Evolocumab User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)

• alw...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 20, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I started on Repatha in January of this year. I read the reviews here but dismissed them as only a small group of bad experiences. After all, a couple of cardiologists had told me Repatha was 'well tolerated' and had no side effects. Everything was going fine until I was about 8 months in, and then I began to feel off, initially foggy, blurry, dizzy, and difficulty thinking. I initially doubted myself because, after all, this drug has been pitched as not having the side effects of the statins. I took one more injection of Repatha after these initial symptoms and was then almost incapacitated. Complete spaced-out feeling, blurred vision, dizzy to the point of almost falling a couple of times, unable to think clearly. Literally, the worst side effects I've ever felt in my life. I was terrified I had seriously damaged my brain. Thankfully, after stopping the Repatha, my symptoms began to clear up around 18 days after the last injection. The reviews here are real, and this is a very troubling drug."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I have been on Repatha for 5 years. As a result, I have developed chronic sinus infections, flu, shortness of breath, pain in my lungs, stomach pain, and most recently fevers, ear pressure, dizziness, and severe headaches. I suspected the medication was causing my problems over a year ago. I spoke with a nurse from Amgen who played it down, and so did my doctor. I was referred to an allergist who, after a full pulmonary function test, allergy test, and CT scan of lungs, concluded I have non-allergic rhinitis. I was constantly prescribed antibiotics and steroids for the symptoms. Sometimes they worked, and many times they didn't. I have seen an infectious disease doctor, a hematologist, an ENT, and a pulmonologist. None of them could determine why I am suffering. I have an FMLA for intermittent leave because sometimes I can't get out of bed. I took my last injection last Saturday, the day the headaches started, and I have had them every day since. No more!"

• Tug...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 26, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I’m a 70-year-old female with a history of high cholesterol. I’ve tried several different statins/dosages through the years. I cannot tolerate severe flu-like symptoms. I finally decided to try Repatha. I had my first injection on 7/20. Within a day or so, I started having severe stomach issues, lower back pain, breathing, and sinus issues. Fatigue was terrible. These are also symptoms of Covid-19. I was tested and was negative. It was determined to be the Repatha. I will not do a second injection. I guess I’ll take my chances with a stroke or heart attack. Trying to lower it with diet/exercise. I never want to go through that again! Still not out of my system!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2024

For High Cholesterol "I have genetically high cholesterol that can’t be helped with diet or exercise. I also have an inability to take statins because they make all my joints and muscles hurt. I started taking Repatha injections. No side effects that were noticeable the first 6 injections. Now, my body feels horribly achy all the time. My lower back, neck, hips, legs, and arms. At first, I attributed it to all the boxes I was packing for my move. But now, it feels like I’m losing strength and muscle mass, and I hurt all over. Now that I’ve read all the reviews, I think I will stop using Repatha and see if my pain improves because I can’t handle getting any worse! I’m supposed to test my cholesterol at the six-month mark, but I’m stopping injections at the four-month mark."

• Hel...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 3, 2024

For High Cholesterol "I am unable to take any statins due to terrible muscle cramping in my legs, feet, and back. My primary doctor referred me to a cardiologist as arteriosclerosis and heart disease run in my family. She recommended Repatha, which has worked remarkably. My LDL went from 277 to 78 within 3 months. All my liver function, kidney, and sugar numbers remain normal on my blood tests. I have no high blood pressure. I have experienced no side effects except one that supposedly isn't from the Repatha. I have been taking this medication for just over a year, and my weight has increased by over 12 pounds. I work hard on my diet and exercise, and I can't explain the weight gain. It's just too coincidental. My cardiologist denied that the Repatha is causing the weight gain and recommended a diet book. Despite the weight gain, I am pleased with my cholesterol results and will continue taking Repatha. But I am curious if anyone else has experienced weight gain from it. Additionally, the results from my latest carotid artery ultrasound have improved, which is evidence of the Repatha working."

