Repatha and Pain: What Users Say (Page 4)

• Tom...
• March 5, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha in late Nov or early Dec 2016, my LDL dropped dramatically. But after the 2nd week, the pain started. It was excruciating. Shoulders, knees, and hands were intolerable. Couldn't turn on a table lamp. Couldn't hold a toothbrush. I literally and truly thought I was dying. I quit the drug after 3 injections, possibly 4. It took months, if not longer, to recover. Not sure if some problems I have today are not caused by Repatha. I took Repatha because my doc increased my Crestor dose, and I couldn't tolerate it. I convinced my doc to let me now take half a tablet of the lowest available dose of Crestor. I started taking it every other day and am now up to half a tablet daily. It is working, and I have tolerable pain and muscle weakness."

• 82n...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 11, 2019

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "The Repatha SureClick autoinjector appears to have injected the medication directly into my muscle. Ouch! The pain was extreme. I have experience self-administering subcutaneous injections for over 15 years with biologics for rheumatoid arthritis. In over 500 self-injections, I never experienced anything like this. The other problem was Amgen was completely unhelpful. They could only read from a script and tell me only to administer the drug subcutaneously. Unfortunately, if you follow the instructions of stretching the skin and firmly pressing down, it appears enough subcutaneous tissue is pushed away, exposing the muscle. Use the pinch method. The company was not helpful and only made me feel worse. They could only read from a script and could not tell me if an intramuscular injection posed any danger or potential problems. Thanks, Amgen."

• Joh...
• April 20, 2018

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I have been on the experimental drug Repatha for three years through my doctors. I agreed to take Repatha because I was taking the maximum dosage of the statin drug Lipitor. Lipitor was causing severe back, neck, and shoulder pain, and I felt like an 85-year-old man even though I was barely 58. I have been taking Lipitor for 28 years, so I'm sure it had some effect on my body. After taking Repatha, three injections every two weeks, I started noticing that I had severe back and leg pain. I also have severe hand and thumb discomfort where I can barely open a bottle. I had X-rays taken of my thumbs only to find most of the cartilage has disappeared. I've had both menisci repaired in both my knees. I am overweight, 270 pounds, and I am 6 foot 1. I noticed after taking Repatha that my eyes watered continuously, and I sought medical attention, saying it was dry eye. Again, I feel like an 85-year-old man, I can barely walk up."

• Ybo...
• June 8, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I had a stroke in my basilar artery in July 2017. The clot was removed. I was put on a statin and 60 mg aspirin. I had a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) event in late Oct. It turned out that the same area had another clot. I had muscle pain, developed carpal tunnel, foot swelling, and numbness from statins. I also noticed a decrease in brain function and memory. While I had the numb feet and swelling, I twisted my left foot going down the steps. After 5 months and 5 different statins, I was taken off of statins. Each time I changed statins, I had a few good weeks with no symptoms between the different statin types. All symptoms disappeared. My therapy was going well, I was walking without a cane, walking on a treadmill 45 minutes a day, biking on a stationary bike for 15 minutes a day, and taking classes and working out three days a week. Then I started on Repatha. After one shot and one week, I developed severe back and leg pain and numb feet. Haven't been back to the doctor yet."

• Not...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I have had elevated cholesterol for the past 30 years. I cannot take statins, my doctor put me on Repatha 4 months ago. I feel worse than I have ever felt in my life: severe leg pain and weakness, stomach problems, no energy, feel like my body is slowly deteriorating. I'm 74 years old. Before taking this drug, I worked out at the gym 3 to 4 times a week, had nonstop energy. Now I can't walk 50ft without leg pain and weakness. Repatha needs to be taken off the market: bad medication. Not taking anymore, will take my chances with the high cholesterol (heart attack). I'm praying I can regain my life back."

• Anonymous
• September 3, 2019

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "My husband has been off the Repatha for 9 months. He is still feeling the numbness in his feet. Also, feels like his feet are freezing. His legs don't want to work all the time. Pains up and down his legs. He had a heart attack last year, and right before he was put on the Repatha, he was up to a mile walking. He can barely walk 1/4 mile without still being in pain and exhausted. Only took the shot 3 times. By the 3rd shot, he couldn't walk."

• dot...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 1, 2018

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "The first injections were fine. Then I started having muscle, joint, and overall body pain, which was very severe. Continued on drug several more months, and although cholesterol lowered from total 212 lb to 158 lb, the pain has become unbearable. I stopped after 6 months, and a month later, only moderate improvement of body pain. I hope the muscles are not damaged."

• Tho...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 31, 2023

For High Cholesterol "I was on this medication for a year and a half, and it was very effective in lowering my cholesterol. However, I started experiencing horrible back pain. As a result, I decided to discontinue the medication 22 days ago. Unfortunately, I am still experiencing severe pins, needles, and pain. It seems that this drug remains in the body for several months. I am looking for comments from those who have had a similar experience and have gone a significant period of time since discontinuation. Have your symptoms improved, and if so, how long did it take?"

