Evolocumab and Fatigue: What Users Say

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I started using Repatha for 3 months due to statins' side effects. I stopped using Repatha because I was experiencing severe shortness of breath, coughing, runny nose, and fatigue. Since stopping, my cough has almost gone away. I still get the occasional runny nose and flu-like symptoms. My breathing and fatigue are still problems. My lung doctor tells me I lost 30% of my lung capacity, and the cardiologist referred me for a pacemaker after reviewing my electrocardiogram. It has only been 30 days since stopping this drug, and it’s my understanding that it will take 60 to 90 days for this drug to completely get out of my system. I am extremely concerned about my current condition. I can’t do much, I struggle to breathe, and at times I am extremely fatigued. My quality of life is horrible. Be very careful and consult your doctor if you start to suffer some of the side effects."

• Mar...
• October 18, 2020

For High Cholesterol "The Repatha slowly is making me worse. My health is deteriorating for the last 2 years of using it. It’s awful. It has made my GI really bad from top to bottom. Nausea, constipation, etc. Light-headed, muscle weakness, high blood pressure. Fast heartbeat, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss. It’s not worth it."

• 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!"

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• JBa...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 13, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Injected 1st Repatha on a Tuesday, woke up vomiting and spiked high fever on Wednesday. Woke up Thursday with a horrible sore throat that progressively got worse as the day went on. Went to the doctor on Friday to see if it was strep throat, it was negative. It hurt so bad where my thyroid gland is located and I have sharp pain in my right jaw, weirdly, it didn’t hurt to eat. Saturday, I experienced body aches and fatigue. I had issues lying flat on my back due to swelling in my throat, it was hard to breathe. Sunday, I had horrible stabbing stomach pains followed by significant diarrhea. Tuesday, I woke up with swelling on the left side of my face, went to urgent care. Came back with subacute thyroiditis and Bell's palsy. Alerted Amgen, FDA, and my cardiologist of side effects caused by Repatha. I won't ever take it again, not worth all the side effects and sick days at work. The crazy thing is everyone acts like it's the first time they have ever heard of side effects with Repatha."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 4, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I started taking this medication in February 2019. The first shot was not a problem. I actually felt better, but that quickly dissipated. Yes, it lowered my cholesterol dramatically, but I started feeling flu-like symptoms with aches and pains. After two months on this medication, I felt like I was hungover all the time. I also felt that my memory has been declining, I’m always in a fog. The worst feeling is that I’m only 48 years old and I feel like I’m 100. I’m tired all the time, my legs feel like lead weights, and all of my normal aches and pains are intensified. I wish my doctor would have told me about potential side effects because I never would’ve started this medication. Maybe that is why they didn't?"

• LJP...
• November 19, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "Right now, and for over 2 months, my quality of life has diminished. Fever, extreme nasopharyngeal,... see 4 specialists from allergy, PUDs, ENT, and Gastroscope! CT scans, blood tests, extreme fatigue, chills, fever over 101, constant visits to IM. He is baffled. Repatha drug is pure poison, should be black boxed. My life is now awful. Flu-like symptoms for 2 months, extreme cough, laryngitis, neck pain, diarrhea blowouts. Horrible. Do not use this. The symptoms started slowly... after 3 months I was in a debilitating condition from Repatha."

• Sta...
• November 4, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I've always had high cholesterol, it runs in my family. I never could take statins, always had bad side effects. My doctor assured me that there were no side effects from Repatha. I was very reluctant to take it, but she told me if I didn't take it, I was going to have a heart attack and die. The side effects were so bad, the quality of my life went down. I was fatigued when I woke up, and I was fatigued when I went to bed. I missed a lot of work, couldn't hardly breathe, it was horrible. I will not take this drug again. I cannot believe the doctors will tell you that there are no side effects. Are we their guinea pigs? I'm so upset with my cardiologists, now I need to find a new one. How dare she lie to me."

• BJL...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 17, 2023

For High Cholesterol "Extreme fatigue as a result of taking this drug. At first, I used the SureClick 140 ml pen every 2 weeks for about 6 weeks. I was unable to do anything, not even simple household chores, because of the fatigue. My cholesterol did lower, but I didn't think it was worth it if I couldn't move. It has taken me about 3 months to regain my full energy after stopping this drug."