• ILe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• September 14, 2023

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I have been on Repatha for 5 years now. I have tried many statins, but most of all the ones I have tried cause severe joint and muscle pain. When Repatha came out, my doctor thought this was ideal for me, so he prescribed a 140 mg injection every 2 weeks. Repatha has worked for me, it has maintained my cholesterol from 200 to 160-180. The first 2 years I experienced side effects of persistent running nose and some hives. I tolerated the side effects because my cholesterol control was more important. However, jumping to the present, the last 6 months the side effects have escalated to flu-like symptoms, joint pain, and neuropathy issues, which make me sick for 10-12 days a month. I have decided to discontinue the medication, it’s no longer working for me, and I’m not going to sacrifice my well-being for these side effects. They can be debilitating. I think it works for a short period of time, but not long term. Hopefully, these symptoms will disappear soon."

• Ver...
• November 19, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Read all comments. Decided to call FDA. OMG, they do have 8 Lung cancer reports including 2 deaths from Repatha. So everyone, with all these comments, you are so right. Tell your physicians to start doing their homework & stop giving out like it’s candy. Sorry, it’s all about money, not the patient's safety. This is so sad. God bless all of you."

• Vic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 31, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Repatha was prescribed to me by my cardiologist because I have statin intolerance (muscle pain). I started taking Repatha in November 2019. After 2 months, my LDL went down significantly. My cardiologist and I were very pleased with the results. However, in January 2020, I started experiencing pain in my shoulders and upper arms. The source of the pain cannot be determined after a lot of investigation. The pain, as we speak, is getting worse and wakes me up at night. I take pain relievers and muscle relaxants to get temporary relief. I am planning to take CoQ10 for a few weeks and see if there is any improvement. I have no choice but to continue with this medication since I had triple bypass surgery 2 years ago. I will keep the group posted if I notice any pain relief after taking CoQ10."

• Tru...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 29, 2024

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Lowers cholesterol—very good on this. Side effects: I am miserable for at least two days, sometimes a week or more, with flu-like symptoms, back pain, muscle and joint pain, headaches, itching rash, mysterious internal pain, fatigue. I check often to see if another med has been discovered because I am worse off with statins, and the rash is worse too. I suspect Repatha is responsible for the recurrence of shingles and PHN that I have."

• Poi...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 16, 2022

For High Cholesterol "Took Repatha for 3 months. 1 month in, I started feeling side effects. Anxiety, depression, insomnia, bizarre repeating thoughts, and head and neck pain. Asked my doctor about the problems, and he said it wasn't the Repatha. So, continued taking it. 2 1/2 months in, the side effects were a lot worse. Severe, unbearable, and debilitating. Went back to the doctor, and he still refused to admit Repatha was the problem. He then diagnosed me with depression. Gave me a prescription for depression and sleeping pills. Trusted my doctor and took the new meds for 2 days. I thought I was going to lose my mind. 10 times worse. It was like putting fuel on the fire! I stopped the new meds after 2 days. Unfortunately, I had just taken the Repatha shot 2 days before the new meds. It was 30 days of pure nightmare stuff! Didn't think I would make it through. 4 months out, I'm slowly, very slowly feeling a tiny bit better. This drug is pure poison! Repatha and my doctor have ruined 4 months of my life, and God only knows how much longer."

• Rev...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 21, 2024

For High Cholesterol "Not going to lie, I was extremely afraid to take this medicine with all of the internet reviews and horror stories. I'm a healthy, normal-weight individual with familial hypercholesterolemia since my teens. Levels are 300-400s off statins, 200s on statins. By 46, 2 years ago, I had a stroke. 99% blocked artery (now fixed), 60-80% blocked on the other side (not fixed) - so I started taking 420mg Repatha via Pushtronex injector monthly. Guess what?! I'm at 2 digit cholesterol levels, and no further progression in blockage after 2 years! Repatha basically fixes a genetic problem, and without it, I was on the way out - wish I knew about it sooner! The injection burns a little sometimes while going in (barely), but I cannot report a single issue with side effects or other issues. 100% success!"

