Repatha and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say

• Rob...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 7, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I have been on numerous cholesterol-lowering statins for over twenty years. First Lipitor, then Crestor, and then Repatha. Lipitor caused me to have very painful problems and cramping in my ankles and Achilles tendons so I switched to Crestor. I was on Crestor for quite a few years without many problems that I could see, but I did manage to tear both my biceps and had to repair both surgically. My neck pain was out of control while on Crestor and I consulted a neurosurgeon who fused me between C6-7 in my neck. After that surgery, I have been unable to take anything for my cholesterol. In July of 2020, I was diagnosed with AFib and sent to a cardiologist who did blood tests and wanted me to try Repatha. I tried it, and within a few days, the neck pain was considerably unbearable. Also, I was short of breath quite substantially. I don't know about the statin drugs or Repatha. They both don't agree with me at all. Guess I'll have to take my chances."

• 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."

• 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."

• 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."

• Bud...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha because other statins caused me to have joint pain, and my bad cholesterol numbers were still higher than my heart doctor wanted. Within a month of starting, I was having cold symptoms and started having a nagging cough. I then started having lung congestion and wheezing, especially at night. Fast forwarding several months, I had to go to the emergency clinic 5-6 times due to an inability to breathe. I have been on Prednisone 5 times, have been given breathing treatments, albuterol inhalers, and singulair. I stopped taking the injections about a month ago and am still having symptoms, especially as soon as I lay down. I have also been using nose sprays twice a day. I have never smoked and never had any breathing problems before. Really praying I get over these issues soon."

• Bud...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• February 28, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Repatha because other statins caused me to have joint pain, and my bad cholesterol numbers were still higher than my heart doctor wanted. Within a month of starting, I was having cold symptoms and started having a nagging cough. I then started having lung congestion and wheezing, especially at night. Fast forwarding several months, I had to go to the emergency clinic 5-6 times due to an inability to breathe. I have been on Prednisone 5 times, have been given breathing treatments, albuterol inhalers, and singulair. I stopped taking the injections about a month ago and am still having symptoms, especially as soon as I lay down. I have also been using nose sprays twice a day. I have never smoked and never had any breathing problems before. Really praying I get over these issues soon."

• Anonymous
• July 17, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I have been on Repatha for 5 years. As a result, I have developed chronic sinus infections, flu, shortness of breath, pain in my lungs, stomach pain, and most recently fevers, ear pressure, dizziness, and severe headaches. I suspected the medication was causing my problems over a year ago. I spoke with a nurse from Amgen who played it down, and so did my doctor. I was referred to an allergist who, after a full pulmonary function test, allergy test, and CT scan of lungs, concluded I have non-allergic rhinitis. I was constantly prescribed antibiotics and steroids for the symptoms. Sometimes they worked, and many times they didn't. I have seen an infectious disease doctor, a hematologist, an ENT, and a pulmonologist. None of them could determine why I am suffering. I have an FMLA for intermittent leave because sometimes I can't get out of bed. I took my last injection last Saturday, the day the headaches started, and I have had them every day since. No more!"

• 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!"

• 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."

• Sta...
• November 4, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I've always had high cholesterol, it runs in my family. I never could take statins, always had bad side effects. My doctor assured me that there were no side effects from Repatha. I was very reluctant to take it, but she told me if I didn't take it, I was going to have a heart attack and die. The side effects were so bad, the quality of my life went down. I was fatigued when I woke up, and I was fatigued when I went to bed. I missed a lot of work, couldn't hardly breathe, it was horrible. I will not take this drug again. I cannot believe the doctors will tell you that there are no side effects. Are we their guinea pigs? I'm so upset with my cardiologists, now I need to find a new one. How dare she lie to me."

• 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."

• Day...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 27, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking 140 mg Repatha every 2 weeks for 8 months. Cholesterol came down significantly, but my feet hurt terribly and my legs hurt terribly. I am 69 and have had a quad bypass 5 years ago and a minor stroke. I have gained 8 pounds. I used to outwalk everybody, now my pain in my feet and legs is so bad that I use a heating pad every night just so the pain will feel better. I also believe it has made me short of breath. So it is good for lowering cholesterol but has terrible side effects. I am going to stop taking it and see in 3 months how much my cholesterol goes up. Glucose blood sugars fasting were 90-102 in the mornings, now blood sugars fasting can be 120-130. Good luck to all who can tolerate it, but I don't want to spend the rest of my life with this leg and feet pain."

• Mas...
• March 27, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I have inherited familial high cholesterol. At age 36, I had quintuple bypass surgery. At age 46, 56, 63, and 65, I had stents due to blockages. I've been taking statins for 30 years despite severe muscle pain, currently Crestor, and started Repatha injections every two weeks shortly after it became available. I attribute the shortness of breath I have been experiencing to Repatha, and my symptoms have grown increasingly worse during this period of time, including weakness and trouble breathing. I have allergies and asthma, which I thought was the source of my trouble breathing, however, my breathing problems have significantly worsened since taking Repatha and are a debilitating side effect. Cholesterol has dropped significantly."

• Mas...
• March 27, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I have inherited familial high cholesterol. At age 36, I had quintuple bypass surgery. At age 46, 56, 63, and 65, I had stents due to blockages. I've been taking statins for 30 years despite severe muscle pain, currently Crestor, and started Repatha injections every two weeks shortly after it became available. I attribute the shortness of breath I have been experiencing to Repatha, and my symptoms have grown increasingly worse during this period of time, including weakness and trouble breathing. I have allergies and asthma, which I thought was the source of my trouble breathing, however, my breathing problems have significantly worsened since taking Repatha and are a debilitating side effect. Cholesterol has dropped significantly."

