Evolocumab Gains Expanded Indication for Primary Prevention

FDA has expanded the indication for evolocumab (#Repatha) to include patients at high risk for cardiovascular disease due to elevated LDL cholesterol levels

The PCSK9 inhibitor is now approved in high-risk adults without established disease to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events (cardiovascular mortality, MI, stroke, unstable angina requiring hospitalization, or coronary revascularization)

Prior to the expanded indication, evolocumab only had approval for reducing the risk of CVD events (MI, stroke) in patients with established disease

https://www.tctmd.com/news/evolocumab-gains-expanded-indication-primary-prevention

Repatha is administered once every two weeks through a pen injector - I'm now on my third dose and side effects (insomnia, cold-like symptoms, back pain, dizziness, headaches, fatigue) are still there up to a week after each shot. I had hoped they would decrease but that hasn't happened, so I'll be informing my doctor I won't be taking a fourth shot.

Also will tell them that since every cholesterol meds I've ever taken makes me feel worse, I'll just stick to niacin.

#repatha #cholesterol