GENERIC NAME— Alirocumab
DRUG CLASS— PCSK9 Inhibitors
BRAND NAME(s)— Praluent Pen, Praluent Syringe
What is Praluent?
Praluent (alirocumab) is a human monoclonal antibody. It helps liver to reduce low—density lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) in your blood.
Praluent is used to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack and certain types of chest pain conditions in adults with heart disease.
Interactions:
Other drugs may interact with the medication; including [Trusted Source 1] —
- Some vitamins
- Herbal products
- Prescription and over-the-counter medicines
Tell your doctor or health care provider about all medicines you are currently using. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor’s approval.
Precautions:
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergy. It is not clear whether the medication will harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. [Trusted Source 1]
This drug may pass into the breast milk and can cause many side effects. Ask your doctor if you are breast—feeding. [Trusted Source 1]
It is not recommended for people younger than 18 years.
How To Use:
Use Praluent as directed by your doctor. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Praluent is injected in the skin once every 2 to 4 weeks.
If you use this medication once every 4 weeks, you have to give yourself two separate injections at the same time and into a different place on your body. It is advisable to use a new injection pen or syringe for each injection. You may need frequent blood tests. [Trusted Source 1] [Trusted Source 2]
Other precaution you have to take —
- Do not shake this medicine
- Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it
- Do not use if the medicine has change its color, or has particles in it
- Store this medicine in the refrigerator and do not freeze
- Protect it from the light and high heat
- Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and allow it to reach your room temperature for 30 to 40 min before injecting your dose
Each pre-filled syringe or injection pen is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Praluent Side Effects:
Common side effects may include [Trusted Source 3] [Trusted Source 1] —
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Diarrhea
- Bronchitis and cough
- Muscle pain
- Spasms
- Symptoms of flu such as stuffy nose, sneezing and sore throat
- Itching, redness, soreness, or swelling at injection area
What Happens If I Take An Overdose?
Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1—800—222—1222.
What Should I Avoid While Using Praluent?
Do not inject Praluent into the skin that is infected, swollen, sunburned, or otherwise irritated.
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