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Home > Drug Category > Cholesterol Medications > Praluent and Equivalent

Praluent Information

Praluent (Alirocumab) is used to lower fat levels in the blood. The drug is used to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) or bad cholesterol. Praluent is used together with dietary changes to lower high blood cholesterol in adults. The medicine is also used in adults with cardiovascular disease to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain conditions (unstable angina). The active ingredient in Praluent is Alirocumab. PCSK9 inhibitors like Alirocumab work by blocking the PCSK9 protein to help increase the liver's ability to get rid of excess cholesterol from the blood.

Praluent Side Effects

The most common side effects of Praluent may include bruising, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, and itching at the injection site. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects, such as:
• Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, breathing difficulties, itching or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat

Praluent Precautions

Do not receive Praluent if you are allergic to Alirocumab or other ingredients in this medication. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Praluent and other medications. Do not use Praluent if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without informing your doctor. It is unknown if Praluent will harm a fetus. Do not use Praluent while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is unknown if Alirocumab passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing infant. Do not give this drug to children below 8 years without talking to your doctor. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Praluent is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks (monthly). Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes before injecting your dose. Do not heat an injection pen or prefilled syringe; do not leave it at room temperature for 30 days. You can inject the medicine just under the skin of your upper thigh or abdomen (but keep at least 2 inches away from your belly button). A caregiver may also give it to you in the outer area of your upper arm. Each injection pen is for a single use. Throw it away after one use. Do not inject Praluent into sunburned, infected, or swollen skin. Store unused pens in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze or expose to extreme heat or direct sunlight. Keep it out of the reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Praluent?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Praluent.