Started Repatha - Side Effects

Not everyone can “hang in there.” For some people the side effects are so severe, and don’t resolve, that an earlier death is an accepted consequence of not taking it.

Good luck!!

If you have the same side effects on Repatha that I had you will stop. I’m happy that your side effects are such that you can push through. That isn’t the case for side effects for many others.

My physician agreed today to discontinue Repatha. Will let side effects dissipate and be referred to a lipids specialist in the next few weeks.

What is a lipids specialist?

I can't speak for the original poster, but my (large) cardiology practice has a cardiologist and advanced practice nurse practioner (DNP-A) who specialize in managing difficult cases - especially people who cannot take or do not respond to statin or other cholesterol lowering meds. My friend has worked with them to develop an entire diet/exercise/ supplement regimen. It isn't quite as effective, but the best option for her. I am trying to get my sister to consult with them, too. It was where I was headed when we found our that Repatha actually works for me, with so far manageable side effects.

I started taking Rapatha in September. At first there seemed to be no problems. It was actually helping curb my appetite. Fast forward to now. Not sure if any or all of these affects I am having are from the drug. Joint pain in my shoulders and arms. Back hurting constantly. Anxiety level through the roof. Headache that doesn’t go away. I have tried all statins and I can not tolerate any of them. I end up being in bed. The other problem I am having is I seem to get the hiccups while eating.

Your story is so like mine that I had to check to be sure it wasn’t one of my posts. I have posted similar on here. I cannot take statins. I had the same experience with Repatha. I hung in there until I couldn’t do yoga (after almost 12 years) and walking hurt too much. I am normally very active and didn’t want to live bedridden. So, I quit. My cardiologist basically dumped me and said that if I couldn’t take statins or Repatha that he “had nothing for me.” After convincing me I had dire heart disease he dumped me. So, right now I’m on my own. I’m going to check on a DO that was recommended. I heard that Beta-Sitosterol Plant Sterols would lower LP(a). I got a blood panel done then started taking that and will do another blood panel in a few months. I do all the other things like diet and exercise. The plant sterols haven’t made me feel bad. Red Yeast Rice made me feel as bad as statins.

Yes Red yeast made me also as bad. I am very sensitive to all medicines. My first doctor was like yours and kept having me try all of them. We know how our bodies react. These aches and pains in my shoulders and arms has become almost unbearable. I have 2 stints. Let me know how it works out. I’m willing to try anything but refuse to live like this. It’s certainly no quality of life.

I completely understand. If I live a few years less but I am active and feel good until I die, I’m ok with that. That’s how BAD I felt on these drugs.