evinacumab at a glance
Medicine class
ANGPTL3-inhibiting monoclonal antibody
Licensed role
Add-on treatment for homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia
Administration
Diluted intravenous infusion given by a healthcare professional
Specialist oversight
Started and monitored by a clinician experienced in lipid disorders
Safety monitoring
Carries a black triangle for additional monitoring
What is evinacumab used for?
Its licensed use is:
Alongside diet and other LDL-cholesterol-lowering therapies for adults and children aged 6 months and older with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia.
How does evinacumab work?
ANGPTL3 normally restrains enzymes involved in processing blood fats. Evinacumab blocks ANGPTL3, increasing this activity and reducing LDL cholesterol through a pathway that does not depend on functioning LDL receptors.
evinacumab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 150 mg/mL
How to take evinacumab
Evinacumab is prepared and given into a vein by a healthcare professional. Food does not affect administration because it is not swallowed.
The concentrate must be diluted before use.
It must not be given as an intravenous push or bolus.
Other medicines must not be mixed with it or given through the same infusion line.
The infusion may be slowed, interrupted or stopped if a reaction develops.
evinacumab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Cold-like symptoms or upper respiratory infection
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Nausea, abdominal pain or constipation
- Back pain or pain in the hands or feet
- Flu-like illness
- Infusion-related or infusion-site reactions
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including swelling, breathing difficulty, wheezing, faintness, hives or intense itching
evinacumab in pregnancy
Human pregnancy information is limited, and evinacumab can cross the placenta. It is not recommended during pregnancy unless a specialist considers the expected benefit greater than the potential fetal risk. Effective contraception is advised during treatment and for at least 5 months afterwards; contact the treating team if pregnancy occurs.
evinacumab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether evinacumab enters human milk. A risk cannot be excluded during the first few days after birth, when maternal IgG transfer into milk is greatest. Later use may be considered if clinically needed following specialist discussion.
evinacumab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been performed. No interacting mechanism has been observed with other LDL-lowering treatments, but the clinical team should review all prescribed, non-prescribed and herbal products.
Common questions about evinacumab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Is evinacumab a statin?
No. It is a monoclonal antibody that blocks ANGPTL3; statins lower cholesterol through a different mechanism.
Can it work when LDL-receptor function is very low?
Yes. Its LDL-lowering mechanism does not depend on functioning LDL receptors.
Can it be given at home?
It must be prepared and administered by an appropriately trained healthcare professional.
Can it share an infusion line with another medicine?
No. It should not be mixed with other medicines or administered through the same infusion line.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.