Starting on Repatha
At the beginning of the year my cardio wants me to start the injectables of Repatha. I have tried every statin for the last 3 years and have had some sort of side effect with each one. I also suffer from IBS-D and the first side effect listed is diarrhea. Once it's in your body for a month you could have side effects for awhile. Is anyone on the alternative for cholesterol problems?
Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Aging Well Support Group.
Connect

Repatha has been a godsend for me. Got my LDL down to an amazing 39. Statins made my liver enzymes elevate. I just wish it was available in my 30’s. Think I would have avoided the 5 stents I have now.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
4 ReactionsHave been on for a number of years. I am 91, 19 years since having 6 bi-passes and hope Repatha keeps me healthy.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
3 ReactionsSorrry, made a mistake, only 9 years since having 6 bi-passes. Last 3 or 4 of those years on Repatha.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYou know with all of us talking having the same symptoms on any medication not this one but it shows how common it is . I feel like big pharma payoff many of the articles.
If people are being lied to and it known it's fraud, if peope are being hurt it's assault, if people die its homicide.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@dacquistapace
Look at big pharma latest. Wonder how much they had to pay to get this?
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/other/statins-don-t-cause-most-side-effects-blamed-on-them/ar-AA1VLBaI
@ss52 Yes, I have seen this and many other articles like it many times. I do not believe it for a minute. Statins cause mitochondrial dysfunction, period. Most people are able to tolerate it, but not everyone. I think the level of pain experienced is proportional to the amount of exercise people engage in. The workout routines I followed when I was on statins were very intense, focused, and consistent. I still maintain that kind of level to this day but with lighter weights and swimming instead of running.
Key Details on Statins and Muscle Mitochondria:
Mechanism of Muscle Damage: Statins may inhibit mitochondrial function and reduce CoQ10 levels, which can cause free radical damage in muscle tissues, commonly termed SAMS.
Symptoms: Reported symptoms include pain, cramps, stiffness, and weakness, often during or after exercise.
Prevalence: While, clinical trials often report low rates, real-world studies suggest 10% to 25% of patients experience muscle issues.
I did come across an article about twenty years ago of a study done exclusively on competitive athletes. It was a small study of about forty people, but the conclusion was that 90% of them could not tolerate statins. Obviously, that study was not funded by big pharmaceutical companies and I have never found it again.
I see my cardiologist on Tuesday and he is the only doctor I have had over the years who completely agrees with me about this issue.
Update: Still no side effects from Repatha after seven months.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reactionhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/01/260114084122.htm.
Yes, I am on Praluent injection every 2 weeks. I had been on statins for years and was tired of side effects, leg
cramping mainly. This really helped, my numbers have never been this low. For me, no side effects.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@dacquistapace Thank you for asking. I have been on Repatha now for eight months now with no side effects. I asked my cardiologist in February if it would be possible for my cholesterol to rise above his desired level for me (total < 150 and LDL< 70). His response was, "Possibly, if you ate bacon with every meal." I have kept my plant based diet as a main staple but have allowed myself one meal a day with animal protein. I have also included back into my diet olive oil, avocados, nuts, and hard Italian cheeses--pecorino Romano and parmesan reggiano. I had eliminated all of those along with animal protein when I was on the Ornish Reversal diet. I was able to get my total cholesterol down to 168 on that diet and my LDL down from the 150's to 108, however, that was not low enough given my familial hyperlipidemia. Also, it was very difficult to stay with such a limited diet for life. So, I am getting another blood test in the next month or two and will see what my cholesterol is doing at that time. If it has gone up, I would most likely choose to cut back to eating animal protein two to three times a week instead of once a day. I would prefer to keep the plant based fats from avocado, nuts, and olive oil because the health benefits are substantial.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsHi, like you I've been on every oral statin there is and tired of side effects, etc, I have been on Praluent for 3 years, and am overwhelmed with the results From 340 to 200. If the cost is holding you back, look at the company's home page and if they offer financial assistance make an application. Cost went from hundreds a month to a two digit price. Luckily, I have no side effects. Wishing you luck on your journey.