Evkeeza

Evinacumab is used to treat a certain high cholesterol disorder (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia-HoFH). It is used along with a proper diet and other LDL-lowering treatments (such as "statin" drugs, ezetimibe, LDL apheresis). Evinacumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking a certain protein that stops your body from properly breaking down cholesterol. This effect helps decrease "bad cholesterol" and fats (such as LDL, triglycerides).

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

This monograph is about the following evinacumab product: evinacumab-dgnb.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using evinacumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually once every month (every 4 weeks). The injection is given by a health care professional, usually over 60 minutes. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, it may help to mark your calendar.

Itching, fever, muscle weakness, or nausea during the injection may occur. Dizziness and runny/stuffy nose may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using evinacumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test before starting this medication. You should not become pregnant while using evinacumab. Evinacumab may harm an unborn baby. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for at least 5 months after the last dose. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as cholesterol tests) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.