Does repatha cause flu like symptoms?

Does Repatha cause flu-like symptoms?

The FDA-approved prescribing information for Repatha lists flu-like symptoms as a possible side effect in clinical trials. Repatha patients developed influenza-like illness at rates 1.5 to 2 times higher than placebo in some studies.

How does Repatha work inside the body to affect symptoms?

Repatha is a monoclonal antibody that binds PCSK9 and blocks its interference with LDL receptors. This increases the number of LDL receptors on liver cells, which removes more LDL cholesterol from the blood. Monoclonal antibodies such as Repatha can trigger immune responses that show up as flu-like symptoms, fever, or fatigue.

What other side effects do people report when taking Repatha?

Common complaints include injection-site reactions, muscle pain, and back pain. Patients also describe nasal congestion, sore throat, and confusion in adverse-event reports. Some patients experience cold-like symptoms that overlap with influenza-like illness.

What happens if someone gets flu-like symptoms on Repatha?

Patients should track the severity and duration of their symptoms. Mild cases often resolve without stopping treatment. Moderate or persistent symptoms warrant contact with a healthcare provider, who may evaluate whether the symptoms are related to the drug or an actual viral infection.

Can other cholesterol-lowering drugs cause similar complaints?

Atorvastatin and rosuvastatin sometimes produce muscle aches or fatigue that feel similar to the flu. Alirocumab, the other main PCSK9 inhibitor, has also recorded influenza-like illness rates higher than placebo.