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Alirocumab

Pronounced

"AL-i-ROK-ue-mab"

Common brand names:

Praluent

Uses

Alirocumab is used by people who have blockage in the heart blood vessels to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain that require treatment in a hospital. It is also used by people who have an inherited condition that causes high levels of LDL. Treatment with alirocumab, a proper diet, and cholesterol-lowering drugs can help lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. Alirocumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by improving how well your body gets rid of LDL cholesterol.

In addition to eating a proper diet (such as a low-cholesterol/low-fat diet), other lifestyle changes that may help this medication work better include exercising, losing weight if overweight, and stopping smoking. Consult your doctor for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using alirocumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Before use, take alirocumab out of the refrigerator and let it warm up to room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. Do not heat this medication any other way, such as by heating in the microwave or placing in hot water. If needed, this medication may be kept in the original package at room temperature for up to 30 days.

Do not shake this medication. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.

Inject this medication under the skin of the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once every 2 weeks, or once every 4 weeks (monthly). The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. For children, the dosage is also based on weight.

Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into any areas of skin that are injured, tender, hard, red, or hot.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the day on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.

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Drug information is selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First DataBank, Inc. This is a summary and does not contain all possible information about this product. For complete information about this product or your specific health needs, ask your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional if you have any questions about this product or your medical condition. This information is not intended as individual medical advice and does not substitute for the knowledge and judgment of your healthcare professional. This information does not contain any assurances that this product is safe, effective or appropriate for you.

This information is intended only for residents of the United States. Products sold under the same brand names in other countries may contain different ingredients.

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Information expires December 2024.