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How fast does Repatha work?

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Sep 19, 2023.

How long does it take for Repatha to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and cardiovascular events?

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol blood levels are reduced within the first month of being on Repatha and within the first year there is a measurable risk reduction of myocardial infarction, stroke and coronary revascularization.

How long does it take for Repatha to reduce LDL cholesterol levels?

  • In the Fourier clinical trial within four weeks of being on Repatha the blood LDL cholesterol levels (median) have decreased 57% from baseline levels to 54mg/dl and with regular Repatha dosing these levels are consistently maintained to at least 50% below original baseline levels over 168 weeks.
  • The lower blood LDL cholesterol levels mean that there will be less LDL cholesterol in the blood to stick and accumulated as fatty deposits in the arteries, so over time will help prevent strokes, myocardial infarctions and coronary revascularization.

How fast does Repatha reduce the risk of cardiovascular events?

  • In the first year on Repatha in the Fourier Clinical trial, there was a 12% risk reduction in the group of cardiovascular events including cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for unstable angina, or coronary revascularization.
  • Into the second year of being on Repatha the patient's risk for having one of these cardiovascular events decreased further to 19% from their baseline risk.
  • Although Repatha reduced this group of cardiovascular events the Fourier study showed no observed positive effect individually for cardiovascular death, rates of hospitalization for unstable angina or worsening heart failure or death from any cause.
  • Repatha did reduce the risk of having a myocardial infarction, stroke and coronary revascularization.

Related questions

What does Repatha do?

  • Repatha (evolocumab) works by helping the liver reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) circulating in your blood by inhibiting a protein called PCSK9.
  • Reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the blood slows the formation of the fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) and reduces the risk of strokes, myocardial infarctions and coronary revascularization.
References

Read next

What is the best time of day to take Repatha?

You can inject Repatha at any time of the day, but usually people prefer injecting Repatha during daylight hours because it takes 30 to 45 minutes for it to warm up to room temperature, and you need to be able to easily see what you are doing while you are injecting it. Continue reading

What are PCSK9 Inhibitors and how do they work?

The PCSK9 inhibitors are used for the treatment of high-risk patients with elevated cholesterol, especially when statins aren't adequate. They work by blocking PCSK9, leaving more receptors available to capture your "bad" cholesterol (LDL) for break down and removal from the blood. Continue reading

How long can Repatha be kept unrefrigerated?

Repatha can be left unrefrigerated for up to 30 days at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) as long as it is kept in its original box and is not kept somewhere that gets hotter than 77°F (25°C), for example, a car glove box. This makes it easier to take your medicine with you when you’re on the go. Do not put Repatha back in the refrigerator once you have taken it out. Continue reading

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