• Pai...
• June 16, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I took 7 injections of Repatha in an attempt to lower LDL because my doctor was going to put me on the non-compliant list. When I began having physical symptoms, I thought it was because I was working out too hard. I am 71 and was getting ready for a 3-month walking vacation in Europe, so I wanted to be able to walk several miles a day. I have been completely off Repatha since the first week of January and am still having extreme pain in my thighs (injection points) with loss of energy and muscle pains throughout my body. I feel like I'm walking on a tennis ball in my left arch and have stabbing knife pains in my right leg. They have really not dissipated since January, and it is now the middle of June. I am livid that my doctor talked me into this because I couldn't do statins and did so much research on cholesterol that I know how ridiculous it is to be forced to take this garbage. I am furious... I wonder if that is a side effect as well... I'm furious a lot lately."

• Mis...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 25, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "With Repatha, I had elevated BP even with maximum BP meds. Ended in ER with BP over 200 with uncontrollable nosebleed. Extreme joint pain and swelling, leg and back pain, and muscle weakness. Flushing, fatigue, headache, and blurred vision. Gained weight (sometimes 5 lbs overnight). Stopped taking and hope side effects go away."

• Car...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 27, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha in April 2017, and the first thing I noticed was back pain, then muscle pain. I can't use my right arm for much and can't open jars and things that require using my wrist. I am dizzy-headed and feel bad all the time (fatigue, I guess). I am taking 2-3 hour naps during the day, and I am only 51. I've never done this before. I talked to my doctor, and she said to come off Repatha for a month and see how I feel. She's not sure it's the medicine. Repatha is really easy to use and is shipped right to my door in a cooler package. Repatha dropped my bad cholesterol from 187 to 67 after 3 doses (bi-weekly). I don't know what to do about taking this drug. I think it's making me feel really bad all the time."

• Non...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 7, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I was leery about starting a drug that hasn't been on the market that long and also my distrust for pharmaceutical companies. Repatha worked and brought down my LDL, but there is a cost. In the beginning, I'd just have cold symptoms and some fatigue, which only lasted a few days, but with time I would eventually develop more side effects that lasted longer, such as PVCs, and now I get burning in my feet, hands, and throughout my body. The doctor said I may have neuropathy, but when tested at the time, it showed no damage. I'd stop Repatha for two months and everything would settle down, but my fear of having a heart attack would cause me to try it again. I have taken two more shots, and now the burning is back, and I had flu-like symptoms that have caused me to stop exercising and miss some days of work too. I don't know what I'm going to do, but I don't want to live my life suffering like this. I also don't like when doctors don't want to put the blame on the medication that they know nothing about."

• TAM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2025

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "It brought my readings to normal in 3 shots. I wasn’t feeling well. Thought it might be the shot. So I quit for a couple of months. Back on it and I have extreme fatigue and headaches. I don’t feel good. I’m seeing my doctor this coming week. I am very sensitive to drugs. Can’t go near statins. Not sure I want to live with this horrible fatigue."

• Mic...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 4, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I took my first dose of Repatha on a Thursday and had side effects of flu symptoms, terrible back pain, neck pain, and vertigo within 24 hours. By Monday, I was in the ER with a NSTEMI (a type of heart attack). I was sent home on Tuesday. I was back in the ER on Thursday with a second NSTEMI and 2 angiograms. It's been a month now, and I still have muscle pain, weakness, blurry vision, fatigue, depression, shoulder pain, and hand swelling. And this was from just 1 dose. The doctor said there were no side effects. Yeah, okay."

• Lor...
• November 3, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I was prescribed Repatha after having side effects from statins. I was totally off statins when I started. For the first injection, I had some mild cold/flu symptoms for just a couple of days, very mild. I had my second injection on a Thursday, and by Tuesday the next week, I had cold and flu-like symptoms, neck and back pain, and was in bed for three weeks. At first, I didn't even connect it to being side effects of Repatha, but then I remembered when they briefed me, the PA saying cold and flu-like symptoms. So, I started doing some research, and I had every side effect listed with the exception of high blood pressure. It is now almost 3 months since my last injection. My migraine, which in the past had basically gone, has recurred. I also have sinus pressure, neck ache, and lower back ache, aching hands feeling arthritic, urgency to urinate, and extreme fatigue. My internist said it could take about six months to get out of my body. I pray she's right. This is life-altering in a negative way for me. Incredibly frustrated."

