Alirocumab
Praluent
Praluent is a brand-name medication prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of cardiovascular issues. It contains alirocumab as its active ingredient, which works by inhibiting the PCSK9 protein. This helps the liver remove LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol from the bloodstream more effectively. Praluent comes as a pre-filled injection and is typically recommended for adults who need additional LDL cholesterol reduction that diet and statins alone have not been able to achieve. Since Praluent is a prescription-only medication, it should not be shared with others, even if they have the same condition. If you’re looking to start treatment, you can buy Praluent online, but consult your healthcare provider to ensure it’s the right choice for your cholesterol management.
Product Overview
Praluent (alirocumab) is a prescription medication designed to lower LDL cholesterol levels in patients who struggle to control their cholesterol through diet and statin therapy alone. This injectable drug contains alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody that restricts the protein PCSK9. By blocking PCSK9, Praluent enhances the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream, significantly reducing the risk of heart disease & stroke. Praluent is FDA-approved, ensuring its safety and efficacy for patients needing additional cholesterol management.
Praluent is available in pre-filled pens or syringes for subcutaneous injection, typically in strengths of 75 mg/mL and 150 mg/mL. Patients are generally advised to administer the injection every two weeks, but the dosage may vary based on individual health needs and doctor’s recommendations. Praluent is suitable for adults who require additional LDL cholesterol reduction beyond what diet and statins can achieve.
Common side effects of Praluent may include injection site reactions, flu-like symptoms, and muscle pain. It’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about any allergies or pre-existing medical conditions before starting Praluent. If you miss a dose, take the injection as soon as possible unless it is nearly time for the next dose—do not double up on doses. In the case of an overdose, seek immediate medical attention. Store Praluent in the refrigerator at 2°C and 8°C, and make sure the medication is protected from light. Do not freeze it, and keep it out of reach of children. For individuals looking to manage cholesterol, Praluent for cholesterol management offers a solution when diet and statins alone are not enough to reduce LDL cholesterol levels. Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to ensure safe and effective use.
What Are the Uses of Praluent?
This medication is used for the following:
- Reducing Cardiovascular Risk: Praluent reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain conditions (unstable angina), requiring hospitalizations.
- Managing High Blood Cholesterol: It is also prescribed for controlling high blood cholesterol, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or HeFH (an inherited high blood cholesterol). When combined with dietary changes, this medication reduces low-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
- Additional LDL-C Lowering: Besides HeFH, Praluent can be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering medications in adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (another inherited type).
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Praluent?
Praluent comes as a liquid solution used in a pre-filled, single-dose pen. Its strengths are:
- 75 milligrams/milliliter
- 150 milligrams/milliliter
What Are the Recommended Dosage of Praluent?
The dosage recommendations for Praluent depend on several factors, including the type/severity of your medical condition and the dose of medication you take. Generally, medical professionals prescribe a starting dose and gradually adjust the drug doses as needed. It is important to note that the dosage recommendations below are only for the average dose. So, if you have been prescribed a different dose, do not change it without consulting your medical practitioner.
Dosage for Reducing the Risk of Cardiovascular Diseases
- The recommended starting dose of Praluent is a 75-mg injection administered every two weeks.
- If your body does not handle frequent dosing, you can consult a healthcare professional about Praluent’s monthly option. This dosage option involves an alternate initial dose of 300 mg administered every four weeks.
- After 4-8 weeks of treatment, your practitioner will examine your LDL level. If it is high, your dosage will be adjusted to a 150 ng injection every two weeks or a 300 mg injection every four weeks.
Dosage for Lowering LDL Cholesterol with Primary Hyperlipidemia
- The dosage recommendations for primary hyperlipidemia are the same as those mentioned in the above section.
Dosage for HeFH
- Some people with HeFH undergo an LDL apheresis procedure to remove excess cholesterol from their blood.
- For adults with HeFH receiving LDL apheresis, the recommended Praluent dosage is a 150-mg injection every 2 weeks.
[Note: Remember, these recommendations may vary from person to person. Discuss it with your doctor, and they’ll customize your dosage accordingly.]
How to Use Praluent?
- Before proceeding to the administration steps, read the medication guide provided by your medical professional or pharmacist.
- Follow the instructions and dosage exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- Praluent is a subcutaneous injection that is administered under the skin every two or four weeks as your practitioner prescribes.
