This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Repatha; Repatha Pushtronex System; Repatha SureClick
Brand Names: Canada
Repatha
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to lower cholesterol.
- If your child has been given this drug for some other reason, talk with the doctor about the benefits and risks. Talk with the doctor if you have questions or concerns about giving this drug to your child.
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
- Have your child follow the diet plan your child’s doctor told you about.
- High blood sugar has happened with this drug. This includes diabetes that is new or worse.
- If your child has a latex allergy, talk with the doctor. Some products have latex.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of high blood sugar like confusion, feeling sleepy, unusual thirst or hunger, passing urine more often, flushing, fast breathing, or breath that smells like fruit.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Nose or throat irritation.
- Flu-like signs.
- Signs of a common cold.
- Back pain.
- Irritation where the shot is given.
- Headache.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
All products:
- It is given into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
- If you will be using this drug at home, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to use it.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Do not open until you are ready to use.
- Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
- Move the site where you give this drug as you were told by the doctor.
- Do not give into the same place as another shot.
- Move site where you give the shot each time.
- Do not shake.
- If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using it. Be sure you know how long to leave it at room temperature before using. Do not heat this drug.
- Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
- Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
- This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
- Throw away after using. Do not use the device more than 1 time.
- Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
On-body Injector:
- Do not touch the start button until you have put this device on your skin. This button can only be pushed 1 time.
- Do not get the device wet.
- Do not give into a mole, scar, or bruise.
- Do not put on skin with a lot of hair.
- Call the doctor right away if you think that the device may not have worked the right way. Call the doctor right away if the On-body Injector comes off before or during a dose, if it is leaking, or if the sticky part is wet. Call the doctor right away if the light on the On-body Injector flashes red.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
If your child takes this drug every 2 weeks:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it has been more than 7 days since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
If your child takes this drug every month:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it has been 7 days or more since the missed dose, give a missed dose and start a new schedule based on when the dose is given.
For all uses of this drug:
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
- If you are not sure what to do if your child misses a dose, call the doctor.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
- If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 30 days. Write down the date you take this drug out of the refrigerator. If stored at room temperature and not used within 30 days, throw this drug away.
- If stored at a temperature higher than room temperature, talk with the doctor to see if this drug may still be used.
- Store in the original container to protect from light.
- Do not use if it has been frozen.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2021-10-26
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