Properly Storing Repatha: A Guide on refrigeration and other storage tips

Preserving Repatha Correctly: Proper Storage Tips and Additional Information

Repatha is a brand-name injectable medication used to manage high cholesterol levels caused by familial hypercholesterolemia. This article provides essential information on the proper storage and administration of Repatha to ensure its effectiveness and safety.

Repatha contains the active ingredient evolocumab, a biologic medication that lowers the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Evolocumab binds to PCSK9, preventing its activity and lowering LDL cholesterol levels.

Proper storage of Repatha is crucial to preserve its effectiveness. It should be stored in the refrigerator at cool temperatures, between 36°F and 46°F (2°C and 8°C). However, Repatha can also be stored at room temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) for up to 30 days, but should not be administered after this period. If Repatha is left unrefrigerated, it can still be used for up to 30 days at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C).

It is important to note that Repatha should not be stored in the freezer or in a storage area where the temperature exceeds 77°F (25°C). Prolonged exposure to high temperatures, such as 86°F (30 °C), can cause evolocumab to lose its effectiveness within 9 hours. Storing Repatha for over 30 days at higher temperatures between 68°F and 77°F may reduce its efficacy and increase the risk of side effects such as injection site reactions, allergic reactions, flu-like symptoms, nausea, muscle and joint pain, and rarer effects like swelling of the face or throat.

When it comes to administration, Repatha should be self-administered as a subcutaneous injection. It is important to allow at least 30 minutes for Repatha to reach room temperature before use, if using the prefilled autoinjector or syringe. Do not take two Repatha doses together to make up for a missed dose, as this may increase the risk of side effects.

In case of a missed dose, it can be taken within 7 days after the scheduled day for doses given every 2 weeks, or as soon as possible for monthly doses. Skipping a missed dose is recommended if it's been more than 7 days since the scheduled day for doses given every 2 weeks, or beginning a new monthly schedule based on the new date for monthly doses.

If a Repatha dose is missed, it is crucial to discard the medication if it has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 30 days. Repatha should be kept in its original packaging to protect it from light.

In case of an overdose, seek medical attention immediately, or contact America's Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. For severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Repatha helps reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and the need for certain heart surgeries in people with heart disease. By following the proper storage and administration guidelines, patients can ensure that Repatha remains effective and safe for managing their high cholesterol levels.