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Evkeeza

Pronunciation: ev-kee'-zah
Generic name: evinacumab-dgnb
Dosage form: injection, for intravenous use
Drug class: Miscellaneous antihyperlipidemic agents

Medically reviewed by Melisa Puckey, BPharm. Last updated on Dec 13, 2022.

What is Evkeeza?

Evkeeza injection is used in combination with other treatments to reduce the amount low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') and other fatty substances in the blood in adults and children 12 years of age or older that have homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). HoFH is an inherited condition in which cholesterol cannot be removed from the body normally which means your blood cholesterol levels may be very high.

If you have high cholesterol, the cholesterol and fat in your blood can accumulate along the walls of your arteries (a process known as atherosclerosis) which decreases blood flow and, therefore, the oxygen supply to your heart, brain, and other parts of your body. Lowering your blood level of cholesterol and fats may help prevent heart disease, angina (chest pain), strokes, and heart attacks.

Evkeeza received FDA approval on February 11, 2021.

Evkeeza (evinacumab-dgnb) is from a class of medications called angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) inhibitor monoclonal antibodies. Evkeeza works by decreasing the production of LDL cholesterol and increasing the breakdown of LDL cholesterol and other fatty substances in the body.

How will I receive Evkeeza?

Evkeeza comes as a concentrated solution (liquid). Your correct dose will be added to liquid in an infusion bag which will be slowly injected into a vein over 60 minutes by a doctor or nurse.

The usual dose is once every 4 weeks.

Your doctor may need to slow down your infusion or stop your treatment if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with Evkeeza.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What should I tell my doctor before receiving Evkeeza?

Before receiving Evkeeza:

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to evinacumab-dgnb, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Evkeeza injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant. You may need to take a pregnancy test before beginning treatment with this medicine. You should not become pregnant during your treatment with this medicine. You should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with this medicine and for 5 months after your final dose. If you become pregnant while receiving this medicine, call your doctor immediately.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

What are the side effects of Evkeeza?

Evkeeza injection may cause serious reactions during the infusion of the medication. A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully while you are receiving the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during or after the infusion: shortness of breath; wheezing; rash; hives; itching; dizziness; muscle weakness; fever; nausea; nasal congestion; or swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, or eyes.

Evkeeza may also cause these side effects listed below. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Evkeeza may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.I f you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ([WEB]) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Interactions

Other drugs may affect this medicine. Tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.

To check for interactions with Evkeeza click on the link below.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor right away if you are unable to keep an appointment to receive a dose of Evkeeza injection.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Poison Help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Eat a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet. Be sure to follow all exercise and dietary recommendations made by your doctor or dietitian.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to this medicine.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Storage

Evkeeza vials should be stored in a refrigerator at 2 °C to 8 °C (36 °F to 46 °F). Store the vial in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake.

Evkeeza does not contain a preservative. If not used immediately, store the diluted solution refrigerated at 2 °C to 8 °C (36 °F to 46 °F) for no more than 24 hours from the time of preparation OR at room temperature up to 25 °C (77 °F) for no more than 6 hours from the time of infusion preparation to the end of the infusion.

What are the ingredients in Evkeeza?

Evkeeza contains the active ingredient evinacumab-dgnb.

Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, L-histidine monohydrochloride monohydrate, L-proline, polysorbate 80, and Water for Injection, USP.

Manufactured by:

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 777 Old Saw Mill River Road Tarrytown, NY 10591-6707 U.S. License No. 1760

Popular FAQ

You can find the Evkeeza FDA package insert on the Drugs@FDA website, under the FDA Professional Drug Information section on Drugs.com and on the Regeneron Evkeeza website. You can access Evkeeza consumer drug information written in plain language for patients on the Drugs.com website. The FDA Evkeeza Patient Medication Guide can be found here. Continue reading

Yes, Evkeeza injection is FDA-approved to help lower elevated “bad” (LDL) cholesterol in patients with a rare but serious condition called Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). It is used in adults and children 12 years of age and older. Continue reading

Evkeeza (evinacumab-dgnb) is a fully-human monoclonal antibody that works by blocking the action of a protein called angiopoietin-like 3 (ANGPTL3). When Evkeeza blocks the action of ANGPTL3, "bad" cholesterol (known as LDL cholesterol) can be cleared from the body in patients with Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia (HoFH). Continue reading

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.