Repatha or evolocumab is a brand name drug, and it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Before we look at the repatha side effects, let’s look at the benefits. There are several benefits of repatha drugs, these are:
Lowers levels of bad cholesterol or (LDL), this is cholesterol caused by a health condition called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Repatha is approved for use in adults and children over the age of 13 years. For safety, doctors prescribe repatha along with other medications to lower cholesterol levels.
Well, lowering bad cholesterol levels in adults who experience or suffer from high cholesterol is said to be included in heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. For this purpose, repatha can be used alone or with other drugs. Its use in adults who have heart disease can reduce the risk of stroke, heart attack and is good for certain heart surgery needs.
Whatever your condition is using repatha, you will most likely use it in the long term, this is if you and agree that repatha drugs work well for your health problems.
Here are some important facts about Repatha:
- Active ingredient: evolocumab
- Drug class: PCSK9 inhibitor
- Drug forms: in liquid form as a drug for injection, these are available as: Prefilled single-dose SureClick autoinjectors, prefilled single-dose syringes, and are available as prefilled cartridges, these are for use with the single-dose Pushtronex system.
Repatha is the same as other drugs in general, so there are side effects of repatha in every use. What are the side effects, read on to find out what are the potential repatha side effects, mild, common and serious side effects. Below we will explain in more detail about repatha. So, keep reading this article till the end.
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Common Repatha Side Effects
There have been some adverse effects of taking repatha reported by those who use this drug. Side effects that occur can vary from one to another. This depends on how the condition of the drug user.
Common Side Effects of Repatha
- Sore throat,
- Have a cold,
- Upper respiratory tract infections, flu, common cold,
- Back pain,
- Reaction at the injection site
While the common side effects of repatha occur in those who use it to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, use for certain heart surgery purposes are:
- Sore throat
- Have a cold
- Respiratory tract infections, such as the flu or the common cold, high blood sugar and diabetes.
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The Mild Repatha Side Effects
There are also some mild side effects occur for those who use repatha. These are just some of the forms of side effects that we mention, and of course they can differ from patient to patient. For more details about this mild side effect, you can ask directly to patients who use repatha.
Among the mild side effects of repatha that have been reported are:
- Sore throat,
- Have a cold,
- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold or flu,
- cough,
- back pain,
- Urinary tract infection,
- Headache,
- Pain in bones, ligaments, nerves, or tendons,
- Diarrhea,
- Dizzy,
- Swelling in the intestines or stomach, it can also be in the form of stomach cramps,
- Reactions at the injection site, and
- Muscle ache
The repatha side effects described may be temporary. This can last just a few days or a few weeks. However, if you experience these side effects for longer, bothersome or even very severe, then be sure to talk to your doctor or a professional pharmacist.
Notes:
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) after approving the use of repatha and it has been circulating outside, then they pay attention to the side effects that occur. Well, if you experience any side effects of repatha while using it, and you want to report this to the FDA, please visit MedWatch.
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Serious Side Effects of Repatha
The use of repatha can sometimes cause serious side effects. Maybe what we have mentioned has not covered all the types of serious side effects that have occurred. For complete information you can contact patients who use this drug.
If you experience serious side effects while using repatha, you should contact your doctor immediately. If you notice that the side effects are life-threatening, or you are in a medical emergency, you can call 911 or call your local emergency number.
Among the serious effects of repatha that have been reported are:
- Diabetes or blood sugar,
- High blood pressure,
- Allergic reaction
FAQs about Repatha Side Effects
Repatha is a drug that can cause side effects, here are some frequently asked questions related to the effects of using this drug, and we provide answers.
Is it dangerous to consume repatha?
Supposedly, taking repatha does not cause the serious and scary side effects that have been mentioned. But this occurrence is something that can happen but is very rare. So that you are more alert, see what are the serious side effects, as mentioned above.
So, a person experiencing serious side effects is usually related to a certain medical condition. Having certain medical conditions can increase the risk of side effects. If you experience serious repatha side effects, you should know how to act on this, see below.
