Alirocumab for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous User Reviews (Page 2)

• Gmu...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 6, 2023

"Having a genetically bad lipid profile, I've tried every oral statin, all giving me debilitating side effects. Zetia is minimally effective. Being on 150 mg Praluent (injection) every 2 weeks for several months, my lipid profile is completely normal for the first time in my adult life. There have been no side effects as well. It is easily injected with no discomfort."

• Noo...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2019

"I am a 63 yr old female. I have cholesterol problems... My cholesterol has gone as high as 700. I had triple bypass in 2008 & 3 stints in 2017. I’m on my 6th injection of Praluent 75 mg. I requested this dose over the 150 mg to start as I’m hypersensitive to everything. I hope to eventually titrate up to the 150 mg dose. I started feeling extreme fatigue & weakness after the 4th dose. Rather than discontinue, I’m experimenting with oral liquid minerals & another product I accidentally stumbled across that supposedly helps to stabilize blood sugar. I’m doing much better. However, swimming at the gym absolutely finishes me for the day. I have no stamina after the swim. Follow-up blood test is in September. I cannot report, yet, the results of Praluent on my cholesterol levels."

• Den...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2016

"This is the first time I have my cholesterol under control in 30 years, dropped from 388 to 166 after 4 months. It is very expensive, though, hope the price is reduced soon. I'm lucky to be getting help from the Patient Access Network. I worry about this help being stopped in the future, which will cause me to stop taking it and have to go back to the medications I used to take, which did nothing for me."

• No ...
• December 17, 2020

"HORRIBLE BREAKOUT. I have heart disease and cholesterol of 151 - every statin has horrible side effects on me, so the cardiologist wanted me on Rapatha, but insurance would only cover Praluent. I've tried 4 times now to go along with cholesterol meds, and this did it in for me. I injected in my right thigh about 9 pm, woke up at midnight with stomach pain so severe I thought about the hospital - it finally subsided. Two hours later, I awoke to a horrible itching on my right calf, and turning the lights on, it looked like a horrible bite or infection. By the next morning, my left leg broke out in a severe dark purple bubbled rash all over. Then my torso broke out with shingles. Multiple visits to my GP and dermatologist, and all concur this was absolutely the Praluent. Looking online, rashes and shingles can be side effects. My dermatologist said it made me break out in eczema, psoriasis, and shingles at the same time. I'm on high doses of Prednisone and topical heavy-duty steroids and an antiviral."

• Jac...
• May 4, 2017

"74-year-old male, triple bypass in 2002. Cholesterol around 300 prior to drug therapy, now at 116. Tried many varieties of statins, all had arthritis-like side effects. Haven't noticed the same issues with this drug, arthritic pain now only occurs after strenuous labor. Drug is very expensive, and financial help is not easy to come by. No luck with the PAN network."

• Abu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

"Prior to using Praluent, total cholesterol was 220, and all other related cholesterol levels were high. After using Praluent 150 mg injectables q2 weeks x 2 months (3 injections prior to most recent blood test, 4th injection administered the day after blood was drawn), the Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test showed all of cholesterol numbers are significantly lower with no adverse side effects. Post-CV event, 6 months ago started Crestor 10 mg @ pm, Brilinta 90 mg q12h, ASA 80 mg qd, Coreg q12h, Losartan 25 mg qd. Sig for 63 yo atherosclerotic 225 lbs male with one stent. Praluent (alirocumab) 150 mg subcutaneous inject q2 weeks. - Current cholesterol levels - Chol-79 Trig-72 HDL-62H LDL-17"

• Pra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2023

"Could not take Repatha due to severe gastrointestinal issues for a month and severe irritability. Doctor suggested Praluent 75mg and I had 3 shots. After each shot, I had bee stinging feelings all over my body and severe lightning strike pain in my upper back after the 3rd shot. I experienced leg cramps from the beginning, and now the joints that were already hurting hurt even worse. Additionally, I now have a swollen lip and bleeding gums. The doctor's office advised me to stop taking the shot. I was really hopeful, but now I can't take anything else."

• 62i...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 6, 2021

"After one year on Praluent (75 mg every two weeks) with no noticeable side effects, I began to notice in the last week of month 13 that I wasn't recovering from workouts as quickly as normal, and I experienced a huge loss of stamina with outdoor activities such as kayaking. I persisted with Praluent as my cardiologist had told me that I would have to take it for the rest of my life. I went kayaking the first of August. Afterward, I barely got my kayak up into the bed of my truck, and when I got home, I felt so weak. I was severely fatigued for two days. I tried one more injection (fool, right?), and the symptoms increased. They felt like I had a constant flu, body aches and pains, tingling and sharp pains in shoulder joints, difficulty standing and walking. I discontinued Praluent, with the approval of the primary physician. I wake up in pain now, though it has begun to lessen each morning. I presently have to place a step stool to get in my truck. I hope this gets out of my system soon."

