in some geriatric patients cannot be ruled out.
ICD codes
| Code | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia | ||
| E78.011 | ICD10CM | Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [heFh] |
| Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia | ||
| E78.010 | ICD10CM | Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [hoFh] |
| Hypercholesterolemia | ||
| E78.0 | ICD10CM | Pure hypercholesterolemia |
| E78.00 | ICD10CM | Pure hypercholesterolemia, unspecified |
| E78.01 | ICD10CM | Familial hypercholesterolemia |
| E78.010 | ICD10CM | Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [hoFh] |
| E78.011 | ICD10CM | Heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia [heFh] |
| E78.019 | ICD10CM | Familial hypercholesterolemia, unspecified |
ICD code information from First Databank (FDB).
Formulary status
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Last reviewed · Source: First Databank (FDB) drug data
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