CardioSource WorldNews | Page 35

NOW APPROVED REPATHA ™ A NEW PCSK9 INHIBITOR FOR INTENSIVE, PREDICTABLE LDL-C REDUCTION in adults with clinical ASCVD or HeFH on maximally tolerated statin therapy as an adjunct to diet Indication • Repatha™ is a PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitor antibody indicated as an adjunct to diet and maximally tolerated statin therapy for the treatment of adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH) or clinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, who require additional lowering of LDL cholesterol (LDL-C). • Limitations of Use: The effect of Repatha™ on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality has not been determined. Important Safety Information • Contraindication: Repatha™ is contraindicated in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to Repatha™. • Allergic reactions: Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g. rash, urticaria) have been reported in patients treated with Repatha™, including some that led to discontinuation of therapy. If signs or symptoms of serious allergic reactions occur, discontinue treatment with Repatha™, treat according to the standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. • Adverse Reactions: The most common adverse reactions (> 5% of Repatha™-treated patients and more common than placebo) were: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, influenza, back pain, and injection site reactions. • In a 52-week trial, adverse reactions led to discontinuation of treatment in 2.2% of Repatha™treated patients and 1% of placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reaction that led to Repatha™ treatment discontinuation and occurred at a rate greater than placebo was myalgia (0.3% versus 0% for Repatha™ and placebo, respectively).  • Adverse reactions from a pool of the 52-week trial and seven 12-week trials, included: Local injection site reactions that occurred in 3.2% and 3.0% of Repatha™-treated and placebotreated patients, respectively. The most common injection site reactions were erythema, pain, and bruising. The proportions of patients who discontinued treatment due to local injection site reactions in Repatha™-treated pati V