Key takeaways

  • Repatha is an effective medication that can lower LDL cholesterol and significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • Like most drugs, Repatha can cause side effects. However long-term side effects are rare.
  • Repatha is often used in combination with statins to help lower LDL cholesterol, but it can also be an alternative option for people who cannot tolerate statins.

When it comes to managing high cholesterol, the treatment options has shifted in recent years. While statins have been the gold standard for decades, a newer class of drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors, specifically Repatha (evolocumab), has become an effective alternative or adjunct therapy.

Learn about Repatha’s safety and effectiveness, possible long-term side effects of the drug, and how it compares to statins.

Repatha is considered a safe and effective treatment option. It is a human monoclonal antibody that works by blocking a protein called PCSK9. By doing so, it increases the liver’s ability to clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

In clinical trials, Repatha has been shown to:

  • Reduce LDL levels by 50% to 70% when added to a statin medication.
  • Lower the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack and stroke) by 20% to 25%.
  • Show rapid results, with significant cholesterol reduction often seen within just four weeks of the first injection.

From a safety standpoint, Repatha is generally well-tolerated. More commonly reported side effects of Repatha include cold-like symptoms, upper respiratory tract infections, and injection site reactions such as redness, pain, or bruising.

Key term

LDL cholesterol is sometimes referred to as “bad cholesterol”. LDL stands for low-density lipoprotein.

If there is too much LDL cholesterol in your bloodstream, it can cause buildup or “plaque” on the sides of your blood vessels. This can make your blood vessels narrow which makes it harder for blood to reach your heart and other organs. If the blood flow becomes blocked, it can lead to chest pain and even a heart attack.

Read more: Learn about natural ways to lower your cholesterol.

Since Repathat’s approval, researchers have closely monitored the drug for long-term complications. Current data, including extension studies lasting several years, suggest that the drug remains safe for long-term use. But, a few things people taking Repatha may want to monitor for include:

  • New onset-diabetes: Repatha may cause high blood sugar, which could lead to diabetes. If diabetes is not treated, it can cause damage to the eyes, heart, and kidneys. This could lead to long-term issues including vision loss, heart disease, and kidney failure.
  • Brain function or memory problems: Early in the development of PCSK9 inhibitors, there were potential concerns that extremely low LDL levels could affect brain function or memory. Larger studies, such as the EBBINGHAUS study, have specifically looked at this and found no significant link between Repatha and cognitive decline or memory loss.

In most cases, side effects of Repatha are temporary and easily managed. Long-term side effects of the drug are rare. If you are experiencing side effects with Repatha that are bothersome or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking this drug and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Both statins and Reptha are safe treatment options. Repatha is typically used in combination with a statin medication to help lower LDL cholesterol in certain people.

Statins are generally the first line of treatment because they are inexpensive, effective, and have been studied for over 30 years. However, many patients suffer from statin-associated muscle symptoms (SAMS), ranging from mild aches to debilitating weakness.

Repatha is often considered a safe alternative for those who cannot tolerate statins. Because it works outside the liver’s internal metabolic pathway, it sidesteps the muscle pain and liver enzyme issues commonly associated with oral cholesterol pills.

Repatha is a safe and effective medication for reducing the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems and lowering cholesterol levels. While it is newer than statins, a decade of data shows it is a safe and effective treatment option.

If you have questions about whether Repatha is right for you, talk with your doctor.

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.