I was on Repatha for about 3.5 years with almost no problem except for some mild gastro issues in the beginning which resolved. It lowered my lipid numbers dramatically but my coronary calcium score climbed significantly. However at the 3.5 year mark I contracted bacterial pneumonia which was successfully treated. The problem was that it came back..repeatedly! In fact over the next 1.5 years I had five recurrences. It was only at round 4 that it occurred to me that the Repatha could be the source of the problem so I stopped it in mid-july of this year. I seem to be finally recovering.
Repatha also seems to have increased my blood pressure which has always been historically low with me. Thankfully that is also resolving and my numbers have gone back to normal. All in all a disappointing drug for me especially since my plaque score kept increasing even though my ldl got to 70 or below.
@fmulhare Is your doctor aware that you have stopped the Repatha? When you say your calcium score and blood pressure have increased, are they beyond normal ranges now?
If you are having competing issues with blood pressure, calcium scores and repeated infections, perhaps a cardiologist can do some more exploration to uncover the cause.
fmulhare, I didn't realize that plaque score increase on Repatha. Your post got me; both statins and pcks9 inhibitors increase plaque scores -- they think by solidifying the fatty lipids that aren't reflected on Calc testing.
The infection risk with PCSK9s are more understood as viruses can use the increased ldl receptors as entry ways into the cells. Increased CD 8 levels allows Hep C entry into the liver.
I wonder if anyone takes Repatha without having digestive issues.
Thanks for your post.
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@fmulhare Is your doctor aware that you have stopped the Repatha? When you say your calcium score and blood pressure have increased, are they beyond normal ranges now?
If you are having competing issues with blood pressure, calcium scores and repeated infections, perhaps a cardiologist can do some more exploration to uncover the cause.
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1 Reactionfmulhare, I didn't realize that plaque score increase on Repatha. Your post got me; both statins and pcks9 inhibitors increase plaque scores -- they think by solidifying the fatty lipids that aren't reflected on Calc testing.
The infection risk with PCSK9s are more understood as viruses can use the increased ldl receptors as entry ways into the cells. Increased CD 8 levels allows Hep C entry into the liver.
I wonder if anyone takes Repatha without having digestive issues.
Thanks for your post.
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Like -
Helpful -
Hug
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