- Before using the injection, remove the medication from the refrigerator and let it sit for 30 to 40 minutes so that it reaches room temperature.
- Do not shake the medication.
- Administer the injection only when you are ready. Praluent injections are given in specific areas like the top of the thigh, your abdomen area other than the two-inch area surrounding the navel, and the outer side of the upper arm.
- Administer the injection in different areas each time you use it. Doing so will prevent any side effects like pain and irritation.
- If you are using other injectable medications, including insulin, avoid injecting Praluent in the same area.
[Note: Your doctor will decide the right amount for you based on your condition, following guidelines and studies on the drug. They’ll adjust it as needed over time.]
How Does Praluent Work?
Praluent (alirocumab) is a medication used to lower cholesterol levels. It works by restricting a protein called PCSK9. Normally, PCSK9 reduces the liver’s ability to remove LDL cholesterol, often called “bad cholesterol,” from the blood. By blocking PCSK9, Praluent increases the liver’s efficiency in removing LDL cholesterol, leading to lower levels in the bloodstream. This helps in lowering the risk of heart problems & stroke. Praluent is typically prescribed for patients who have not achieved their cholesterol goals with diet and statin therapy alone. It is administered through injection under the skin.
Important Safety Information for Using Praluent
What Are the Side Effects of Praluent?
Common Side Effects of Praluent: This medication can cause various side effects. These reactions are generally temporary, lasting from a few days to weeks. However, if these side effects persist for a long time and get intense over time, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Common side effects of Praluent may include:
Injection site reaction. Its symptoms may include:
-
- Skin redness/discoloration: These side effects occur mainly due to irritation or increased blood to the injected site.
- Itching: Your skin may begin to feel itchy due to mild inflammation or sensitivity caused by the injection.
- Swelling or pain at the injection site: This is a result of minor inflammation, while pain may arise from the needle puncture or the medicine’s interaction with tissues.
- Sore throat: Inflammation of the throat tissues leads to discomfort and pain, often making swallowing difficult.
- Runny nose: Excess mucus production occurs as the body’s defense mechanism to flush out irritants.
- Sneezing: A reflex to clear the nasal passage from allergens or irritants.
- Fever: A mild increase in body temperature as the immune system fights off infection.
- Body ache: These are systemic responses to the viral infection, causing muscle discomfort and exhaustion.
- UTI (urinary tract infection): UTIs can occur as a side effect due to immune modulation. Symptoms include a frequent urge to urinate, burning sensation during urination, or cloudy urine. This occurs when bacteria infect the urinary system, including the bladder or urethra.
- Diarrhea: This medication may alter gut bacteria or affect digestive processes, causing diarrhea. If persistent it may lead to dehydration.
- Muscle pain or cramp: Muscle pain or cramps may occur as the medication can sometimes affect muscle tissues, potentially leading to discomfort, tightness, or spasms. These symptoms are often temporary.
- Blocked sinus: This happens when the nasal passages swell in response to inflammation, leading to congestion.
- Bruising: This occurs due to minor damage to blood vessels when the needle is inserted. This results in blood leaking into the surrounding tissues, creating a discolored mark that typically fades over time.
Serious Side Effects of Praluent: Besides common reactions, Praluent can also lead to several adverse reactions. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms that seem concerning to you, visit a medical professional. Serious side effects of Praluent may include:
-
- Drastically low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Ideally, Praluent is supposed to lower LDL levels. However, excessive reduction can lead to dangerously low cholesterol levels. This imbalance may cause fatigue, hormonal changes, or neurological issues in rare cases.
- High levels of liver enzymes: This medication can occasionally increase liver enzyme levels, indicating liver stress or damage. Symptoms like dark urine, nausea, vomiting, jaundice, or loss of appetite may highlight that the liver is struggling to process cholesterol or is inflamed because of the drug’s impact.
- Allergic reactions: The immune system may respond to Praluent as a foreign substance, triggering hypersensitivity. As a result, the body’s immune cells release histamine and other chemicals to protect the body against what it perceives as a threat, causing inflammation and discomfort.
[Note: Remember, this list may not cover all possible side effects. Always consult with your healthcare giver for medical advice about side effects.]
Are There Any Warnings for Praluent?