• kev...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2022

"After the first couple of weeks on Praluent, I noticed Achilles tendon pain, right hip pain, low back pain, my knees were achy, and neck pain. Also, developed severe fatigue. I tried to continue for the 3-month period to see if they eased up, but has only gotten worse. It is like every injury I have ever had has flared up all at once. I had to discontinue use, and I had similar statin intolerance with muscle cramps and bilateral Achilles tendon pain."

• Kat...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2023

"I am a 56-year-old, petite, otherwise healthy woman with familial high cholesterol. I adjusted my diet and increased exercise after diagnosis, and after three months, my total bad cholesterol only went down 12 points. I refuse to use statins due to the horror stories I have heard from other users. I tried Praluent instead - 150mg, twice a month. My initial side effects were nasal pressure and a runny nose, which disappeared after the first injection. The only lingering side effect is diarrhea the day after the injection. I now take an Imodium the next day preventively. My blood work shows that after three months on Praluent, my bad cholesterol went down from 224 to 147. These are good results. I can handle the side effects since it is only one day. All other blood work is good, and no other side effects. I will continue on the medication and will see where my numbers are in another six months."

• Sch...
• August 2, 2017

"I have genetic heterozygous familial hyperlipidemia. I have a good diet and a decent amount of regular exercise. My LDL has shot way down after a short time on this drug, from 154 to the 40-85 range. HDL is slightly lower at 37 than it used to be - 39, 40. I've been taking it for 6 months. My liver enzymes are elevated but still within range. I haven't seen too many physical side effects, except recently I had bruising and soreness at the injection site with my last shot - this hasn't happened before. I sometimes have liver and digestive pain, but I also have GI issues from before, so I'm not sure it's the drug. I'm pleased but hoping my liver enzymes stabilize and the injection sites don't get too sore in the future. I also take high-dose statins."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2023

"I switched to a Mediterranean diet lifestyle to lower my cholesterol and to be healthier. I lost 15 pounds and lowered my bad cholesterol (LDL) from 188 to 138 with this lifestyle change and by using a non-statin drug, Zetia. I go to the gym 5 days a week, doing a variety of activities, and have always been physically active. I am 67 years old, five foot six, and weigh 144 pounds. Four months ago, I went on Praluent 75 mg. I had some mild side effects like headaches the first 3 days and tiredness. Those symptoms went away by the 3rd month. My cholesterol total score is now 138. My LDL is down to 65."

• Jim...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2018

"I've been on Praluent for 5 years now. First in a clinical trial, then phase 2 trial, and now as prescribed by my lipid specialist. I have had NO side effects whatsoever. I am now 50 years old and take Crestor 40 mg and Praluent 150 mg. I've been on statins for 20 years, which reduced my total cholesterol & LDL moderately but still elevated (240 total) (190 LDL). My current level is 170 total and 71 LDL. I am not overweight and exercise a couple of times per week. I have had an abnormal calcium score and noted plaque in my right carotid. I feel this drug is saving my life."

• Car...
• February 20, 2024

"Wonderful. Lowered LDL from 138 to 65. I have been on this medicine for over a year. I tried a diet change and statins which caused muscle aches. Tired for a few days after injection first few months. That has gone away."

• Kay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2022

"My experience happened in June of 2019 as a result of taking Praluent 75 mg for a couple of months, and it was so severe that I wrote down all my symptoms so that I would remember the chain of events. At 8:00 PM, I started to have such pressure and pain in my head and in my ears that I was certain I was having a stroke. My face and neck became numb with a severe constriction from my neck throughout my head. My chest became flushed, my hands were shaking, my eyes were watering profusely. The pain spread to my spine. My hands and legs felt arthritic. I stopped the injections after this experience and have never taken Praluent again. Unfortunately, my cholesterol numbers worsened. I want you to know there have been residual problems from taking Praluent. I have been diagnosed with numerous autoimmune diseases within the last 3 years. I believe this drug causes extreme and lasting problems. I'm living it."

• Kar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 24, 2024

"Cholesterol went from 396 to 140! After 5 weeks of use: fainted once, high liver enzymes, which dissipated. Very swollen hands, fatigue every day. Better than having a stroke, both sides of the family. Will stay on it. Age 68. Pill types caused memory loss. Easy to use injection. Using 7 months, 150 mg/mL every 14 days."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2021

"Third dose, and my BP is through the roof! I have been in cardio rehab and work out twice a week for months and have my BP taken when I come in. It has steadily risen since I started Praluent a month ago till it was 170/111! The nurse had me sit a bit, and it went down to 155/70. She told me to take my BP again today, and it was 167/111. I go again tomorrow. My last visit. I was doing great until the Praluent. Calling my cardiologist first thing in the morning. Not taking this damn drug! Can’t tolerate statins…now what???"

