Evolocumab and Flu-Like Symptoms: What Users Say (Page 2)

• Rub...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 28, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have taken 1 injection of Repatha, it's been 6 days now. I have had the worst cold and flu for the first 3 days. I never have the flu or cold, which was unusual for me. Since Repatha, I have had pain in the back of my head, behind my ears, in my jaws, the pain comes and goes. Also, I have had raised blood pressure, which I have never had. I have been getting frequent dizzy spells and cold chills every day since the injection 6 days ago. Won't be taking the second injection. Hope the side effects stop soon."

• Tin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I started Repatha 4 months ago. This medicine has made me so sick, I can’t hardly function. Nausea, bad diarrhea, muscle aches, flu-like symptoms, overall just fatigued. After the second shot, I was in bed for 5 days. I stopped for 4 weeks, took it again, and the same situation. Two days after I got sick, I’m now able to stand up and keep a few crackers down. I will not try it again."

• Bak...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 16, 2018

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Have attempted to use Repatha as I am unable to take any other statin drugs. Have been attempting to use the drug for over a year now, having suspended use a couple of times first due to a serious gastric event and then due to the flu. Have now determined that it is the Repatha that is giving me flu symptoms even if I only inject once a month. 7 to 10 days after the injection I develop a severe sore throat followed by two weeks of sinus congestion and sometimes laryngitis."

• Ron...
• December 7, 2017

For High Cholesterol "It was suggested that I try Repatha, as I had issues with Lipitor, Advicor, Crestor, and Zetia. I have had multiple heart stents, with the last stent installed in Dec of 2016, and was considered high risk. My cholesterol was at 192, HDL 39, and LDL 70. After taking Repatha, cholesterol was reduced to 96, HDL raised to 44, and LDL lowered to 52. Along with the good change in the blood test numbers, I have found myself with the following issues: mild headache, runny nose, scratchy throat, leg and stomach cramping, lower back and neck pain, flu-like symptoms, and heart palpitations. I just feel really lousy. I took three injections (two weeks apart), and then stopped. Five weeks later, I took another injection, and this is how I feel."

• Fed...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 2, 2022

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I have very high cholesterol, up into the high 300s. I'm lean and an avid exerciser. I have been on every statin with no results, so doc put me on Lipitor (40 mg) and Zetia. I was so dizzy due to the Zetia, and my cholesterol was barely lowered. So next up was Repatha - I was side effect-free for a year until I developed massive hives, constant low back pain, flu-like symptoms (all within the last year and a half), and now I can't walk without feeling like falling down. I'm going in for a brain MRI, electrocardiogram, and ultrasound of the carotid artery - bloodwork all normal. Meanwhile, my sinuses are full, and my quality of life has gone downhill from using this drug. I've gone from walking 9 miles a day to not being able to walk. My cholesterol is down to 200. If my tests come back normal, I'm getting off this drug."

• Big...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 10, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I am on my 9th bi-weekly injection. My blood numbers are terrific, with my LDLs down to 44. It’s the first time in my life that my numbers are good. I am a 68-year-old male in good health who rides his bike 10 miles every day and have had high cholesterol my whole life. The cost has come down to a manageable level. While I had some symptoms of colds and flu in the beginning, I am now back to normal. I have my blood checked every two months. Diet and exercise never helped me at all. I do not work for Repatha, as I am a paper recycler."

• Pat...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 24, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha in September. After the first dose, I was having cold-like symptoms, runny nose, tired, etc. The third dose was horrible, my ear was totally filled with fluid. I went to my GP, he said it was because of the post-nasal drip. He gave me antibiotics and prednisone, stating it was a sinus infection. My ear would not get better. I still was taking the Repatha. I ended up at an ENT, who said my tube was closed, more prednisone. In the meantime, I couldn't get out of bed, I was so sick from the Repatha. It was like I had the flu all the time. Things didn't get better! My ear was still a mess! My ear ended up draining into my lungs, which put me in the ER. I still was not any better. I contribute everything that is going on with me to the Repatha. My cholesterol went way down. But the price I'm paying is not worth it. My legs are still weak, my body is fatigued, my eyes are blurry, my mental status diminished. This drug went right in the garbage! Do not take this drug."

• Kjo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 23, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Dec 15, had my first and only Repatha injection in the doctor's office with 4 samples to take home while getting drug plan approval. After a day and a half, got terribly dizzy and afraid to walk. Took ginger capsules with some relief, but occasional dizzy feelings-though much less-persist 5 1/2 weeks later. The next day, horrible cramps and diarrhea. Unable to sleep at night, and Imodium not fully effective. My belly still acts up out of the blue. Occasional surprise random symptoms like terrible post-nasal drip with thick, choking phlegm. Hip muscles hurt at night and interfere with sleep, though I have no hip arthritis on x-ray. Occasional sore throat and flu-ish feelings come and go. Eyes are dry and blurry. Not taking another dose; I gave my samples to someone who can take it. Retired medical professional."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 28, 2025

For High Cholesterol "Flu-like symptoms, awful was not aware before taking ... should have researched before, still may take it and plow through for the end goal of much lower cholesterol, but not when making a life change."

• Ano...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 8, 2025

For High Cholesterol "Some flu-like symptoms during the first 2 months of use, but nothing severe enough to warrant taking pain meds. MD added Zetia after 4 months, and that got the needed results. LDL now 49 and HDL set a lifetime record high of 51 after one year of therapy and a low-carbohydrate diet."

• Dav...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 22, 2025

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Significantly reduced LDL, however, after 2 months I developed flu-like symptoms, including runny nose, night cough, bronchial breathing issues. Also developed extreme sensitivity to dust. These symptoms continued for 4 months before I stopped taking Repatha. The conditions slowly reduced over 2 months."

• Tex...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 3, 2025

For High Cholesterol "First dose today, and I feel absolutely horrible! Like the flu, my joints, back, neck, shoulders, everything hurts! I couldn’t tolerate statins for this reason here! Hope it goes away!"

• Com...
• December 25, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I've tried Repatha twice now, and I'm not a big fan. Flu-like symptoms, swollen lymph nodes, runny nose, shin pain. I'm miserable, won't take it again. I pray I feel better soon."

• Ben...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 12, 2024

For High Cholesterol "I immediately have flu-like symptoms and diarrhea."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 20, 2023

For High Cholesterol "Took first dose on Saturday, and by Monday, I had flu-like symptoms and back pain. I read the side effects, and these seem to be normal. Hoping it goes away soon."

• Jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 13, 2023

For High Cholesterol "I have experienced hot flashes, knee soreness, back pain, cold-like symptoms, and allergies. Hard on my immune system."