Evkeeza (evinacumab)
Description
Evkeeza (evinacumab) is a prescription medication used to treat adults and children 5 years of age and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). HoFH is a rare, inherited condition that causes high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, which can lead to serious heart problems.
Evkeeza is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3), a protein that plays a role in lipid metabolism. Blocking ANGPTL3 helps to reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
Uses
Evkeeza is approved for use in addition to other cholesterol-lowering therapies to treat HoFH. It is not a cure for HoFH, but it can help to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
How to Use
Evkeeza is given as a 60-minute intravenous (IV) infusion once every 4 weeks. It should be given by a healthcare professional who is trained to give IV infusions.
Dosage
The recommended dosage of Evkeeza is 15 mg/kg, given intravenously every 4 weeks.
Mechanism of Action
Evkeeza works by blocking angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3), a protein that plays a role in lipid metabolism. Blocking ANGPTL3 helps to reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
Storage Conditions
Evkeeza should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze.
Precautions
Before taking Evkeeza, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including:
- Allergies to any medications, including Evkeeza
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding plans
Interactions
Evkeeza may interact with other medications you are taking. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Contraindications
Evkeeza is contraindicated in people with a known allergy to Evkeeza or any of its ingredients.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Evkeeza (≥5%) include:
- Nasopharyngitis (common cold symptoms)
- Influenza-like illness
- Dizziness
- Rhinorrhea (a runny nose)
- Nausea
Other side effects of Evkeeza may include:
- Infusion reactions
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Back pain
- Myalgia (muscle pain)
- Arthralgia (joint pain)
- Rash
- Pruritus (itching)
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
Serious side effects of Evkeeza are rare, but may include:
- Allergic reactions
- Liver problems
- Kidney problems
- Heart problems
- Stroke
If you experience any side effects while taking Evkeeza, contact your healthcare provider right away.
Overdose
There is no information available on overdose with Evkeeza. However, if you think you may have overdosed on Evkeeza, contact your healthcare provider or local poison control center right away.
Additional Information
Evkeeza is a new medication, and more information is needed about its long-term safety and effectiveness. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of taking Evkeeza before starting treatment.
Additional Information
Evkeeza was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February 2021. It is the first and only FDA-approved medication for the treatment of HoFH in adults and children 5 years of age and older.
Evkeeza is a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of protein that is engineered to target and bind to a specific target. In the case of Evkeeza, the target is angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3). ANGPTL3 is a protein that plays a role in lipid metabolism. By blocking ANGPTL3, Evkeeza helps to reduce LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides, while increasing HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol).
Evkeeza is given as a 60-minute intravenous (IV) infusion once every 4 weeks. It is important to note that Evkeeza should only be given by a healthcare professional who is trained to give IV infusions.
**The recommended dosage of Evkeeza is 15 mg/kg
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