Suggest An Alternative Medication In Place Of Repatha To Treat Pain In The Neck, Back And Head

Posted on Tue, 20 Mar 2018

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 Answered on

Fri, 28 Apr 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : I have muscular side effects from taking repatha. Took one dose 1/11/18. Seems to have made my liver more sensative.if I have more than one drink my simptoms are much worse. What cane I do to treat the pain I have in my neck, back and the headaches?

Answered by Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal (-3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If muscle pain is too troublesome, please consider discontinuing Repatha.

Detailed Answer:

Hello,

Repatha (Evolocumab) helps lower LDL cholesterol. Muscle pain is a common side effect of Repatha. If muscle pain is too bothersome, there is not much that can be done other than discontinuing Repatha.

Since the medication is in its early stages, it is not completely known how effective Repatha is in reducing adverse cardiovascular events. You have to discuss the benefits vs adverse effects Repatha is causing for you with your doctor and decide if continuing/discontinuing Repatha is more beneficial.

Repatha generally do not harm your liver. However, since you are complaining of worsening symptoms with alcohol, please be advised to limit or refrain from alcohol use.

You should also follow a healthy diet (Mediterranean diet is found to be best for heart health) and regular exercise to help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Hope this answers your question.

Regards,
Dr. Lekshmi Rita Venugopal, General & Family Physician

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee