Alirocumab (By injection)
al-i-ROK-ue-mab
Treats high levels of LDL cholesterol.
Drug classes
Antihyperlipidemic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Alirocumab injection is used together with a proper diet and a statin medicine to treat adults with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia or atherosclerotic heart problems, who need additional lowering of LDL cholesterol. This medicine is a PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9) inhibitor.
This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Injectable
Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. This medicine is usually given once every 2 weeks.
A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.
You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. It is usually given in the stomach, thighs, or upper arms.
Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
Allow the pen or syringe to warm to room temperature for at least 30 to 40 minutes before you use it. Do not heat or shake the medicine. Do not use it if it has been at room temperature for 24 hours or longer.
Use each pen or syringe only once. Do not save leftover medicine.
Do not inject the medicine on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes, scars, rashes, sunburns, or tattoos.
Do not inject any other medicines together with this medicine at the same injection site.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.
Missed dose: If it is within 7 days, use the medicine as soon as you remember. Then use your next dose 14 days from the day of the missed dose. This will put you back on your original schedule. If it has been more than 7 days, skip the missed dose and use the next dose at the regular time. Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
If you store this medicine at home, keep it in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to alirocumab.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Severe rash
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat
Redness, pain, swelling, or itching where the shot was given
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Praluent
There may be other brand names for this medicine.