• ron...
• August 1, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I took Repatha for about 16 months. I put up with the awful side effects because it brought my cholesterol way down into the normal range. But at what cost? I had flu/cold symptoms for the entire time. I never had congestion my entire life except with a cold. But I was going through boxes of Kleenex and getting into coughing jags I could not control from all the dripping down the back of my throat, and I started to have pain in the joints of my fingers. I finally took myself off of it and let my cardiologist know I did. I am an RN for 40 years now and would never recommend this drug to family or friends."

• zoo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I am a long-term T1 Diabetic, with a familial history of High Cholesterol. I had a triple bypass 5 years ago and was doing really well for about the last 4 years post-op. With continual elevated cholesterol numbers, my Dr put me on Repatha. The first 2 injections were ok, with some minor side effects, such as dizziness and pretty bad back pain. I went to my massage therapist and chiropractor, and was treated for about 3 months with some relief. I also had a back x-ray taken, with no major changes or abnormalities. I must admit, I DID NOT connect Repatha with these symptoms. Now, as far as that is concerned, it certainly did LOWER my bad cholesterol from 289 to 47, but again, at what price??? My major 'new' side effects after taking Repatha for 4 months: Dizziness, Blurry Vision, Excruciating foot, leg, hip and back pain, shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat, joint and strange bone pain, and a runny nose."

• Joe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 4, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Add my voice to those who have experienced horrible side effects from Repatha. After one injection - terrible muscle and joint pain all over my body - much worse than the three statins I tried previously. I will never touch this medicine again. Diet modification and exercise are the only treatments I will try ever again."

• Gar...
• March 17, 2017

For High Cholesterol "Be careful. This drug can put you in the hospital within the first week. I suffered debilitating muscle pain in my left leg. I lost half the muscles. I had to sit in a chair for 3 months to recover on 60 mg of steroids. It took 8 months to figure it out. If you have any pain in your legs or back, stop immediately. Don't think you can overcome the pain, the company will not admit the severity."

• Cau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 17, 2023

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "Three months on Repatha. Stopping now as I think my problems are side effects of this medication. Very swollen ankle and calf, extreme itching of leg, (recently) swollen lymph node (walnut size) in my neck, and a general malaise. When I go for a walk, the itching in my leg and neuropathy in my feet cause great discomfort. Yes, my cholesterol saw immediate improvement, and I was hopeful I could tolerate this medication as I cannot tolerate statins. But the side effects are increasing and are intolerable, I'm afraid."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking Repatha for almost two years with great results. However, late last year I had terrible back & shoulder pain. A report listed a requirement to take CoQ10. It helps immensely. It's needed when taking or starting Repatha, as these drugs deplete this enzyme in the body. Start taking immediately if not currently taking it. CoQ10 requires some oil in your stomach to absorb, though works fine as long as you do this. I take mine after my fish oil. I have no muscle pain any longer. Please use CoQ10 if taking either Repatha or statins."

• Jac...
• April 29, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "After 4th injection, developed weakness in arm and leg, rushed to ER. While they were doing CT and MRI for a stroke, the weakness spread to all other large muscles. Then, in about a week, fatigue came. Also, diarrhea, muscle twitching, nausea, lightheadedness, pounding pulse, runny nose, and a general feeling of a very, very bad hangover. It's been two months and the symptoms wax and wane. A week of improvement alternates with symptom recurrence. All possible tests for electrolytes, antibodies, known systemic conditions, endocrine, etc., are normal. I was stunned when I started reading on forums that people experienced exactly the same presentation of the side effects. Progressive, after several unremarkable injections, waxing, and waning side effects that linger for months after discontinuation. They are totally disabling and scary at their peak. It does lower LDL a lot, but with those side effects, I am not sure it can prolong life. It is damaging something in the cells on the way."