If you are concerned about using repatha, talk to your doctor about it.
Are there any reviews about repatha and its side effects from repatha users or patients?
Drug manufacturers offer several reviews about the effects and reactions of the drugs they make. In addition, you can also ask your doctor about any side effects that can occur when using repatha. Doctors will explain to you some of their experiences as they know from patients.
They can also tell you how the drug might affect someone in a clinical trial. Well, trust this to your doctor, they are the best people to provide information about repatha including about minor side effects, common or serious side effects. Doctors will certainly give this drug if they think it is suitable for your health condition.
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Does Repatha cause any liver-related side effects?
This is not possible, in clinical studies there were no side effects of repatha related to the liver such as hepatitis, elevated liver enzymes or liver inflammation. In fact, there have been no liver-related side effects since the drug was approved by the FDA.
You need to know, you are drugs to treat cholesterol such as “statins” which have side effects related to the liver. Your doctor may prescribe a statin to be combined with repatha in use. If so, this may have a side effect on your liver.
If you have any other concerns related to the liver in using repatha, consult your doctor.
Does Repatha cause hair loss?
No, the use of repatha does not cause side effects such as hair loss.
There have been rare reports of hair loss in those taking statin drugs to lower cholesterol. However, scientifically, research has not found any relationship between taking statin drugs with hair loss.
So, if your doctor prescribes a statin drug to be combined with repatha, it is possible for such side effects to occur.
Does repatha cause dizziness?
Maybe you will experience dizziness while using repatha, but don’t worry because this is only a mild side effect that has been reported. But dizziness is not very common.
If you experience dizziness while using repatha, then consult your doctor, they can treat this side effect, including asking you to stop using it.
Side Effects Specifics
Here, we will explain about the possible side effects, including how to act.
Reaction at the site of injection
Repatha is a brand name drug that is used to lower cholesterol and how to use it is by injection. So, pain at the injection site sometimes occurs, this is pain, bruising, deep skin coloration, but usually this is only temporary.
What you can do
To reduce the risk of a reaction at the injection site, you should rotate the injection site, do not give the injection only at one site. Try the injection in the upper arm, thigh, or even in the stomach. So, do the injection thoughtfully in several places.
Do not inject repatha where it is bruised, discolored, red, hardened or tender.
High blood sugar and diabetes
Among the side effects of repatha can also be diabetes and blood sugar. This side effect is in clinical trials in those taking repatha for the purpose of preventing stroke, heart attack, and the need for heart surgery.
High blood sugar has been reported in those taking repatha to lower high cholesterol. Among the symptoms of high blood sugar are:
- dry mouth,
- Fatigue,
- Feeling thirstier than usual,
- Increased frequency of urination
What you can do
If you experience an increase in blood sugar while taking repatha, talk to your doctor. Sometimes doctors will recommend treatment, including giving medication for high blood sugar. So, maybe you don’t need to stop using repatha.
Muscle pain
One of the side effects of repatha is muscle pain. People who use repatha have reported experiencing muscle pain after using repatha drugs. However, these side effects are not common.
In addition to repatha, statins which are usually used to treat high cholesterol sometimes cause muscle pain. The risk of muscle pain is potentially higher from statins than from other drugs. This can happen if your doctor prescribes it in combination with repatha.
What you can do
If you have muscle pain, talk to your doctor, sometimes they will give you painkillers for this side effect, or sometimes advise you to stop using repatha.
Allergic reaction
In using repatha sometimes allergic reactions can also occur. If you experience any of the following or reaction symptoms, then you should discuss this case with your doctor. They will give you a solution.
Among the symptoms of an allergic reaction due to using repatha are:
- Itchy,
- skin rash,
- Flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- Swelling of the skin such as the eyelids, lips, hands or feet.
- Swelling of the tongue, mouth, throat that makes it difficult to breathe.
What you can do
If you experience any of these side effects, contact your doctor immediately. But if you see the side effects are serious and emergency then call 911 or the local emergency number.