• Gin...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 7, 2017

For High Cholesterol "After one shot, it scalded my skin, made an open sore, and I started experiencing diarrhea. My lower right back started hurting. Day 17, I'm waiting on blood work before I take a second shot, and my neck at the base hurts. Weird pains I'm not used to that hurt and affect my quality of life. Can't take statins. Don't think I'll ever take another shot of Repatha. If it messes with your liver, it can kill you. I will walk at least 60 minutes a day, every day, and continue to watch my fat, trans fat, and cholesterol intake. My last shot was 27 days ago. Between the initial post and now, I'm still nauseated. I have loose bowels every time I eat, and I have to go. Can't go anywhere, and it's physically irritating. My knees and back still hurt, and I feel pain behind my eyes, have trouble swallowing, and experience body spasms. Still so tired with no energy and have trouble."

• Net...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 22, 2019

For High Cholesterol "After taking Repatha for a year and a half, my cholesterol was lowered dramatically. But I had sinus infections that got worse, respiratory infections, and was diagnosed with COPD 1 year ago after taking Repatha faithfully. I have always had sinus problems and seasonal asthma, and bronchitis, maybe once a year I had to use an inhaler. Since being on Repatha, I have had asthma attacks and pneumonia so bad I had to be hospitalized. Exactly 4 times in a year. I never smoked, and now I am on 3 inhalers and a nebulizer. I have always had a pneumonia shot every 5 years and never got pneumonia for over 15 years. I am fatigued and have muscle pain. I decided to stop Repatha on my own and see what happens."

• Ral...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 27, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I’m an inherent atherosclerosis patient, age 74. I have walked at least a half hour every day since 1997. I underwent quadruple bypass surgery 25 years ago and have been on statins until 4 years ago when my cardiologist prescribed Repatha to lower my LDL cholesterol. This product works great in lowering cholesterol and reducing my LDL under 60. However, I trusted my doctor, who I do not blame for the BAD side effects, as it came with the Big Pharma label as “having no side effects,” and as a new wonder drug with great results, it seemed like a godsend. Please be warned: the toxic effects tend to creep up on most people. I developed low energy levels, muscle aches, joint pain in my hip and feet, and recently severe low back pain with resultant loss of sleep. I also wake at times with severe pain in my hand joints for seemingly no reason. I recently stopped taking this drug on my own and plan on returning to a statin regimen treatment if my cardiologist agrees, but I’m through with this."

• Cga...
• May 16, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I started Repatha because statins were causing heartburn, muscle aches, and dry mouth. After the first dose, I was OK, but after the second dose, I had a nosebleed that soaked several paper towels and lasted about 15 minutes. I googled to find out if that is normal and found that nosebleeds are common in women over 60, which I am. I also had constant nose dripping like water and fatigue so bad that I could hardly make it to my mailbox. Some shortness of breath as well. After several unexpected nosebleeds at very inopportune times, I stopped it."

• Ter...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 7, 2021

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I began taking twice-monthly Repatha in November 2020 on the advice of my cardiologist. I am a healthy and active 68-year-old female with familial hypercholesterolemia. Previously, I had tried four different statins and various doses, all of which resulted in considerable muscle pain and night cramps. Things seemed fine until my third Repatha injection when I began having severe pain in my right arm and shoulder. I didn't link the pain to this, so I continued taking my injections, eight altogether, until my final dose at the end of February. By then, I was experiencing increasingly severe pain in both shoulders and arms, weak leg muscles making it difficult to stand, dizziness, and fatigue. Although Repatha dropped my LDL from 177 to 68, the side effects are debilitating. I am done with Repatha and statins. I stopped taking Repatha in late February, but two months later, the side effects continue to wax and wane. I am praying my system can recover and my life return to normal."

• Lii...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 21, 2017

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I have heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. I also have coronary artery disease as a result. The statin medications caused me to have myalgia, malaise, protein in my urine, increased blood sugar levels, weakness, and forgetfulness. After having triple bypass surgery 4 1/2 years ago, my LDL was still too high despite being on a high dosage of Crestor and Zetia. I started Repatha 6 months ago, and my LDL is at a record low, and my HDL has increased. The only side effects are slight burning at the injection site and minor flu-like symptoms that last for a day. In my opinion, Repatha is a miracle drug."

• Tak...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 31, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I have been on Repatha for about eight months because I cannot take statins. I have had some bad side effects: joint pain, back pain, and continuous sinus drainage. Can go to sleep, fatigue bad. High blood sugar. And I feel it has eaten my stomach lining out. I can't eat much of anything. I have been off of it for 30 days and hope and pray this medicine gets out of my system before 3 months. I will have to see if I can keep my cholesterol down with diet. This stuff feels like it is killing me. Would never recommend it at all."