Praluent can cause severe side effects in certain patients, or it may not be an ideal treatment option for specific populations due to their medical conditions. So, if you are using this medication, you should remain cautious. Its warnings are as follows:
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Patients using this medication have reported cases of hypersensitivity reactions, including rash, urticaria, and pruritus requiring hospitalization. If you are using this pre-filled injection and experience any serious allergic signs during your treatment, discontinue the use of Praluent and talk to a medical professional. Your doctor will closely monitor you until these signs are resolved.
- Pediatric Patients: It is still unclear whether the medication is safe and effective in children below 8 years of age and children having other types of hyperlipidemia.
What Are the FDA Boxed Warning for Praluent?
Boxed warnings, sometimes referred to as black-boxed warnings, are said to be the most stringent guidelines issued by the FDA. These warnings alert doctors and patients about the harmful effects of a particular drug, which can be life-threatening if overlooked. Praluent does not have any boxed warnings, meaning it is safe to use. However, its safety is based on the precautions you take. Therefore, if you are taking this medication, follow the instructions provided by a medical professional. If you have any concerns or experience any unusual symptoms, it’s best to consult with an expert.
What Are the Praluent Precautions?
When considering treatment with Praluent, patients should discuss every risk and benefit with their medical practitioner. Here are some of the precautions that you can take before using this medication to lower LDL cholesterol levels:
- Before using this medication, tell your doctor about your allergies or if you are allergic to Praluent or any of its ingredients. The product may contain certain inactive components that can cause severe allergic reactions.
- If you are undergoing surgery or any medical procedure, inform your medical practitioner about the products you use. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products. Doing so will reduce the risk of side effects.
- When considering treatment with Praluent injections, talk to your doctor and discuss your or your family’s medical history. This step will prevent you from any serious complications.
- While there is no known alcohol interaction with Praluent, you should avoid drinking too much alcoholic beverages. Consuming an increased amount of alcohol can cause liver damage, which is a prevalent side effect of this medication. Therefore, drinking alcohol during your treatment with Praluent can increase your risk of experiencing serious liver problems. Moreover, taking this medication with a statin also raises the risk of liver problems. Talk to a medical professional if you have any doubts.
- It is not clear if this medication is safe during Praluent treatment or not. There are not enough studies on pregnant people that justify the safety of this medication during pregnancy. While animal studies have been conducted, they do not always anticipate what will happen in humans. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, consult a healthcare professional and discuss every associated risk and benefit.
- Similarly, there is no clear information on the safety and effectiveness of Praluent during breastfeeding. Talk to a medical provider and ask them if breastfeeding during the treatment is safe for the baby or not.
What Are the Contraindications of Praluent?
It is contraindicated in patients who have severe hypersensitivity reactions to Praluent.
What If You Missed a Dose of Praluent?
Generally, doctors recommend not to miss a dose of Praluent, but if you have forgotten a dose of your medication, take the medication as soon as possible or whenever you remember within 7 days of the missed dose. Then, continue your regular dosing schedule. If you do not take the missed dose within 7 days, then the instructions will be based on your dose schedule:
- If you are taking Praluent every two weeks, do not take the missed dose. Wait for your next scheduled dose.
- If you are taking Praluent every four weeks, take the dose as soon as possible or whenever you remember. Once you have administered the missed dose, start a new monthly dosing schedule based on this date.
- Remember not to take double doses of Praluent simultaneously, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
- Use medication apps or set reminders on your phone to avoid skipping any doses.
- If you are still unsure about the missed dose, consult a healthcare professional.
[Note: If you have missed a dose of your medication and are unsure about when to take the next one, immediately consult your doctor or pharmacist.]
What Happens If You Take Too Much of Praluent?
Doctors usually advise not to take extra doses of Praluent as this medication may cause adverse reactions if overdosed. However, if you have mistakenly overdosed and are experiencing unusual symptoms like fainting and difficulty breathing, visit the nearest clinic or seek medical assistance by calling 911.
[Note: If you consumed more than the recommended dose, get medical help right away or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.]
How to Store a Praluent?
- Store your pre-filled injections between the temperature of 2°C-8°C (36°F-46°F).
- Keep the injections in their original carton and protect them from light.
- Do not flush the medication down the toilet.
- Avoid keeping the injections in damp or moist areas like the bathroom or near the sink.
- Do not store them under direct sunlight.
- Keep them protected from extreme heat and moisture.
- Avoid refrigerating the medication.
- Keep your injections somewhere safe in a locked container to keep them away from the reach and sight of children and pets.
- Throw the medication if not used within 30 days.
