Repatha (evolocumab) is a brand-name subcutaneous injection. It’s prescribed to lower certain cardiovascular risks and treat high cholesterol. Repatha isn’t known to interact with alcohol, other drugs, or supplements. However, the drug has health-related interactions.

Repatha is prescribed to:

An interaction occurs when one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected.

To learn more about Repatha’s interactions, keep reading. For additional information about Repatha, including details about its uses, see this article.

Repatha isn’t known to interact with other medications. However, it is possible that new interactions may be recognized in the future. For example, people who’ve received Repatha since it became available could report a suspected interaction.

Before you start treatment with Repatha, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Repatha interacts with supplements, herbs, or vitamins, see the “Repatha and other interactions” section below.)

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

In some cases, factors or conditions could prevent your doctor from prescribing Repatha due to the risk of harm. These are known as contraindications. The contraindications of Repatha include:

Having had an allergic reaction to Repatha or any of its ingredients

If you have had an allergic reaction to Repatha or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Repatha. Receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.

Note: Before you start treatment with Repatha, it’s important to tell your doctor if this contraindication applies to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Repatha.

There aren’t any known interactions between Repatha and alcohol. However, drinking alcohol while using the drug may worsen some of Repatha’s side effects. For example, you may have worsened dizziness or headache.

If you have questions about drinking alcohol during Repatha treatment, talk with your doctor.

Repatha may have other interactions, such as with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. You’ll find details below. Keep in mind that the following information does not include all other possible interactions with Repatha.

Repatha and supplements

It’s possible for drugs to interact with supplements such as vitamins and herbs.

Repatha and herbs

There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Repatha. However, that doesn’t mean herbal interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, it’s important to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products during Repatha treatment.

Repatha and vitamins

There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Repatha. However, that doesn’t mean vitamin interactions won’t occur or be recognized in the future. Because of this, you should talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamin product with Repatha.

Repatha and food

There were no reports of food interactions with Repatha. If you’d like to learn more about eating certain foods during treatment with Repatha, talk with your doctor.

Repatha and vaccines

There aren’t any known interactions between Repatha and vaccines. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to see whether you’re due for any vaccines.

Repatha and lab tests

Repatha isn’t known to interact with any lab tests. If you have concerns about this medication interacting with lab tests, talk with your doctor.

REPATHA AND CANNABIS OR CBD

Cannabis (often called marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Repatha. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis in combination with Repatha. The effect of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Repatha treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Repatha. Before you use this drug, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Repatha may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Health conditions or factors that might interact with Repatha include:

  • Allergic to rubber or latex: If you have an allergy to rubber or latex, your doctor will likely not prescribe certain forms of Repatha. The autoinjector and prefilled syringe forms of Repatha contain a type of rubber that’s made from latex. The cartridge form of Repatha doesn’t contain rubber and may be a safer choice for you. To learn more about the forms of Repatha, see this article.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Repatha or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Repatha. Receiving the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask them about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
  • Breastfeeding: It’s not known whether it’s safe to use Repatha while breastfeeding. There isn’t enough information to determine whether the drug passes into breast milk or what effects Repatha may have on a child who is breastfed. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to, talk with your doctor before using Repatha. They can talk with you about treatment options and ways to feed your child.
  • Pregnancy: There haven’t been enough clinical trials to determine whether Repatha is safe to use while pregnant. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, tell your doctor before starting Repatha. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Repatha. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan to do the following:

  • Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
  • Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
  • Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.

It’s also important to read the Repatha label and other paperwork that may come with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the medication guide or patient package insert, may contain details about interactions.

If Repatha doesn’t come with paperwork, you can ask your pharmacist to print a copy. If you need help reading or understanding this information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

You can also help prevent interactions with Repatha by using it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.