• LLL...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha 140 mg every 2 weeks in 2016. My cholesterol was 320. I had been taking other cholesterol drugs, but they did not reduce my numbers. I’m 71, and when I started Repatha, I did not connect my headaches, neck pain, and fatigue to the drug. Around three weeks ago, I started having leg pain, knee pain, leg cramps, and leg weakness. The pain is so bad I can hardly walk. Tomorrow, I see my cardiologist, I will ask if there is something else I can take. The Repatha did bring down the cholesterol back to normal."

• LLL...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 12, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha 140 mg every 2 weeks in 2016. My cholesterol was 320. I had been taking other cholesterol drugs, but they did not reduce my numbers. I’m 71, and when I started Repatha, I did not connect my headaches, neck pain, and fatigue to the drug. Around three weeks ago, I started having leg pain, knee pain, leg cramps, and leg weakness. The pain is so bad I can hardly walk. Tomorrow, I see my cardiologist, I will ask if there is something else I can take. The Repatha did bring down the cholesterol back to normal."

• Cha...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 5, 2023

For High Cholesterol "I have to say that the drug works, but at what cost. I can't take statins due to the joint and muscle pain it causes me. I have been on Repatha for 3 months now. I just recently went to my doctor with severe back, joint, and feet pain. I also complained about low energy. She thought maybe I had depression, which I quickly denied. So the next thing, she looked up the side effects and saw everything I have complained about. I really don't want to quit the medication, but I don't want to feel like this for the rest of my life. I will say that all my numbers were decreased by half or better. I honestly don't know if I will continue the drug. Can't stand the pain. I had to go on steroids to help with the side effects. All I can say is this may not be for me, but it does offer really good results. Keep an open mind about it."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 16, 2022

For High Cholesterol "This medication is horrible. I started it for the second time and feel terrible. I am going to try contacting 60 Min. It should be taken off the market. Having shoulder pain, back pain, weekends, can't sleep, you name it."

• Jea...
• April 1, 2021

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "My personal experience has been horrible. Allergic to statins. Well after about 4 injections, I became seriously ill, difficult to even lift my body up or do any daily activities without fatigue. I took the injection Wednesday, and by Friday, I was convinced I had the flu. Even had a low-grade fever. I am 50 years old and was quite previously active and healthy. I honestly feel like my bones became brittle, muscular weakness and pain. Can barely lift arms. Also have GI issues now. I took all the COVID flu and strep and urine tests, and all were good. I feel like walking death. This is not quality of life. Also, as read above, which I now find out that it takes a long time to get out of the system and has a cumulative effect. Which is why I didn’t connect this med with my symptoms, 'cause initially all was going fine. I will take homeopathic natural medicine given by my acupuncturist. Do NOT take this stuff. I’m so sick now, and it’s been a week since I took this stuff."

• DON...
• October 27, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I only had a score of 36 on my calcium heart scan... really low, I was happy about it... but, the cardiologist's office called me like I was going to have a heart attack immediately. Kept pushing me to take this Repatha. I was really hesitant to try it as I had tried a statin drug years ago, and that was really hard on my body - I literally collapsed on that drug. It was as if my muscles had melted off of my leg bones. Well, three months into Repatha, I'm having severe hip pain, and I'm stopping Repatha immediately. I hope to God it goes away as it is an awful, nagging pain without causation. I also experienced a frightening episode of shortness of breath for absolutely no reason. I almost went to the ER because I just couldn't breathe. It passed in a few minutes, but what is this drug? Anyway, I would NOT recommend this... NO WAY. It just isn't worth it in my opinion."

• In ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2022

For High Cholesterol "Started Repatha in November of '21 because I could not tolerate statins. Too much muscle pain and spasms. I was prescribed one Repatha injection every two weeks. After the first month, I started having fatigue and joint pain. Needed a cane to walk, and after 4 months, can now barely walk. I need a walker now. Constant pain in almost all joints, swollen knees, muscle spasms. Had my last injection a week ago and now understand why I’m in such agony. Hopefully, the drug will be out of my system in 3 months and also hope there is no permanent damage. Will have to use diet and exercise (if I can ever walk again) for cholesterol. Repatha is poison. My cholesterol has been reduced. Quality of life dropped with the cholesterol. Very poor trade."

• Nog...
• October 12, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been taking Repatha on the advice of my doctor. Tried a few different statins, Lipitor, Crestor, and been having a difficult time with them. Maybe that's what leads us to a drug that can be so harmful? Not to mention my cardiac history, I guess I have to feel that I would definitely give it my best try. I don’t know yet if it has worked wonders for my cholesterol because my blood work is not in yet, but I can only guess most likely it has lowered mine like the rest of yours. After 4 injections, I’m noticing quite a few side effects. Finger and toe pain. Arm and shoulder pain with neck pain running up the back to my head. I have plates in the back of my neck which are being aggravated. Dizziness, a feeling of extreme forgetfulness. Describing it to my husband (fogginess). Lack of urination, dangerous for a heart patient, and constipation. Extreme night sweats! Weight gain."

