Repatha and Back Pain: What Users Say

• lyn...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• May 18, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha last July. I had been previously taking Atorvastatin. I had side effects, especially muscle pain and joint pain. I had stopped for about 5 months. My current cardiologist said I should try Repatha due to the low number of reported side effects. During the second month's injections (every two weeks), I felt mild muscle pain and weakness. I took Tylenol to help with the pain. It has become progressively more insidious. Yesterday, 5 days from the last injection, I could not get out of a chair, running nose, trouble walking, can't go up and down stairs, severe pain in ankles, knees, hips, and back, loss of upper body strength, itching. A year ago, I could carry two 40lb bags of wood pellets up two flights of stairs. Now, I can't lift a bag off the ground. I advised the cardiologist's office. I was never going to take Repatha again. Haven't heard a word in 5 days. My advice, if you try Repatha, be cautious because side effects may get progressively worse."

• Val...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 5, 2023

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I am one of the unlucky individuals who react negatively to statins with elevated liver enzymes, so my cardiologist prescribed Repatha. After jumping through hoops to get it approved by my insurance, I took the first shot. I had some back pain after the first shot but it quickly went away, and I was excited that I didn’t seem to have any of the side effects that others spoke up about. After my second shot, I began to experience pain in my toes and feet the next day. It feels like my toes are frozen and burning simultaneously. It’s like I have frostbite on my toes and feet with constant pain. It’s not pins and needles, but I guess it’s considered peripheral neuropathy. I’ve been taking Tylenol to minimize the pain but it never goes away. My doctor says it’s not a side effect of the drug, but there’s no other reason for this pain to have appeared the day after my second shot. I will be stopping this medication ASAP."

• Twe...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 29, 2021

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "After an event of cardiomyopathy, I took pill form of statins. Each one I tried gave me terrible leg pain. Cardiologist’s PA then prescribed Repatha. I took one dose of 140 mg on a Sunday, and by Tuesday I had to be taken to the hospital via ambulance due to being completely immobile with back pain. It is now Friday; I’ve had a dye contrast MRI and there is nothing found to be wrong with my back. I went from being perfectly mobile to being disabled, possibly permanently. I am now on three blood pressure medications where I was previously on one, and heavy narcotics to control pain. Even with all of this, the pain is still not entirely controlled, and I can’t move without the help of two nurses to use the bathroom or walk. After some heavy research, my daughter discovered that Repatha can permanently damage the musculature within the body. I BEG of anyone prescribed Repatha to never use it. It’s criminal that it was ever approved by the FDA. Please, Stay away from this medication!"

• Mid...
• March 9, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I was put on Repatha for high cholesterol. I am a 60-year-old female. I started by gagging every morning. I took Repatha for six months. I stopped taking it, and now for three months, I still have a bad cough which is constant all day. I also have back pain that will not go away. I am hoping that these side effects will subside, but they haven’t so far. I have taken a nose spray, pills, cough medicine, and still cough. I hope over time it stops, my back pain keeps me awake at night. I recommend you don’t try this drug, it’s not worth it. I still don’t know yet what I will be doing about my cholesterol, but it definitely won’t be taking Repatha ever again. The symptoms seem to not go away. The last three months have been hell for me."

• Bob...
• January 4, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking Repatha for about 2 years. At first, I had no side effects and my cholesterol levels went down to 26. Now I have all kinds of side effects: severe back and side pain, shortness of breath, severe muscle cramps, blurred vision, dizziness, weight loss, loss of appetite, etc. I'm considering not taking it anymore."

• NJ ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 28, 2025

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I was prescribed Repatha to take every two weeks, and during the first month, I felt good. However, after taking it for six months, I had very negative side effects that included clogged ears, constant runny nose, post-nasal drip, some congestion, stomach that was extended and painful, lower abdomen that felt like a urinary tract infection and gynecological problem, which required another doctor's exam, and lower back pain radiating to my legs, making walking painful. It slowly went away during a three-month period after stopping, which I believe was the time frame that the half-life of the drug remained in the system. The blurry vision has not reversed, and I have an appointment with an ophthalmologist. I have always been healthy and don't know if this was related to the recent surgery needed for breast cancer that developed just this year. Even though it did lower my cholesterol, I would not recommend 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."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 15, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking Repatha for almost two years with great results. However, late last year I had terrible back & shoulder pain. A report listed a requirement to take CoQ10. It helps immensely. It's needed when taking or starting Repatha, as these drugs deplete this enzyme in the body. Start taking immediately if not currently taking it. CoQ10 requires some oil in your stomach to absorb, though works fine as long as you do this. I take mine after my fish oil. I have no muscle pain any longer. Please use CoQ10 if taking either Repatha or statins."

• Mid...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 22, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "After my 6th dosage of Repatha, I would rather die. I have four stents along with torn tendons and connective tissue disease that can't be explained. Frequent urination and problems. Neck, leg, and back pain do not allow me to sleep. Severe headaches, but the newest side effects are very scary to me...stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting for days after the injection, which I am sure will be my last. I am saddened after reading the reviews that this will last for quite some time. Only 55, feeling hopeless, and feeling like a 90-year-old every day is not the quality of life I was trying to accomplish. I hope there is help on its way. Thank you for the truths. I thought I was alone."