• Gre...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• February 12, 2024

For High Cholesterol "I am SHOCKED at the number of bad reviews, including advice to contact attorneys, etc. I was a study volunteer who participated in the clinical trials for Repatha in circa 2016-ish. Initially, I was to participate for one year. Near the end of that year, I was invited to continue participating in the longer-term phase 3 study. So I remained on the drug for TWO more years. During my 3 years, I had random interactions with other volunteers during office visits. In the course of three years, there is an opportunity to talk...despite symptom discussions being highly discouraged (possibly against policy). In that time, I encountered NO ONE who had an adverse reaction to this drug, including myself. That is why I am so shocked by the percentage of bad reviews. It's the opposite of what my personal experience and that of the other participants was during the trials. Statins gave me horrible cramps; Repatha maybe 10% of that amount & far less severe. Everybody is entitled to their opinion."

• mil...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 13, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "After taking Repatha for 17 months, I quit because of severe flu-like symptoms for days after each shot. I had another heart attack resulting in more stents, kept taking Repatha, my hip flexors were so painful, I had to hobble around for months after stopping the drug. I was told if I didn't take it, I would die, but no way can I tolerate Repatha or statins. I guess I am waiting for the next new drug."

• Ann...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2023

For High Cholesterol "Had 6 doses over 5 months. Each dose made me feel worse than the previous one. Could not tolerate more than one dose per month. Two jabs in one month resulted in 3 days off work. Dizziness, nausea, extreme tiredness, stomach cramps, muscle cramps - especially at night, flu-like symptoms, lack of sleep due to blocked nose. The only plus was that cholesterol levels dropped after the second dose. Depletion of vitamin D, lowest ever B12 - unable to work for 3 days each fortnight. Would not recommend to anyone. However, when the side effects became too severe to cope with and I gave up, I still had to endure muscle pain and general illness."

• Peg...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 4, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I've been on many statins, and after taking them for 3 months, I experienced muscle and joint pain. I discontinued it as it got to the point where I couldn't function properly. I'm on Repatha now, my cholesterol levels are great, but after 3 months again, I can barely lift my left arm, and my elbow pain is tremendous. I thought I had injured it. I'm going for an x-ray on my shoulder next week. But I think it definitely is Repatha. We will see."

• dis...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I started Repatha in May of 2021, it lowered my cholesterol quickly to 214 within a few months. I was happy with that result, but I knew something was really happening with my health. I told my husband something had changed in the last 6 months with my health. I didn't think about Repatha, I was told by my cardiologist and pharmacist there were no side effects from Repatha. I kept using it, and by January 2022, my mouth was totally covered inside with blisters and sores, I could barely walk, I was severely depressed, had severe headaches, and hip pain. I stopped taking it and tried it again 3 months ago to see if the symptoms were caused by something else! I kept thinking the doctor and pharmacist said no side effects. I am sitting here with a mouth full of blisters and sores, so weak I can hardly do anything, can't go for my daily walks, which I loved. I survived cancer twice, chemo and radiation were bad, but nothing like Repatha. I hope I can recover and have some quality of life left."

• Mid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "After my 6th dosage of Repatha, I would rather die. I have four stents along with torn tendons and connective tissue disease that can't be explained. Frequent urination and problems. Neck, leg, and back pain do not allow me to sleep. Severe headaches, but the newest side effects are very scary to me...stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting for days after the injection, which I am sure will be my last. I am saddened after reading the reviews that this will last for quite some time. Only 55, feeling hopeless, and feeling like a 90-year-old every day is not the quality of life I was trying to accomplish. I hope there is help on its way. Thank you for the truths. I thought I was alone."

• Naa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 18, 2019

For High Cholesterol "This medication is so dangerous! Do not let anyone talk you into taking it! I have been incapacitated for 2 months so far. Without seeing relief! First injection, uneventful, I thought this is great! Second one, I had excruciating sinus infection and eye issues, did not relate it to the Repatha. Third injection, every blood vessel in my eye broke, eye pressure skyrocketed, vision loss, unbearable migraines, and chest pain! 5 doctors later and steroids, no relief. Missing months of work from being incapacitated! One more injection and I’m sure I would have died. This should not be used by anyone! My eyesight has been bad and not seeing signs of relief! I am planning on suing! Which is something I’ve never done before. I’m just praying I get better and don’t want to see one more person suffer the way I have."