Alirocumab injection

What is this medication?

ALIROCUMAB (al i ROC ue mab) is known as a PCSK9 inhibitor. It is used to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood. It may be used alone or in combination with other cholesterol-lowering drugs. This drug may also be used to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain (unstable angina) that may need hospitalization.

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:

• any unusual or allergic reaction to alirocumab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medicine is for injection under the skin. You will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

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 healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

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

What if I miss a dose?

If you are on an every 2 week schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If your next dose is to be taken in less than 7 days, then do not take the missed dose. Take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take double or extra doses. If you are on a monthly schedule and miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If the dose given is within 7 days of the missed dose, continue with your regular monthly schedule. If the missed dose is administered after 7 days of the original date, administer the dose and start a new monthly schedule based on this date.

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?

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

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
• signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

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

• diarrhea
• muscle cramps
• muscle pain
• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

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.

You will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

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.