• Wil...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• August 21, 2022

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I've been on every statin including Zetia. The statins did not lower my high cholesterol, which was combined in the 300s, and the Zetia helped but made me very dizzy, so my cardio suggested Repatha. I had no issues the first year except sinus issues. But then came the high blood sugar - (I'm 5’4, 113 and an over-exerciser). But the big one, which has now destroyed my life, is the low back pain. This isn't the normal arthritic pain, this occurs 3-5 days after the injection, and literally, I can't walk, sit, get out of bed, go to the bathroom, walk my dog, or drive. Nothing helps to relieve it because it isn't related to an injury or inflammation. That is why I take the drug once a month instead of as prescribed. I know I will be incapacitated. My cardio tells me it is all in my head because his wife is on it and she has no side effects. Yes, it has brought my cholesterol down to 250. But I don't know how much of this pain I can endure."

• Ano...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 7, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "The cardiologist said it’s a great drug with little side effects. I had back pain and minor sore throat after the 1st Repatha injection. 24 hrs. after the 2nd, I was in the ER. My mouth, tongue, lips, and gums were starting to blister and burn with my throat and esophagus on fire. I was short of breath and having palpitations. I had lots of tests and labs. I received IV Solumedrol and respiratory treatments. I was sent home on 15 days of high dose Prednisone. I’m in the tapering period of the Prednisone and still feeling bad. Severe sore throat, weakness, and palpitations. The cardiologist did labs for electrolytes because I’m having symptoms of low potassium. I was told by the specialty pharmacist that dispensed Repatha the adverse effects could last for months because it could be in my system for a while. I regret taking this drug. I had reservations about it after researching it and reading the patient reviews. Lesson learned. Follow your gut feelings."

• Spa...
• May 6, 2019

For High Cholesterol "My first injection of Repatha was somewhat uneventful. The second injection began a nightmare! After about 2 days, I experienced dizziness, almost passed out 3 times, and had a headache that was so bad along with unbelievable back pain. I already have chronic back pain, but it was so bad I thought I would die. I called my cardiologist after suffering for 7 days, and she insisted it wasn't caused by Repatha and that I should visit my primary. I did, and she did blood work, a flu swab, and urinalysis. Everything came back normal. She reviewed the side effects of Repatha and said she thought it was from the Repatha. I started this medication reluctantly. It had been prescribed several months earlier and after reading reviews, I opted out. The next time I went to my cardiologist, she assured me that the side effects were minimal, so I told her I would try it. She said because my LDL was so high and because I had already had one stent, I really needed this drug. I wish I had not listened to her."

• 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."

• 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."

• del...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 9, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I injected this drug on August 10, 2018. The next morning, I felt like I had the flu with my hands and face swollen. Then 4 days later, horrific diarrhea. After that, horrific mucus from coughing and horrific back pain. Now I have problems with my stomach - I can't eat, drink, or burp, it feels like my stomach is dying along with my colon - horrific swelling in my stomach. I have been rushed to the hospital twice due to an allergic reaction to Repatha, it has also given me an autoimmune disease. This drug is dangerous. I feel like my organs are dying. My doctor is trying different meds to reverse the side effects, but nothing is working. Please be careful, I wish I had researched this drug before taking it. Now I'm bedridden, and it's September 9, 2018, and I am still experiencing side effects."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Numbers are great from this medication. Dropped cholesterol 100 points, LDL to 70. That's great for this 59-year-old female who has always had high cholesterol. However, those numbers are not worth the side effects. Have tremendous burning from neck to abdomen. Muscle pains in legs and severe back pain, especially lower and between my shoulder blades. Have taken 5 injections and discussed the side effects with Dr., and he reduced the injections to once a month. Last had the injection on April 1st. As we speak, April 30th, am fighting extreme side effects. With the burning in my chest, I'm not sure if I'm having a heart attack or not. Have suffered 3 attacks like this that last all night since my last injection. THERE IS NO WAY I'M TAKING ANOTHER INJECTION. I am just praying that these symptoms stop and do not continue long term like others have stated on this site. Stay away from this drug! Please! There may be no recovery from it."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 23, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Repatha is great for lowering your cholesterol really fast, but the side effects are terrible. My back, hips, and knees are hurting me 24/7. I have been to the doctor many times, and he has given me many different pain meds. Nothing really helps. I can hardly walk across the floor. Working all day is killing me. I just want to cry because of the pain. I have been off Repatha for almost 3 months, and the pain still has not gone away. I just want to be normal again. I will never take it again."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Red...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 1, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I put my experience up some time ago, and now I have taken my 7th injection. My neck is hurting so bad I don't think I can continue on this medication. Dizziness is bad, and back pain. Going to contact my cardiologist to try and stop this nonsense."

• bja...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 1, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I think this drug is killing me. I have severe pain everywhere, but especially in my back. I am talking severe, with trips to the E.R. Nothing is helping. Now I am beginning to have urinary incontinence and need to walk with a cane. I cannot get up and down alone, and I have to sleep sitting up in a chair with a heating pad since the pain in getting out of bed is excruciating. I am scared to death, and I have only had 2 doses, nearly a month ago now. I took this due to my cholesterol being so high, and my heart history being so bad. I really wanted this to help, but I am really scared now and in pain 24/7. Several people said if you have any history of back, muscle, or bone pain this will intensify it tremendously, and that is what has happened to me."