- Do not use a medication if its expiration date has passed. The expiration date is the last day of the month mentioned on the back of the prescription label or carton.
- You should dispose of the medications in such a way that children and animals cannot consume them, as it may cause accidental overdose and death if someone else consumes them.
- The best way to eliminate unwanted medications is to give them in the medicine take-back program.
[Note: Discuss with your healthcare professional about the proper disposal of any unused medicine and any questions you may have regarding its storage.]
What Medications Interact with Praluent?
Drug interactions occur when one or more medications are taken simultaneously. These interactions can either raise the risk of developing side effects in certain patients or affect the functioning of one of the drugs. Either way, it results in adverse reactions. However, Praluent does not have any warnings, but if you observe any odd symptoms, talk to your medical provider. Two medications have been identified to interact with
[Note: There could be other drugs that interact with Praluent. Make sure to tell your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products you’re taking.]
What Are the Praluent Alternatives?
People usually take alternative drugs for many reasons. In some cases, the prescribed medication may not be an ideal option for them due to their medical conditions. On the other hand, they may not achieve the results they are aiming for. Therefore, you should talk to a medical professional before you start a particular treatment or if you want to change your medication. They may help you decide which medication is best suited for you. Some of the alternatives to Praluent are as follows:
- Atorvastatin
- Simvastatin
- Lipitor
- Repatha
- Crestor
- Zetia
- Nexletol
- Vytorin
[Note: Your doctor will choose what’s best for you. Don’t use any of these alternative medications without consulting your healthcare provider. Taking them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Praluent Cost & Coupons
It is important to note that the cost of Praluent is not the same everywhere. The actual price of these tablets depends on several factors, including your insurance plan, location, and the pharmacies you use. Praluent, with its effective therapeutic qualities, can be a bit expensive for certain patients. Here, insurance coverage plays a significant role. You can buy your medication at affordable rates with an insurance coverage plan. However, not all drugs/medications are covered under the insurance plan. If you are residing in America and searching for affordable pharmacies to manage your medication’s cost, reach out to Polar Bear Meds. Here you can buy Praluent online from Canada in the USA at discounted rates. Moreover, first-time buyers can use the Praluent coupon code WELCOMEPB10 to receive a 10% discount on their first order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I use Praluent?
Praluent can be used as long as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Treatment duration varies based on individual health needs and response to therapy. Regular follow-up with your doctor will determine if continued use is necessary to maintain optimal cholesterol levels & reduce the risk of heart disease.
Can Praluent cause muscle damage?
Praluent is generally well-tolerated, but muscle pain can occur as a side effect. While rare, muscle damage is possible. If you experience sudden muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness, it is important to consult your healthcare practitioner promptly for evaluation and appropriate management.
Can I stop taking Praluent suddenly?
It is not recommended that you stop taking Praluent suddenly without consulting your healthcare provider. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to increased LDL cholesterol levels. Your doctor can provide guidance on how to discontinue or adjust your medication, if necessary, safely.
Is Praluent a statin drug?
No, Praluent is not a statin drug. It is a PCSK9 inhibitor, which works differently from statins. While statins reduce cholesterol production in the liver, Praluent enhances the removal of LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream by blocking the PCSK9 protein.
How long does Praluent take to work?
Praluent begins to lower LDL cholesterol levels within a few weeks of starting treatment. Significant cholesterol reduction is typically observed within 4 to 8 weeks. Regular monitoring by your medical provider will help assess the effectiveness of the drug & adjust the dosage if needed.
Does Praluent have an impact on liver function?
While Praluent is generally well-tolerated, liver-related side effects are not common, but they can occur. In clinical trials, liver enzyme elevations (such as ALT and AST) were observed in a small number of patients, but these were usually mild and reversible after discontinuing the drug. The FDA does not list liver damage as a major concern with Praluent, but, as with any medication, it is important to monitor liver function during treatment, especially for patients who have pre-existing liver disease or other risk factors for liver issues.
Where is the recommended site for injecting Praluent?
Praluent should be injected into areas of clear, healthy skin. The best sites for injection are:
- Upper thigh: The front or outer part of the thigh is a preferred area.
- Lower abdomen: You can also inject into the lower abdomen, but avoid the area around your belly button. The injection site should be at least 2 inches away from the belly button.
- Outer area of the upper arm: If someone else is administering the injection, they can use the outer area of the upper arm.
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