• Jmo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 7, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I had a heart stent in my LAD in February 2019. I have had high cholesterol since I was in my twenties. I have been on statins since age 27. My cardiologist wanted my LDL to be less than 70 (it was 87), so he started me on Repatha. I have had two doses, 2 weeks apart, and I'm having shortness of breath, weakness, high blood pressure, heart pounding, and muscle aches. I am not going to take this medication any longer."

• duh...
• July 5, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I have taken 4 statins in the past five years, all leaving me with leg pain, which gets worse with walking. Stopped each pill within weeks, as I would rather have quality of life. Physician recommended Repatha. No leg pain for two months, however, I experienced constantly being tired. Blamed it on old age (80). After my last injection, I couldn't walk 50 feet without being out of breath. I decided to check side effects, and of course, the #1 is trouble breathing. A little farther down the list is tired and drowsy. I'll live with the cholesterol. I pray the effects go away, I still have them a week later."

• Net...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 22, 2019

For High Cholesterol "After taking Repatha for a year and a half, my cholesterol was lowered dramatically. But I had sinus infections that got worse, respiratory infections, and was diagnosed with COPD 1 year ago after taking Repatha faithfully. I have always had sinus problems and seasonal asthma, and bronchitis, maybe once a year I had to use an inhaler. Since being on Repatha, I have had asthma attacks and pneumonia so bad I had to be hospitalized. Exactly 4 times in a year. I never smoked, and now I am on 3 inhalers and a nebulizer. I have always had a pneumonia shot every 5 years and never got pneumonia for over 15 years. I am fatigued and have muscle pain. I decided to stop Repatha on my own and see what happens."

• Cga...
• May 16, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I started Repatha because statins were causing heartburn, muscle aches, and dry mouth. After the first dose, I was OK, but after the second dose, I had a nosebleed that soaked several paper towels and lasted about 15 minutes. I googled to find out if that is normal and found that nosebleeds are common in women over 60, which I am. I also had constant nose dripping like water and fatigue so bad that I could hardly make it to my mailbox. Some shortness of breath as well. After several unexpected nosebleeds at very inopportune times, I stopped it."

• jhm...
• August 11, 2017

For High Cholesterol "Was going in for a heart cath, put on Repatha because I can't take statins. Dose 1, some diarrhea, mild back pain, and feeling like a kidney stone was trying to move. Dose 2, same feeling as dose 1, seemed a bit worse, wrist, knees, and ankles slightly swollen. Dose 3, two hours after injection, felt like my teeth were 3 inches tall, lost the use of my legs for 5 hours, joints ache and low back pain, 7 on the pain scale. Three days later, upper right quadrant pain, muscle spasms, hurt to walk, knees and feet felt like they were on fire. Nipples are painful, short of breath, and can't get enough sleep, tired all the time. Been to the ER, advised to discontinue Repatha. Been 45 days, still having severe back pain and very short of breath."

• Mda...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 15, 2019

For High Cholesterol "The FDA needs to get off their butt and review all the reports (adverse reports) that they get from Amgen Pharma, who makes it. This is a horrible medication, making people horribly sick. Next, we will hear that it causes cancer, is that what they are waiting for? They need to remove it from the market. This is horrible. I’m sure it’s causing cancer if it causes respiratory issues. Wake up, FDA."

• Joh...
• August 8, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking Repatha for several years through a trial at Mt. Sinai in NYC. I have several problems, but I am not sure if the drug is causing them. Well, here goes anyway: 1) Soreness in lower back 2) Breathing problems (I feel like I'm not getting enough oxygen and I'm winded, especially when I walk any distance, carry something heavy, or walk up stairs quickly) 3) Sore joints in my knees and thumbs, I have been advised that I no longer have any cartilage in my joints. Go figure. 4) Loss of energy 5) My toes feel like there is too much blood in them? 6) My Achilles tendons in my feet in the morning seem to be two sizes too"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been taking Repatha for 3 and 1/2 months. At first, I was fine, my cholesterol went down, and by the third month, I was getting blurred vision, headaches, severe fatigue, burning in the feet, and muscle pain in the back of my neck. It's gotten to the point where I can't even work. I'm so, so tired, short of breath, wheezing, and urinating a lot. Although my cholesterol went down, it's not worth taking Repatha if there's no quality of life for me."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 20, 2019

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I have been taking Repatha for 3 and 1/2 months. At first, I was fine, my cholesterol went down, and by the third month, I was getting blurred vision, headaches, severe fatigue, burning in the feet, and muscle pain in the back of my neck. It's gotten to the point where I can't even work. I'm so, so tired, short of breath, wheezing, and urinating a lot. Although my cholesterol went down, it's not worth taking Repatha if there's no quality of life for me."

• 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."

• New...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2022

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "62-year-old male. No history of cardiac issues. Cholesterol/triglycerides elevated (above 200). Currently taking 25 mg pravastatin. First injection of Repatha. Minimal discomfort from injection. On the third day following injection, began to experience difficulty swallowing, increased mucus production, EXTREME 'night sweats,' significant breathing issues during sleep (waking 3-4 times during the night), significant chest pain (around right pectoral muscle). Blood pressure elevated (150/100). Breathing issues worsened but only occurred during sleep. Immediately discontinued pravastatin. Breathing issues abated and swallowing improved. Night sweats stopped. Chest pains continuing."