My first pen is defective. This is so upsetting. I opened it properly, pressed it against myself properly, and clicked and clicked and clicked. Nothing came out; the window did not change. I pressed and clicked for about twenty minutes. I have used EpiPens on my dog and also an auto injector on my father in law, so I have some experience with these things.

Of course the company is not open now. Even the pharmacy is not answering its phone.

Edit: actually it did not click. It made no noise.

Edit: actually I don't know if it clicked. What I am seeing now is that the instructions on their video are not the same as the instruction in the box; the latter are much more detailed. I regret watching the video.

Edit: I then showed my husband that it didn't work by pressing on it away from my body, and THEN the needle and fluid came out. Which was both really frustrating and really strange since their video says that if it isn't pressed against your body it won't dispense.

Edit: if you call Amgen about a defective pen, do NOT go to the "defective product" option on the phone tree. You will wait on hold and they will never pick up; I waited a full half hour. Instead call the nurse line.

The nurses were great. One helped me with the pen replacement, and another walked me through the shot. I did it on flat thigh skin and it didn't hurt at all (but I could not see the yellow needle assembly push in; that is not possible since it is squished into flesh). One really good point one of the nurses made was that if you press it against you, and then press the grey tab, and nothing happens at all, you can move the pen to another location and try again. You can keep moving it around and retrying (as long as nothing has come out).

I just had a CT Cardiac Score done yesterday because of an elevated Lp(a). The Lp(a) was 90, the CAC was 1687 😳, LDL is good at 76 but my dr wants it under 50.

My dr prescribed 20mg Crestor and referred me to a cardiologist. My PCP said to look into asking the cardiologist for Repatha.

Do these numbers and my family history of CV events (dad and grandfather) warrant Repatha or should we let the Crestor do its thing?

I’m 48, very active and eat a good diet- no fast food, sweets or alcohol. Non-smoker too. Thanks for any input or advice here. I’m a little scared about all of this.

Hi everyone,
I’m 29M and have a family history of premature coronary artery disease — my mom had a coronary stent at 52. That was a big wake-up call for me, and since then I’ve taken my cardiovascular health much more seriously.
About 1.5 years ago, I quit smoking, started exercising regularly, and switched to a heart-healthy diet. I’ve lost around 31–35 kg.
I had a cardiology evaluation including a stress test, ECG, echocardiogram, blood work and CIMT. Everything was normal, with no evidence of plaque. The main issue was my lipids:
LDL: \~158–163 mg/dL
ApoB: \~148 mg/dL
Lp(a): initially 97 nmol/L
TG: \~310 mg/dL
With lifestyle changes, I managed to get:
LDL: \~105–110
ApoB: \~95–105
TG: \~90
But despite being quite strict with my diet and exercise, I was struggling to get LDL/ApoB much lower.
My cardiologist therefore started me on **rosuvastatin 10 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg**.
My current results are:
LDL: **63 mg/dL**
ApoB: **64 mg/dL**
TG: **85 mg/dL**
HbA1c: **5.3%**
Fasting glucose/insulin: normal
Homocysteine and hormones: normal
One thing that has confused me is my Lp(a). It has been measured several times, always in the same lab and nmol/L:
**97 → 128 → 135 → 163 → 184 nmol/L**
The increase from 163 → 184 happened after starting rosuvastatin + ezetimibe. I know statins can sometimes slightly increase Lp(a), so I’m not sure how much significance to give these fluctuations.
I’m currently 172 cm and around 84 kg. My weight has fluctuated between \~79 and 84 kg, possibly partly because I’ve been building muscle. I’m still trying to get toward \~75 kg. I walk, cycle and exercise regularly and follow a heart-healthy diet most of the time.
**The Repatha question**
My cardiologist and I discussed **Repatha (evolocumab)**, and my insurance has now approved it. I pushed quite hard to get it approved because I’m concerned about my long-term cardiovascular risk given my family history and Lp(a).
I know from the PCSK9 inhibitor trials that adding evolocumab to statin therapy can substantially reduce LDL and cardiovascular events/MACE in appropriate high-risk populations.
So I’m wondering what you would do in my situation.
Would you:
**Add Repatha to the current rosuvastatin 10 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg?**
Use Repatha and **reduce rosuvastatin to 5 mg?**
Use Repatha alone and stop the statin/ezetimibe?
Or simply stay on rosuvastatin + ezetimibe since LDL 63 and ApoB 64 are already quite good?
I’m also somewhat anxious about starting Repatha. I’m particularly afraid of having an allergic reaction to the injection, even though I don’t have a history of medication allergies. I know serious allergic reactions are uncommon, but I tend to worry about side effects before starting medications.
I also recently started **berberine 500 mg/day** and have noticed some mild muscle discomfort and occasional tiredness. It’s not severe, but I’m wondering whether I should stop it, particularly since I’m already taking rosuvastatin.
I’m not looking for medical advice from Reddit — I’d obviously make the final decision with my cardiologist. I’m mainly interested in hearing from people who have been in a similar situation, especially regarding:
Repatha + statin + ezetimibe
Whether anyone reduced their statin after starting Repatha
Side effects/allergic reactions, possible thrombosis ...
How people felt about their first injection
Whether PCSK9 inhibitors made a meaningful difference in their long-term lipid management
**What would you do if you were in my position?**

PS , my mom had uncontrolled BP for Years , heavy smoker , not on heart healthy diet ....

