in Lipid disorders, Obesity, Updates

Repatha Side effects: Weight gain or Weight Loss

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REPATHA® is the generic name of a novel and highly potent lipid-lowering drug, Evolocumab. It is an injectable medicine that is used to lower plasma lipid levels by inhibiting the protein PCSK-9.

Evolocumab has been approved by the FDA for the prevention of cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease.

It has also been approved to reduce LDL-C levels in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, when used in combination with diet and other lipid-lowering therapies.

For patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, REPATHA can be used along with diet, statins, ezetimibe, and LDL apheresis to further lower LDL-C levels.

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Repatha side effects:

Side effects of Repatha are summarized here based on severity and system-wise. Here is a table summarizing Repatha’s side effects:

System

Common Side Effects

Less Common Side Effects

Nervous System
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
Gastrointestinal System
  • Nausea,
  • Diarrhea,
  • Vomiting
  • Fullness
  • Flatulence
Musculoskeletal System
  • Back pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle pain
Respiratory System
  • Nasopharyngitis
  • Upper respiratory tract infections
  • Cough
Skin
  • Redness,
  • Itching,
  • Swelling, or pain at the injection site
  • Hives
Other
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Allergic reactions
  • Liver problems

Repatha is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to it. Here is a table summarizing the side effects of Repatha based on the severity of symptoms:

Severity

Side Effects

Mild
  • Headache,
  • Nausea,
  • Diarrhea,
  • Vomiting,
  • Upper respiratory tract infections,
  • Redness,
  • Itching,
  • Swelling, or pain at the injection site,
  • Flu-like symptoms,
  • Fatigue, and
  • Back pain
Moderate
  • Dizziness,
  • Muscle spasms,
  • Muscle pain
Severe
  • Allergic reactions,
  • Liver problems

 

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Repatha side effects: Weight gain or Weight loss?

The manufacturer’s labeling and the FDA prescribing information has not mentioned weight gain or weight loss as a side effect of Repatha [Ref].

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of Repatha suggest that with increasing weight, exposure to the drug is reduced.

In a phase 4 clinical trial, more than 100,000 people reported using Repatha. The data can be misleading and inaccurate. However, based on what people reported, the effect of Repatha on body weight is summarized in the table below:

Effect of Repatha on body weight

Total number (112,588)

Percentage

Weight gain10710.95%
Weight Loss510.05%

Compared to patients who lost weight, weight gain occurred in a significantly higher percentage of patients.

There seems a tendency for weight gain rather than weight loss. However, the effect of Repatha on body weight has not been studied in clinical trials.

Weight can add to the anxiety and cardiovascular issues associated with obesity. It is therefore recommended to restrict to a low-calorie diet and regular aerobic exercise.

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Can you answer a few questions below to report any weight changes associated with Repatha (Evolocumab)?

  • Question of

    Have you experienced any changes in your weight since starting Repatha?

    • yes
      Yes
    • no
      No
  • Question of

    Did you notice weight changes within the first few weeks of starting Repatha?

    • yes
      Yes
    • no
      No
  • Question of

    Have you made any changes to your diet or exercise routine since starting Repatha?

    • yes
      Yes
    • no
      No
  • Question of

    Do you feel that Repatha has had a significant impact on your weight?

    • yes
      Yes
    • no
      No
  • Question of

    Have you noticed any changes in your appetite or hunger levels since starting Repatha?

    • yes
      Yes
    • no
      No
  • Question of

    Have you “Gained Weight” or “Lost Weight” using Repatha?

    • Gained
    • Lost

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Written by Dr. Ahmed

I am Dr. Ahmed (MBBS; FCPS Medicine), an Internist and a practicing physician. I am in the medical field for over fifteen years working in one of the busiest hospitals and writing medical posts for over 5 years.

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