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Alirocumab Injection

What is this medication?

ALIROCUMAB (al i ROC ue mab) treats high cholesterol. It may also be used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for unstable angina. It works by decreasing bad cholesterol (such as LDL) in your blood. It is a monoclonal antibody. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Praluent

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • An unusual or allergic reaction to alirocumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed to children as young as 8 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss any doses. Talk to your care team about what to do if you miss a dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Diarrhea
  • Flu-like symptoms—fever, chills, muscle pain, cough, headache, fatigue
  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Do not shake. Avoid exposure to extreme heat.

Refrigeration (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Remove the dose from the carton about 30 minutes before it is time for you to take it. Use it within 8 hours of removing it from the carton. If the dose is out of the carton for more than 8 hours, throw it away. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

Room Temperature: This medication may be stored at room temperature for up to 30 days. Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Once removed from the carton, it must be used within 8 hours. If it is out of the carton for more than 8 hours, throw it away. If it is stored at room temperature, throw away any unused medication after 30 days, or after it expires, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

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NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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