Generic name: Alirocumab
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Praluent Syringe?
Alirocumab is used in people with heart disease, to help lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or needing to be hospitalized because of chest pain (unstable angina).
Alirocumab is also used to help lower blood levels of LDL cholesterol in people with inherited types of high cholesterol. Alirocumab is used together with a low-fat diet and sometimes in combination with a "statin" medication.
Alirocumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use alirocumab if you are allergic to it.
Not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
It is not known if alirocumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of alirocumab on the baby.
Do not breastfeed.
How should I use Praluent Syringe
Use Praluent Syringe (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Alirocumab is injected under the skin, usually once every 2 to 4 weeks. It may take up to 20 seconds to inject each dose.
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Do not shake this medicine. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors, or has particles in it.
Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away an injection pen after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
If you use alirocumab only once every 4 weeks, you will give yourself 2 separate injections at the same time. Use a new syringe or injection pen for each injection. Give each injection into a different place on your body.
You will need frequent blood tests.
Store the injection pen in the original carton in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light and high heat.
Take the carton out of the refrigerator 30 to 40 minutes before injecting your dose, to let the medicine reach room temperature. Do not heat an injection pen, and do not leave it at room temperature for longer than 30 days.
You should not stop using alirocumab without your doctor's advice, or your LDL cholesterol levels may increase.
Give an injection within 7 days after the missed dose. Then give the next injection 2 to 4 weeks after the missed dose was due, to put you back on your regular injection schedule.
If you are more than 7 days late for an injection:
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Do not use two doses at one time.
Praluent Syringe side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, severe rash and itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Common side effects may include:
- redness, itching, soreness, or swelling where an injection was given;
- flu symptoms; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Praluent Syringe?
Do not inject alirocumab into skin that is sunburned, infected, swollen, or otherwise irritated.