Repatha and Runny Nose: 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."

• SRS...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 10, 2024

For High Cholesterol "Repatha did well in reducing my LDL levels to anywhere from 6-15. That is the good. The bad. GI issues, I was making 5-7 trips a day to the restroom. Muscular pain in the legs, arms, and back. Joint pain. Numbness in both hands. Ear congestion. Stuffy nose and coughing. Chest congestion. It’s terrible that the pharmaceutical companies are allowed to produce and distribute medications that have the ability to put people in harm's way."

• JJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 13, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I started using Repatha for 3 months due to statins' side effects. I stopped using Repatha because I was experiencing severe shortness of breath, coughing, runny nose, and fatigue. Since stopping, my cough has almost gone away. I still get the occasional runny nose and flu-like symptoms. My breathing and fatigue are still problems. My lung doctor tells me I lost 30% of my lung capacity, and the cardiologist referred me for a pacemaker after reviewing my electrocardiogram. It has only been 30 days since stopping this drug, and it’s my understanding that it will take 60 to 90 days for this drug to completely get out of my system. I am extremely concerned about my current condition. I can’t do much, I struggle to breathe, and at times I am extremely fatigued. My quality of life is horrible. Be very careful and consult your doctor if you start to suffer some of the side effects."

• Flu...
• March 30, 2021

For High Cholesterol "Took Repatha on Feb. 15, 2021. Leg started swelling. Called dr as leg went pins & needles. Next day cough, sneezing, nose runny. Next day all of the above with swollen lip, sores in mouth, cheeks breaking out, face sores, & forehead. Itchy face & bladder feels stiff, can not pee, it is strong smelling. Ankle swollen, vagina swollen, had asthma attack & went to ER. Stuffy nose, headache, watery eyes. BP running high 152/92. Woke up at 3 am not feeling good, bp 189/91, ears hurt, face hurts. Post nasal drip, ears ache, coughing, face red, & sores. March 5th going down chest with itchy red bumps. It's continuing in cycles 11-17 days up to 93 days. It is March 29 & I have sores on face, ears ache, throat hurts, sores came back in mouth, & now leg pain. I'm exhausted. This medicine is poison to me. My cholesterol numbers will just have to be high. I can't take statins. NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN. I hope I survive it! Called the FDA."

• Flu...
• March 30, 2021

For High Cholesterol "Took Repatha on Feb. 15, 2021. Leg started swelling. Called dr as leg went pins & needles. Next day cough, sneezing, nose runny. Next day all of the above with swollen lip, sores in mouth, cheeks breaking out, face sores, & forehead. Itchy face & bladder feels stiff, can not pee, it is strong smelling. Ankle swollen, vagina swollen, had asthma attack & went to ER. Stuffy nose, headache, watery eyes. BP running high 152/92. Woke up at 3 am not feeling good, bp 189/91, ears hurt, face hurts. Post nasal drip, ears ache, coughing, face red, & sores. March 5th going down chest with itchy red bumps. It's continuing in cycles 11-17 days up to 93 days. It is March 29 & I have sores on face, ears ache, throat hurts, sores came back in mouth, & now leg pain. I'm exhausted. This medicine is poison to me. My cholesterol numbers will just have to be high. I can't take statins. NEVER DOING THIS AGAIN. I hope I survive it! Called the FDA."

• 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."

• zoo...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 20, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I am a long-term T1 Diabetic, with a familial history of High Cholesterol. I had a triple bypass 5 years ago and was doing really well for about the last 4 years post-op. With continual elevated cholesterol numbers, my Dr put me on Repatha. The first 2 injections were ok, with some minor side effects, such as dizziness and pretty bad back pain. I went to my massage therapist and chiropractor, and was treated for about 3 months with some relief. I also had a back x-ray taken, with no major changes or abnormalities. I must admit, I DID NOT connect Repatha with these symptoms. Now, as far as that is concerned, it certainly did LOWER my bad cholesterol from 289 to 47, but again, at what price??? My major 'new' side effects after taking Repatha for 4 months: Dizziness, Blurry Vision, Excruciating foot, leg, hip and back pain, shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat, joint and strange bone pain, and a runny nose."