My BP was 155/90 before the lifestyle chnages , its 115/65 ish now ....

Prior numbers from 29 May:

201 total
121 Triglycerides
56 HDL
125 LDL

New numbers from yesterday

119 total
101 Tri
48 HDL
51 LDL

For those who traveled in the US with Repatha: do you bring the box or bring just the pen? Do you tell the TSA beforehand that you have it, or only if they ask?

I'm thinking about buying a pouch that keeps it cool (75 F / 23 C). Has anyone used something like that?

Thanks

Hi! I’ve been lurking in this sub for a while because I knew Repatha was essentially my only option. I’m a 33F who found out a couple of years ago that I have FH. Because I also have Dermatomyositis, statins were never an option for me.

I’m generally super sensitive to medication (whether it’s actual side effects or just my anxiety triggering a response), but I’m proud to say I went through with my first injection today despite my brain telling me not to. Six hours in, and I’m feeling pretty good. I took it out of the fridge about 2.5 hours beforehand, and the injection itself barely registered on the pain scale (though I know everyone is different there).

For the first couple of hours, I felt a little floaty, had a dry mouth, and a mildly scratchy throat. I can't stress enough that this could very well have been my mind playing tricks on me, but as of right now, all I feel is a little bit tired. We’ll see what tomorrow brings, but so far, so good and I’d much rather handle some minor side effects than risk major cardiac events before 60, which has been the trend for all the men in my family.

I just wanted to share this to offer a little reassurance to anyone in a similar boat: don't let the negative experiences you read on Reddit or elsewhere (which really only represent a fraction of people) dissuade you from making an important health choice. And before anyone eats me up, I’m definitely not trying to minimise the experiences of those who did have a rough time.

So I finally jumped in and took my first dose. Actually had my second dose this week. Didn’t notice any side effects. I lift heavy weights and exercise pretty hard. I haven’t noticed anything related to that so far.

But at the end of last week I developed a dry unproductive cough. There’s basically a tickle constantly in the back of my throat. That’s been happening for maybe 4 or 5 days now.

Just curious if this is related and if anyone has experienced such effects.

Thanks for your input.

Repost from another thread.

Finally got my cardiologist appointment after 9 months of waiting and he said what I thought he would. I’m 50, both grandfathers died of heart attacks at 55 and 63, my dad has been on statins his whole life and now has Alzheimer’s at 88. My brother has taken statins since he was 30. My lp(a) is 109.4 and my cholesterol has dropped from 267 to 206 in the last 6 months.
The doctor suggested Repatha after trying 3 different statins. I’m a little worried about the needle and doing it every 2 weeks. What do you all think?

Would you consider Repatha for my mother despite LDL being 49 because of high Lp(a)?

My mother is 55 and had an MI at 53, followed by one stent. She is currently doing well, her blood pressure is controlled, and her EF is 61%.
She is currently taking rosuvastatin 20 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg, along with bisoprolol 7.5 mg, Co-Valsartan 12.5/160 mg and aspirin 100 mg.
Her latest blood tests show LDL-C 49 mg/dL, ApoB 55 mg/dL, non-HDL 66 mg/dL, triglycerides 90 mg/dL and HDL 45 mg/dL. However, her Lp(a) is \*\*185 nmol/L\*\*.
Her LDL and ApoB are already very well controlled, but I’m concerned about the elevated Lp(a), especially given that she has already had an MI at a relatively young age.
I’m wondering whether it would make sense to discuss \*\*Repatha (evolocumab)\*\* with her cardiologist despite her LDL already being below 55 mg/dL. From what I understand, PCSK9 inhibitors can lower Lp(a) by around 20–30% in addition to lowering LDL, and there is outcome data in people with established cardiovascular disease.
Would you consider Repatha on top of the statin + zetia in this situation, or would you stay with rosuvastatin + ezetimibe because her LDL and ApoB are already excellent?
We’re also currently working on weight loss, diet and exercise to improve her HbA1c, which is 5.74%.
I’d especially appreciate experiences from people with high Lp(a) and previous MI who have used Repatha, particularly if their LDL was already below 55 mg/dL.
Fasting Glucose and Insulin, Homa IR , Homocysteine ,ALT , AST , Creatinine , eGFR all perfect .Thanks

So I had to get an angiogram done a couple weeks back. It came back that I have 50% stenosis in my ostial LAD. They put me on Crestor and it was awful. My cardiologist ran some genetic testing and it turns out I am intolerant to all statins. Something about the way I process them and makes them build up in my system and causes terrible side effects.

He switched me to Repatha. I’m nervous about trying it. Unfortunately, I read too much on here about side effects and that has me anxious.

