Does Repatha cause weight gain or loss?
Does Repatha cause weight lose or weight gain?
- No. Weight gain or weight loss has not been reported as a side effect of Repatha (evolocumab) in clinical trials comparing Repatha to placebo (dummy or inert) pills.
Although change in weight has not been an issue identified in clinical trials, side effects rates may be different in clinical practice.
In the clinical trial DESCARTES, diarrhea and gastroenteritis occurred in 3% of the patients on Repatha. Depending how long patients suffer from gastrointestinal problems they may have issues maintaining weight, and should see their doctor if this occurs.
In the FOURIER trial, the incidence of new-onset diabetes was 0.4% more in the Repatha group compared to the placebo group (8.1% vs 7.7%). One of the symptoms of diabetes is weight loss, therefore it is important to note that if you have unexplained weight loss that continues or is bothersome, then you should see your health care professional.
References
- Repatha Medication Information: https://www.drugclasses.com/pro/repatha.html
- Evolocumab and Clinical Outcomes in Patients with Cardiovascular Disease: https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejmoa1615664
Read next
Are there any dangers of taking Repatha?
A serious danger of taking Repatha (evolocumab) includes a possibly life-threatening allergic reaction. Also tell your doctor if you are allergic to rubber or latex. Other side effects, which could be serious in some people, include high blood sugar levels (diabetes), respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections (UTI), high blood pressure, and influenza (flu). Continue reading
Praluent vs Repatha: What's the difference?
The differences between Repatha (evolocumab) and Praluent (alirocumab) are their active ingredients, number of treatment indications, dosage forms available and number of strengths available in syringe and pens forms. Continue reading
What is the difference between Leqvio and Repatha?
Leqvio and Repatha are both injectable medicines that are used for the treatment of high cholesterol, by specifically lowering low density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Although they both inhibit PCSK9 they work by different mechanisms. Repatha is a monoclonal antibody that binds directly to PCSK9 in the liver preventing it from binding to LDL receptors. Leqvio blocks the PCSK9 protein by interfering with the translation of PCSK9 messenger RNA. Both have the same result – and that is freeing up LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells which allows LDL cholesterol to be removed from the blood. Continue reading
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Drug information
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