• tam...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

"I had been taking statins for years and worked my way through all the brands with multiple side effects. I have injected myself with three doses of Praluent over a six-week period, and my cholesterol has come down 60%, and I have had no side effects."

• Lbd...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2023

"I have been having muscle pains since starting it. I do not know how effective it is since I have not been tested since starting it. The cost is very high ($200 per month) - not sure if it is that different from the statin I was taking."

• Caz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 11, 2023

"Since starting this medication, I have experienced constant mild congestion with mild coughing and a morning runny nose. Muscle spasms in my legs at night. Pain in the hamstring of the back of my left ankle while walking. Achilles tendon. I had none of these symptoms before taking this medication. Lowest dose 2 times a month. So far, I have had 6 injections. Will do a blood test in the next two weeks for results."

• eay...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2023

"I am a 56-year-old man with familial hypercholesterolemia. I had an MI of my LADCA at 46 and have had several stents and three coronary arterial grafts. Despite over 10 years of 80 mg atorvastatin daily, my LDLs were not lowering sufficiently even with a low cholesterol diet. I have been taking Praluent for 5 months now, and the reactions are worsening with every dose. I am at work now typing this. I initially looked at the side effects 3-4 hours after my initial dose as my muscles were twitching and crampy. Now I'm looking for verification of the severe musculoskeletal pain and arthritis-like symptoms in my hands. I generally experience 3-4 days of feeling terrible when I take my dose, but the severity of the symptoms over that time has increased noticeably. I am lethargic and weak, as well as the above symptoms. I have an appointment with my PCP tomorrow and will definitely be discussing this with him even though it was prescribed by my cardiologist."

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2022

"I started taking Praluent 75 mg in March of 2020. It immediately gave me the best cholesterol numbers of my life. The cardio wanted LDL even lower, so he put me on 150 mg every 2 weeks. For one year, I took this dose with small side effects. It definitely agitated my sinuses, and I used to get phantom smells, which could be sinus-related. Fast forward to February 2021, I got my first Pfizer COVID vaccination and developed severe itching of the hands starting 3 days after the Praluent injection, lasting 3-4 days. Over the few months, it got worse, so we went back to 75 mg. Itching stopped for a couple of months, then it started doing it again on the 75 mg. By August 2021, I was itching from 3 days after injection to 1 day prior to the next injection 2 weeks later. I stopped the med in August 21. My numbers went through the roof. My LDL was higher than it had ever been. I believe there is a rebound effect when you stop this med. Can't take statins. Repatha gave me gastritis. So I'm back trying to get on Praluent again."

• Sco...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 18, 2021

"I used both Rapatha and Praluent 150 mg twice a month. It was found I was allergic to Lipitor. So cardiologists prescribed both the above drugs. After having severe bronchitis, mucus buildup in my lungs. I take cold medicine to help. I will ask for something stronger from my doctor. Stopped taking the above drugs and now take Nexlizet 10 mg once daily. Needless to say, I had extreme 99% blockages in four arteries and now have six stents. My cardiologist stated I have a genetic cholesterol condition. I took Lipitor for 20 years."

• the...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 21, 2023

"I have been taking Praluent for 1 year now. At first, 150 mg twice a month. After taking it for 6 months, medication was reduced to 75 mg twice a month because low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were very low, and I was experiencing leg spasms that kept me awake at night. Spasms are less frequent, but I now have aches in my feet, legs, back, shoulders, and hands. I cannot go for long walks anymore or do gardening and maintenance, which goes against my doctors' recommendations to keep active. I have also gained 10 pounds because I am now limited in my physical activities. I am 70 years old and have had 3 stents put in. Has anyone else had the same experience?"

• Pra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2021

"75 ml Praluent injections since August reduced from 240 to 144 mg/dL. The FDA approved it for use in hypercholesterolemia patients in April 2021. Then I helped lift a heavy furniture box with my son, stood on a tall ladder, and days later developed intractable pain in my lower back radiating to my left leg, which is common in an injury that pinches the sciatic nerve ('sciatica'). Normally, an NSAID pain reliever would have provided relief, but I just underwent TAVR in early August (and started taking Praluent before that, and Eliquis several years before the surgery was needed), I could not take the NSAID drug I usually took. The pain escalated, and my GP prescribed prednisone, which helped with what was becoming two new rotator cuff injuries on my arms from using a cane instead of a walker or wheelchair. But the prednisone did nothing for the back pain, and by the way, is also incompatible with Praluent, which I have discontinued for now."