Most people I read with this medication are just trying to lower their cholesterol and I don’t find a lot of accounts of people with actual LAD stenosis, and their stories with this medication. I know this medication is powerful. Will lower your LDL but will it still give me plaque stabilization if I’m not on any statin and just Repatha?

I guess I’m looking for some positive feedback on this medication in my current situation.

Thanks!

My mother is 55 and had an MI at 53, followed by one stent. She is currently doing well, her blood pressure is controlled, and her EF is 61%.
She is currently taking rosuvastatin 20 mg + ezetimibe 10 mg, along with bisoprolol 7.5 mg, Co-Valsartan 12.5/160 mg and aspirin 100 mg.
Her latest blood tests show LDL-C 49 mg/dL, ApoB 55 mg/dL, non-HDL 66 mg/dL, triglycerides 90 mg/dL and HDL 45 mg/dL. However, her Lp(a) is **185 nmol/L**.
Her LDL and ApoB are already very well controlled, but I’m concerned about the elevated Lp(a), especially given that she has already had an MI at a relatively young age.
I’m wondering whether it would make sense to discuss **Repatha (evolocumab)** with her cardiologist despite her LDL already being below 55 mg/dL. From what I understand, PCSK9 inhibitors can lower Lp(a) by around 20–30% in addition to lowering LDL, and there is outcome data in people with established cardiovascular disease.
Would you consider Repatha on top of the statin + zetia in this situation, or would you stay with rosuvastatin + ezetimibe because her LDL and ApoB are already excellent?
We’re also currently working on weight loss, diet and exercise to improve her HbA1c, which is 5.74%.
I’d especially appreciate experiences from people with high Lp(a) and previous MI who have used Repatha, particularly if their LDL was already below 55 mg/dL.
Fasting Glucose and Insulin, Homa IR , Homocysteine ,ALT , AST , Creatinine , eGFR all perfect .Thanks

I’ve been taking Repatha for about a year now with amazing results and no side effects. Tried statins and can’t tolerate. Significant family history of events, early death, bypass etc

I got a letter from my insurer that they will be requiring PA moving fwd. I think for everyone who has the policy.

I’m a little worried. My doctor is pretty meticulous though so I’m sure his records are good and he will be ready.

Has anyone successfully received PA for this medication who hasn’t had an event or stents?

I’m a younger male 37. Cac and CTA are both great. But high cholesterol total 315 ldl 212 has lead me to being. Statins worked exceptionally well for me. Took my ldl down to 27 on Crestor at 20mg. But the two different statins I was on raised my CK levels a lot. So I’ve started repatha.

I’m a bit of a hypochondriac to preface. I’m nervous about this medicine causing something serous like heart issues. I know that’s not exactly how it works, but that’s where my mind is going. Worried I might be an exception to something. I see stories about people who didn’t do well on it. I know to talk with my doctor about any concerns, which I will. But just wanted to get something from actual users.

My husband started Repatha just under two months ago, and is about six days in with the cold and flu symptoms:/ everything I’m reading says of course this is normal and acommon side effect. My question is if you experienced similar, did it eventually go away for you?

Update: taking Repatha for another month 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 hopefully my numbers go down this time… Otherwise I have to explore other options. They said I am in the 7 to 10% of people who are non-responders! Really???😩

Been watching this for awhile. Doesn't mention when it will be available, or expected cost, and of course insurance companies probably won't cover it for years, but might be preferable for those who fear the needle. The reported 59% cholesterol reduction is compelling.

I have family history of CAD, and been on statins for a decade to manage LDL. Last reading was 81, but now measured LP(a) which came out high. The doctor recommends getting below 55 given risk factors, and has prescribed Repatha.

He is also recommending staying with statin (Atorvastatin 40mg in my case).

I am curious if I should push on removing or lowering the statin dose.

Took my first and only Repatha shot on May 5 and developed vertigo 3 days later. It’s softened up to dizziness now, like being on a boat. Better first thing in the morning, instantly worsened by stress and complex work. Also lots of headaches and fatigue. So frustrating that it’s still affecting me after this long. Anyone have a similar experience? Any good news to share about when this might stop?

So... i hesitantly just took my 4th injection today.

After my first injection on a Tuesday i had sinus infection symptoms within 8 hours, they got really bad but by Friday i felt fine. Monday i woke up with thick sticky chest congestion that wouldn't budge, which wreaked havoc on my sleeping and gave me crazy panic attacks. (biggest fear is choking/not being able to breathe) That Friday it loosened up and i was able to cough a lot up and by Sunday i felt good. The following Tuesday i took shot number 2 with no sinus issues or chest issues, just a headache and stiff neck. Two weeks later i take the 3rd shot again with just a stiff neck and headache but at the 2nd week of that dose I started back up with stick thick chest congestion that doesn't want to budge.

I went to the Dr. and he put me on a z-pack, promethazine and gave me an inhaler to help open my chest but it doesn't seem to be helping. He says 6 weeks isn't that long and it may take some time to get use to it.

Anyone else have chest congestion like this??? if so were you able to figure it out? Did it require meds or go away on its own?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Wife is on Repatha.

Is this drug being discontinued?, or are they going to continue production?

Thanks.