Is Repatha effective without a statin?
Yes, Repatha is effective at reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels when taken on its own, without an additional statin.
In the 52 weeks clinical trial DESCARTES they compared placebo treatment, with Repatha on its own, Repatha with 10mg/d of atorvastatin, and Repatha with 80mg/d of atorvastatin.
The mean percentage difference between the placebo and treatment groups were
- Repatha: LDL-C cholesterol reduced 63.8% compared to placebo
- Repatha + Atorvastatin 10mg/d: LDL-C reduced 64.4% compared to placebo
- Repatha + Atorvastatin 80mg/d: LDL-C reduced 57.9% compared to placebo
This clinical trial showed that compared to placebo the combination Repatha reduced LDL-C by 64.4%. The addition of atorvastatin 10mg/d only reduced the LDL-C an extra 0.6%.
The atorvastatin 80mg/d with Repatha was actually less effective at reducing LDL-C than just Repatha.
It is important to note that LDL-C in only one of the major lipids and apolipoproteins that are relevant in cardiovascular disease. Other lipids and apolipoproteins levels were also studied in this trial.
Additional medications and treatments are often taken alongside Repatha to help reduce the risk of cardiovascular events.
It is important to take all medications as prescribed by your health care provider.
Related questions
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What are statins?
- Statins are medicines that lower LDL-C blood levels.
- They do this by blocking an enzyme (HMG-CoA reductase) which decreases the amount of LDL-cholesterol made by the body and it also increases amount of LDL-cholesterol that the body breaks down.
- The DESCARTES studied used atorvastatin as the statin compared with Repatha.
- Other statins will have different results when taken with, and compared to, Repatha.
Click here for more information and a list of statins.
References
- Repatha Medication Information: https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/repatha.html
- A 52-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial of Evolocumab in Hyperlipidemia: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1316222
- Supplementary Appendix to A 52-week Placebo-Controlled trial of Evolocumab in Hyperlipidemia: https://www.nejm.org/doi/suppl/10.1056/NEJMoa1316222/suppl_file/nejmoa1316222_appendix.pdf
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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- How much does Repatha cost?
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Drug information
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