Uses
What is Praluent used for?
Praluent (alirocumab) is commonly used for the following conditions.
- To lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and chest pain requiring hospitalization in people with heart disease
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people with high cholesterol levels
- To lower bad cholesterol levels (LDL-C) in people born with a genetic condition affecting how the body removes cholesterol from the blood (heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia)
Praluent may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Praluent work (mechanism of action)?
Praluent works by binding to and blocking an enzyme in the body called PCSK9. This enzyme breaks down receptors in the liver that help remove bad cholesterol (LDL-C) from the blood. By blocking the PCSK9 enzyme, the receptors in the liver can remove more bad cholesterol from the blood. This can help decrease your risk of heart disease, stroke, and heart attack.
How is Praluent supplied (dosage forms)?
Praluent is available in the following dosage forms that are injected under the skin (subcutaneous).
- 75 mg/mL injection (pre-filled pens)
- 150 mg/mL injection (pre-filled pens)
How should I store Praluent?
Praluent can be stored in a refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C) until the expiration date on the label or at room temperature, up to 77 F (25 C) for up to 30 days. Do not freeze.
Do not use the medicine if left out of the refrigerator for more than 30 days. Keep the medicine in its original package to protect it from light until you want to use it. Do not shake.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Praluent?
The most common side effects of Praluent are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- Flu-like symptoms
- Muscle pain
There may be other side effects of Praluent that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Praluent?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Praluent are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Praluent may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Praluent and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Praluent?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Praluent.
- Praluent
- Alirocumab
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Praluent.
What should I know about Praluent before using it?
Do not use Praluent unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed. This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Praluent. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Do not use the same exact spot for each injection. Do not inject into any painful areas or where your skin is thickened, bruised, red, or swollen.
Do not share Praluent with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Praluent out of the reach of children. Since this medicine may be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Praluent?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Praluent is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Praluent could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. A study is being conducted to collect safety information. If you become pregnant, you are encouraged to report your pregnancy to the manufacturer by calling 844-734-6643.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Praluent passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Praluent while breastfeeding.
How can I get more information about Praluent?
For more information about Praluent, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.praluent.com or call them at 877-734-6777.
Interactions
Does Praluent interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Praluent and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Praluent.
Does Praluent interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Praluent and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Praluent?
If you or someone else has used too much Praluent, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Praluent?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember if it is within 7 days of the scheduled dose. If it is more than 7 days after your scheduled time, wait to take your dose at the regular scheduled time if you take it every 2 weeks. If you take Praluent monthly and more than 7 days have passed since your scheduled dose, take your dose and start a new schedule with this date. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Praluent (alirocumab)?
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