Repatha (evolocumab) is a prescription drug used in certain situations to lower cholesterol and reduce serious heart-related risks. Repatha does this by attaching itself to a protein in your body called PCSK9.
Repatha is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells. It belongs to a class of medications called PCSK9 inhibitors.
PCSK9 is an enzyme in your liver that stops your body from removing low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. (An enzyme is a protein that helps with certain chemical processes in the body.)
Repatha’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to attach itself to PCSK9. This prevents the enzyme from working, which helps your body remove cholesterol more effectively. This decreases your LDL level, which reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke, and the need for heart surgery in certain people.
If you have more questions about how this drug works, talk with your doctor or check out the second video on this Repatha webpage.
Repatha begins working as soon as you inject your first dose. It takes about 4 hours for the drug to block the PCSK9 enzyme. In studies, Repatha lowered certain cholesterol levels in some people within 4 to 12 weeks.
You’re unlikely to notice a difference in how you feel after starting Repatha since you can’t feel your cholesterol increasing or decreasing. Blood test results are the only way to confirm that the drug is working. It’s important to continue taking Repatha, even if you don’t feel its effects.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about how Repatha works and what to expect from treatment.
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