Learn When to Inject Repatha
You can inject Repatha at any time of day that’s convenient for you. The drugmaker doesn’t recommend a best time of day to inject Repatha. The time you choose won’t alter the drug’s effectiveness.
The frequency of your Repatha injections depends on the condition it’s treating. Usually, you inject your doses every 2 weeks or once monthly.
No evidence suggests that the time of day you inject Repatha changes its effectiveness. And the drug currently has no reports of interacting with food, so you don’t need to consider mealtimes around injections.
Repatha currently comes in prefilled auto-injectors and syringes that you use for a single dose. (The Pushtronex on-body infusor was discontinued on June 30, 2024.)
This article discusses when to inject Repatha doses. It also discusses how to store the drug correctly throughout treatment, as your doses can be weeks apart.
Is there a best time of day to inject Repatha?
You can inject Repatha at any time of day that’s convenient for you. Before you inject it, you should let the prefilled syringes and auto-injectors sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Before you use the on-body infusor, it’s best to let it warm up for at least 45 minutes. (Note that the Pushtronex on-body infusor was discontinued on June 30, 2024.)
The time of day you inject Repatha doesn’t matter. Try to pick a time of day that fits into your schedule and that you’re most likely to remember.
Do you need to inject Repatha at the same time of day for each dose?
You don’t have to inject Repatha at the same time of day for each dose. Because of how Repatha works in your body, the doses are given every 2 weeks or 4 weeks. And the time of day you inject your dose does not affect how well Repatha works. But it’s always best to develop a routine and schedule around your doses so you’re less likely to forget. Use reminders, a calendar, or a phone alarm to remind you when doses are due.
Also, foods are not known to interact with Repatha. That means you can inject Repatha without regard to meals.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Repatha?
Repatha’s drugmaker provides some guidance on what to do if you miss a dose of the drug. Check when the dose was due for you or your child, and then choose the correct option below.
- Today is within 7 days of when the missed dose was scheduled to be injected: Inject the usual dose now.
- Today is more than 7 days of when the missed dose was scheduled to be injected:
- If your dose is given every 2 weeks, wait until your next scheduled dose.
- If your dose is given once monthly, inject it now. Then use this new date for scheduling all future doses.
Repatha’s dosing schedule is discussed in more detail in the next section.
To help me plan injections, what’s the Repatha dosing schedule?
Your dosage for Repatha depends on the condition it’s treating. Keep reading for the conditions and the dosing schedule.
Adults
Repatha is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in adults to help:
- lower the risk of complications of cardiovascular disease
- lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or bad cholesterol, levels in those with high cholesterol, including people who have the genetic condition heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH); for this use, Repatha is used along with dietary changes and with or without other therapies
- lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in those who have the genetic condition homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH); for this use, Repatha is used along with other therapies
The recommended dosing schedule for adults is as follows. Doses are in milligrams (mg).
| Condition | Dose and frequency |
|---|---|
| help lower risk of complications of cardiovascular disease | • 140 mg every 2 weeks, or • 420 mg once monthly |
| help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in people with high cholesterol, including HeFH | • 140 mg every 2 weeks, or • 420 mg once monthly |
| help lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in people with HoFH | • 420 mg once monthly • increase to 420 mg every 2 weeks if a meaningful response isn’t achieved after 2 weeks • for people on lipid apheresis, consider starting with 420 mg every 2 weeks |
Children
Repatha is approved by the FDA for use in certain children. Specifically, Repatha is used to help:
- lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in children ages 10 years and older who have HeFH; for this use, Repatha is used along with dietary changes and other therapies
- lower LDL (bad cholesterol) levels in children ages 10 years and older who have HoFH; for this use, Repatha is used along with other therapies
The recommended dosing schedule for children is the same as for adults. See the table above for details.
Can you inject Repatha 2 days early?
The drugmaker does not provide any information about giving injections earlier than your scheduled dose.
The frequency of your Repatha injections depends on the condition being treated. Usually, you inject your doses every 2 weeks or once monthly. You should avoid injecting Repatha earlier than the days on which your doses are scheduled.
If you have questions about when to inject Repatha, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
How long can Repatha be unrefrigerated?
It depends. Usually, you inject your doses every 2 weeks or once monthly. Because your doses can be weeks apart, it’s important to store Repatha correctly, including when traveling.
Repatha’s drugmaker provides information on storing Repatha, which is summarized below.
Storing in the refrigerator
You should store unopened Repatha in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). It’s best to store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. You can keep it in the refrigerator until the expiration date written on the container.
When traveling with an unopened supply of Repatha, you can use refrigerated packs to keep it cold. A travel cooler also may be helpful.
Before injecting Repatha, the drugmaker recommends taking it out of the refrigerator 30 minutes beforehand. This allows it to come to room temperature, which helps reduce some injection discomfort from a cold dose.
Storing unrefrigerated at room temperature
The drugmaker says that Repatha can be kept at room temperature of 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). But it should be used within 30 days if you’re storing it out of the refrigerator.
It’s best to discard Repatha when:
- it has been out of the fridge for more than 30 days
- it has been exposed to a temperature over 77°F (25°C)
To learn more about storage instructions, you can call 1-844-REPATHA (1-844-737-2842). You also can check with your doctor or pharmacist.
Summary
You can inject Repatha at any time of day that’s convenient for you. Repatha isn’t known to interact with food, so it doesn’t matter whether you inject it around mealtimes.
Because you’ll usually take your doses every 2 weeks or once monthly, it’s important to store Repatha properly. The best way to store Repatha is in the refrigerator in its original container until you’re ready to use it. You can leave it out of the refrigerator for up to 30 days as long as it doesn’t exceed 77°F (25°C).
If you’re traveling by air and taking Repatha, make sure you carry a copy of your prescription with you. And check your transportation provider’s policy concerning needles.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
What is Repatha?
Repatha is a medication used to lower cholesterol in patients with cardiovascular conditions. It works by inhibiting a protein known as PCSK9.
When Should I Inject Repatha?
The injection schedule for Repatha can vary based on your doctor’s prescription. Typically, it is injected once every two weeks or once a month.
How is Repatha Administered?
Repatha is administered via a subcutaneous injection, which means it’s injected under the skin. It’s important to follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
Are There Any Special Considerations Before Injecting Repatha?
Yes, you should ensure you have all necessary materials and space for the injection, and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any allergies or pre-existing conditions.
Can I Inject Repatha at Home?
Many patients can inject Repatha at home after receiving proper instruction from their healthcare provider. Always follow their guidance closely.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose of Repatha, inject it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule.
What are the Possible Side Effects of Repatha?
Common side effects of Repatha include cold-like symptoms, flu, sore throat, and reactions at the injection site. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience severe symptoms.
Can Repatha Be Used With Other Medications?
Repatha can often be used with other cholesterol-lowering medications, but you should always discuss any medications you’re taking with your healthcare provider.
This post is incredibly informative! Understanding the right timing for Repatha injections is crucial for optimal results, and your explanation makes it much clearer. Thank you for breaking down the guidelines so effectively. Looking forward to more insightful content!