• Nog...
• October 12, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been taking Repatha on the advice of my doctor. Tried a few different statins, Lipitor, Crestor, and been having a difficult time with them. Maybe that's what leads us to a drug that can be so harmful? Not to mention my cardiac history, I guess I have to feel that I would definitely give it my best try. I don’t know yet if it has worked wonders for my cholesterol because my blood work is not in yet, but I can only guess most likely it has lowered mine like the rest of yours. After 4 injections, I’m noticing quite a few side effects. Finger and toe pain. Arm and shoulder pain with neck pain running up the back to my head. I have plates in the back of my neck which are being aggravated. Dizziness, a feeling of extreme forgetfulness. Describing it to my husband (fogginess). Lack of urination, dangerous for a heart patient, and constipation. Extreme night sweats! Weight gain."

• Nog...
• October 12, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I've been taking Repatha on the advice of my doctor. Tried a few different statins, Lipitor, Crestor, and been having a difficult time with them. Maybe that's what leads us to a drug that can be so harmful? Not to mention my cardiac history, I guess I have to feel that I would definitely give it my best try. I don’t know yet if it has worked wonders for my cholesterol because my blood work is not in yet, but I can only guess most likely it has lowered mine like the rest of yours. After 4 injections, I’m noticing quite a few side effects. Finger and toe pain. Arm and shoulder pain with neck pain running up the back to my head. I have plates in the back of my neck which are being aggravated. Dizziness, a feeling of extreme forgetfulness. Describing it to my husband (fogginess). Lack of urination, dangerous for a heart patient, and constipation. Extreme night sweats! Weight gain."

• al ...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 17, 2024

For High Cholesterol "Total cholesterol over 250, LDL over 190 dropped down to 140/70 with statin, but I had to stop it due to side effects it gave me in combination with meds for another condition. Started initially on Praluent, and my numbers stayed in a similar range as with statin. My insurance then forced me to switch to Repatha, and total/LDL cholesterol dropped even farther down to 120/40. I have been on Repatha for over one year with absolutely zero side effects. My only complaint is that the SureClick autoinjector is *very* painful. Can't tell if it's because of the needle size/shape or the ingredients, but it's orders of magnitude more painful than Praluent. Very good at what it's made for, nevertheless."

• kat...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• April 28, 2023

For High Cholesterol "After 6 months with manageable side effects of muscle and nerve pain (it was manageable with three weekly visits for acupuncture), I experienced a bad surge of increasing pain all over and fatigue. That led to increasing pain, sleep loss, and poor mood due to the constant intractable pain. I called the cardiologist and stopped Repatha. I am not going back on it."

• Mim...
• July 26, 2021

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I was considering stopping Repatha because the pain of the injections was horrible! I dreaded the day I had to give the injection. If you warm the injection up, the shot was not supposed to cause as much pain. Researching information on Repatha, I found one gem that no one had told me: Repatha can be left out up to 30 days! I left my injection out overnight and put it under my arm just before I took the shot. Hallelujah."

• Ron...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 7, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I was prescribed Repatha for high cholesterol and cardiovascular risk reduction. I tried many statins and Zetia, which all caused muscle and joint pain, along with severe abdominal pain. I was prescribed Repatha a month ago. After the first injection, I felt a little sick about 3 days later. I attributed this to the bugs going around. After the second injection, I became severely sick, foggy-headed, weak, and developed muscle and joint pain, I couldn't even use my right arm due to shoulder pain. I have stopped taking Repatha, but from what I read, it will take several weeks to get out of my body."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 18, 2022

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Numbers are great, but severe side effects! Such strong hay fever-type effects with eyes and nose running, sneezes so strong they hurt, and itching all over, but especially head and eyes. If I take Claritin or similar, I have bad insomnia. Left hip and knee pain. Lower back pain when walking and weight gain. I am stopping the Repatha injections - quality of life down."

• Ren...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 18, 2022

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Numbers are great, but severe side effects! Such strong hay fever-type effects with eyes and nose running, sneezes so strong they hurt, and itching all over, but especially head and eyes. If I take Claritin or similar, I have bad insomnia. Left hip and knee pain. Lower back pain when walking and weight gain. I am stopping the Repatha injections - quality of life down."

• Jer...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 30, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I was on Repatha for probably about a little over a year, maybe a year and a half, and the pain in my thigh has been so severe that I feel like I had MS. I've been going to doctor after doctor, getting MRIs and x-rays and scans to see what's wrong with my thigh. They say I need a hip replacement, however, my hip doesn't hurt. I was first on Privileged, and my leg was hurting, so they took me off and put me on Repatha. They said neither one of these medications would cause muscle cramps or pain. That is not true AT ALL!!!! When I go to get up, I can't even walk. I have scheduled a hip replacement, but I canceled it because if they do a hip replacement and my thigh is still in severe, crippling pain, I'm going to be very upset. Read the reviews, and I have the same conditions that these people have after taking Repatha. I'm on board with anyone that wants to file a class-action suit against this drug. I'm a very active person, but I can't even wash my feet in the shower. It has reduced cholesterol."