Analysis of the evolocumab (Repatha®) patient support program for patients with cardiovascular disease in Colombia

Abstract

Background

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are considered the leading cause of death globally. This study describes the demographic characteristics, treatment patterns, self-reported compliance and persistence, and to explore variables related to non-adherence of patients enrolled in the cardiovascular patient support program (PSP) for evolocumab treatment in Colombia.

Methods

This retrospective observational of the data registry of patients who entered the evolocumab PSP program.

Results

The analysis included 930 patients enrolled in the PSP (2017–2021). Mean age was 65.1 (SD ± 13.1) and49.1% patients were female. The mean compliance rate to evolocumab treatment was 70.5% (SD ± 21.8). A total of 367 patients (40.5%) reported compliance higher than 80%. Persistence analysis included 739 patients (81.5%) where 87.8% of these patients were considered persistent to treatment. A total of 871 patients (93.7%) reported the occurrence of at least one adverse event during the follow-up period (mostly non-serious).

Conclusion

This is the first real-life study describing patient characteristics, compliance and continuity of treatment for dyslipidemia in a patient support program in Colombia. The overall adherence found was higher than 70%; similar to findings reported in other real-life studies with iPCSK9. However, the reasons for low compliance were different, highlighting the high number of administrative and medical reasons for suspension or abandonment of treatment with evolocumab.