• Jac...
• April 29, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "After 4th injection, developed weakness in arm and leg, rushed to ER. While they were doing CT and MRI for a stroke, the weakness spread to all other large muscles. Then, in about a week, fatigue came. Also, diarrhea, muscle twitching, nausea, lightheadedness, pounding pulse, runny nose, and a general feeling of a very, very bad hangover. It's been two months and the symptoms wax and wane. A week of improvement alternates with symptom recurrence. All possible tests for electrolytes, antibodies, known systemic conditions, endocrine, etc., are normal. I was stunned when I started reading on forums that people experienced exactly the same presentation of the side effects. Progressive, after several unremarkable injections, waxing, and waning side effects that linger for months after discontinuation. They are totally disabling and scary at their peak. It does lower LDL a lot, but with those side effects, I am not sure it can prolong life. It is damaging something in the cells on the way."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I have taken four injections, and I will not take any more. I have congestion that I have never experienced before. I have completely lost my sense of smell and taste (not from COVID), my test was negative. This is now in my fifth week. My coughing is so bad I think I am not going to make it. I have a runny nose, earaches, and sore shoulders. I have one suggestion: don’t take Repatha."

• shi...
• October 13, 2022

For High Cholesterol "Repatha is dangerous with muscle and joint, sinus, yeast infections, runny nose continue every day. The worst is muscle and joint after 6 injections in Oct. 2022. I quit, I would rather die. This should be reported. Do not take it, doctors lie to you."

• Sun...
• March 9, 2016

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "My total cholesterol was at 190 taking 80 mg of Lipitor, also, LDL-P level was at 1600 among other extremely high levels of sub-cholesterol levels. Since taking Repatha 140 mg injections once every two weeks, my numbers have tanked! Now total cholesterol is at 99, my LDL-P is at 538, and triglycerides at 80. No side effects other than a runny nose for a few hours after my first injection. I hope they find out it lowers the heart attack rate and stroke rate. What a miracle drug so far!"

• CJa...
• November 9, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Family history of hypercholesterolemia. 34 y/o male. I've been taking 40 mg of Crestor for at least 7 years now, and the best it does is bring my total cholesterol down to the mid-250s. I am in good shape and work out at least three days a week. My cardiologist has been trying to get me to take Repatha for at least two years now. I was worried about all the side effects because I am usually the one getting the side effects. It is frustrating. Reluctantly, I started taking the biweekly injections over 6 weeks ago. I am blessed to say that I have had little to no side effects at all, other than a stuffy nose every now and then. I feel great. I'm waiting another month or so until I check my cholesterol panel again to give the medication time to work. I'm glad I got the courage and tried it out. Best of luck, everyone. Sorry to the people who have had a bad experience. Hope you get well and find an alternative to keep you healthy."

• eag...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 15, 2018

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Started Repatha just about this time last year. A couple of days after the first injection, I developed diarrhea, always tired, runny nose, and fits of sneezing. Numb spot on my left thigh from the injection. Felt like I had the flu all the time. Skin problems and a few other things. My cardiologist said I would adjust to Repatha, I never did adjust. I quit Repatha in April of 2018, it's now 11/2018. I still have the side effects I listed above. I have to wonder if side effects are permanent. The manufacturer hasn't returned any of my doctor's phone calls. Anyone thought about legal action?"

• Nan...
• April 25, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I was on my second bimonthly shot when I got a low fever, then the worst runny nose and cough. Got so sick, stayed in bed 3 days, didn't want to eat. Husband said he was taking me to the hospital. I got in the shower, couldn't hardly move, had to have my husband dry me and get me dressed. Was in the hospital with an upper respiratory infection and UTI. Got out of the hospital after 4 days with antibiotics, follow up with family doctor. Told her I had all the side effects that showed for Repatha, just went to the pulmonary doctor who said I had COPD. Asked him about Repatha, he didn't know what it was or for. I am 71. Has anyone else had this problem?"

• Lee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 25, 2017

For High Cholesterol "Started shots every two weeks in May 2017. Within a month, I had a severe sinus infection. Dr. said allergies were bad for everybody, and there were a lot of people suffering. Took two months' worth of injections, and I couldn't keep from having a stuffy nose and allergy symptoms. Cholesterol dropped from 250 to 140, but I have trouble breathing, and my nose keeps plugging. I quit for a month, and symptoms got better, so I took another injection. This was my last. Six months now, and I have such nose swelling that I now have to have an operation to try and open my nasal passages. Miserable! Want to bring a lawsuit for no sleep in a month and fight every minute to breathe through my nose."

