Side effects, cost, dosage and more

Like most medicines, Repatha can cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Repatha can cause. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

The duration of Repatha side effects may depend on the side effects you experience. And it may be different for each person. Talk to your doctor about how long you should expect the side effects of the drug to last.

Keep in mind that the side effects of a drug may depend on:

• your age
• other health problems you have
• other medicines you are taking

The side effects of Repatha may also differ slightly depending on the condition for which you are taking it.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Repatha. They may also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here is a short list of some of the mild side effects Repatha can cause. To find out more about other mild side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, or read the patient information.

The mild side effects of Repatha that have been reported include:

The mild side effects of many medications can go away within days or weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effects overview” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Repatha can occur, but they are not common. If you experience serious side effects from Repatha, call your doctor immediately. However, if you think you have a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Repatha that have been reported include:

* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effects overview” section below.

Focus on side effects

Find out more about some of the side effects that Repatha can cause.

Increased blood sugar levels, which can lead to diabetes

You can develop high blood sugar while taking Repatha. And that could lead to diabetes.

One of the most common side effects of people taking Repatha during studies.

Most people in these studies also took Repatha with a statin such as atorvastatin (Lipitor). According to Food and Drug Administration (FDA), statins may increase the risk of developing diabetes. This is especially the case with long term use of statins.

Symptoms of high blood sugar can include:

What could help

If you already have high blood sugar or if you have diabetes, tell your doctor before you start Repatha. Also tell her if you are currently taking a statin.

You may want to watch for symptoms of high blood sugar while you are taking Repatha. Tell your doctor if you develop any of these symptoms during treatment.

In addition, your doctor may recommend that you check your blood sugar level to see if it is high while taking Repatha. Or they can check the level for you during your appointments.

If you have any questions or concerns about your blood sugar while taking Repatha, talk to your doctor.

Muscle pain

You may experience muscle pain with Repatha. This side effect of the drug was not common for studies. But it has happened in some people.

Muscle pain is a common side effect of statins. Like Repatha, statins are used for the treatment of cholesterol. But Repatha is not a statin.

What could help

If you experience muscle pain while taking Repatha, talk to your doctor. They may be able to help you determine the cause of your pain. And they can recommend the best way to treat it.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Repatha.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• rash or hives
• eczema (a condition that causes itchy patches or inflammation of the skin)
• itching
• rinsing (temporary warmth, redness or deepening of skin color)

A more serious allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction may include swelling under the skin, usually in the eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of the tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause difficulty in breathing.

Call your doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to Repatha. But if you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.