Alirocumab

Generic name: Alirocumab
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (150 mg/mL; 75 mg/mL)
Drug class: PCSK9 inhibitors

Usage of Alirocumab

Alirocumab is a human monoclonal antibody. It works by helping the liver reduce levels of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein, or LDL) circulating in your blood.

Alirocumab is used in adults with heart disease to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain conditions (unstable angina) requiring hospitalization.

Alirocumab is also used together with a low-fat diet, alone or together with other cholesterol-lowering medications ("statin" medicines) in adults with high blood cholesterol levels called primary hyperlipidemia (including a type of high cholesterol called heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia), an inherited type of high cholesterol. This condition can cause high blood levels of LDL cholesterol, and can also cause plaque to build up inside your arteries.

Alirocumab is also used along with other LDL-lowering treatments in adults with a type of high cholesterol called homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, who need additional lowering of LDL-C.

Alirocumab side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to alirocumab: hives, severe rash and itching; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common alirocumab 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.

Before taking Alirocumab

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.

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How to use Alirocumab

Usual Adult Dose of Alirocumab for Hyperlipidemia:

75 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks OR 300 mg subcutaneously once every 4 weeks -For inadequate LDL-C (low density lipoprotein) response, may adjust dose to 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks Maximum dose: 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks Comments: -Assess LDL-C when clinically appropriate, the LDL-C lowering effect may be measured as early as 4 weeks after initiating therapy. -In some patients, LDL-C can vary considerably during 4-week dosing intervals, therefore measure LDL-C just prior to the next scheduled dose. -If LDL-C reduction is inadequate, consider adjusting dose to 150 mg every 2 weeks starting new dose on the next scheduled dosing date. Uses: -As an adjunct to diet, alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia including HeFH to reduce LDL-C. -To reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adults with established cardiovascular disease.

Usual Adult Dose of Alirocumab for Heterozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia:

Usual Adult Dose of Alirocumab for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction:

C reduction is inadequate, consider adjusting dose to 150 mg every 2 weeks starting new dose on the next scheduled dosing date.

Uses: -As an adjunct to diet, alone or in combination with other lipid-lowering therapies for the treatment of primary hyperlipidemia including HeFH to reduce LDL-C. -To reduce the risk of myocardial infarction, stroke, and unstable angina requiring hospitalization in adults with established cardiovascular disease.

Usual Adult Dose of Alirocumab for Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia:

150 mg subcutaneously once every 2 weeks.

Warnings

Use alirocumab only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Alirocumab

Other drugs may interact with alirocumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Popular FAQ

The differences between Repatha (evolocumab) and Praluent (alirocumab) are their active ingredients, number of treatment indications, dosage forms available and number of strengths available in syringe and pens forms. Continue reading

Praluent (alirocumab) works by inactivating a protein in the liver called proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9). PCSK9 blocks the receptors that transport LDL into the liver for metabolism (break down). Without these receptors, more LDL (bad) cholesterol remains in the blood. Continue reading

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