• Chr...
• January 29, 2024

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "Repatha is working really well. I saw a significant decrease in my LDL with the first three injections. I do have minimal side effects such as a runny nose and some dizziness. My husband usually does the injection, but I have had to do it myself as well. It is very easy and only slight discomfort."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 27, 2022

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I have taken 7 injections of Repatha. I started with the 2-week injections, which caused side effects of leg, ankle, shoulder pain, and also a runny nose. I decreased the injection to once a month. I have muscle pain, and now severe diarrhea, nausea, which started within 12 hours of injection. I'm weak, and my legs hurt. I will never take this poison again. I hope I get through this."

• kei...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 16, 2022

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I'm from the UK. I wasn't tolerant to statin tablets. I had started on 80 mg atorvastatin, then my dose went down to 40 mg. I then got changed to pravastatin 10 mg - still no joy, joint pains all the time. I was then put on Repatha, and within 2 weeks, my cholesterol went from 5.3 down to 3.4, no side effects. That was early days, but then over the weeks, my joints started to hurt, I had constant headaches, UTI infections, collapsed lung, throat infections, post-nasal drip, severe low back pain. I can't walk from one end of the house to the other without pain. I have chest pain, but I also suffer musculoskeletal issues, so hard to say if it's Repatha causing that pain, but it probably is. I got blurry vision, now a tingling in my left arm and leg, and sometimes in the face. I've done urine tests that have shown my liver has issues. Now 16/7/2022, 3:28 AM, and I haven't slept properly for months due to my anxiety and depression being at an all-time high. I just don't know which way to turn. I get no help from GP or hospital and don't know who to report it to."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 17, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking this drug bi-monthly for 2 months. The initial runny nose side effect was an irritant, but went away after a month. The muscle and back pain, however, have continued and gotten much worse. I will most likely be discontinuing this drug. Here it is a week before Christmas, and I am hosting my entire family throughout the holidays with this debilitating pain. Ugh!"

• sno...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 1, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I took Repatha every two weeks for 9 doses. Labs were much better for cholesterol. But developed headaches, which lasted 3 weeks, and a runny nose, aching joints in the right elbow and right knee. Right elbow better since the medication was stopped, but right knee and leg still very painful after 3 weeks off the medication."

• Big...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 19, 2023

For High Cholesterol "I am now on my 110th shot, taken every 2 weeks. I feel perfectly normal. The first few weeks were tough with a runny nose and cough. My LDLs are now below 45 from the high 200s, and my total cholesterol is 102. This drug has saved my life. I had two stents 14 years ago and would have never made it this far without Repatha. I am allergic to statins."

• 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."

• Mau...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 26, 2018

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Have had great results but have a continuing problem with sneezing and a runny nose, also back pain and dizziness. Went to the allergist and checked nothing wrong there. Problem always gets worse after the shot."

• Bil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2024

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking the 140mg SureClick twice a month now for about 6 months with great results. My total cholesterol is now 147, and triglycerides are below 100. As far as side effects go, I usually experience scratchy throat and stuffy nose for a few days after the injection. It seems that the longer I use Repatha, the symptoms seem to be less noticeable. For me, this drug has been a game-changer as I am allergic to statins, as their side effects were unbearable."

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 11, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I’m 68, active female. High cholesterol of 350. I’ve taken the Repatha shot twice after trying Praluent a year ago. The injection stung more than Praluent. Small headache most days, but not terrible. Runny nose and small cough every day. Started with dizziness within three days. Vertigo soon after. Hard bumps, rash on my back. Within ten days, I had fatigue and malaise. Stopped my daily walks. Muscle soreness, not terrible. Breathing difficulty sometimes, like I was at altitude. Weird pangs in my heart started the third week. Sleep apnea during afternoon naps. I'm not taking my scheduled dose this week. It’ll take 60-90 days to be out of my system. I can’t wait. I’m sure it helps with my LDL as the Praluent did a great job too, but at what cost? I’ll go back to Crestor and deal with its side effects again. This drug is scary. Monoclonal antibodies for my liver? No thanks."