Praluent and Joint Pain: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 11, 2019

For High Cholesterol "I started Praluent 75 mg in June 2019 due to my high cholesterol 270 and LDL 191. I’m female, in my early 60s, and normal weight. It was recommended since I am allergic to statins and had muscle and joint pain from statins. I was so hoping the Praluent would work for me. I didn’t have any issues with the injection, but a day after both times I took the shot, my muscle and joint pain was awful. I could not sleep due to the pain, and even my stomach and ribs ached. My CAD showed 143 with calcification in my descending artery. I’m nervous about having a heart attack or stroke but don’t think I can continue these shots if I am so debilitated afterwards. My doctor wants me to try Repatha, but after reading the side effects and reviews, it sounds even worse. I may just have to try watching my diet. I really don’t know what to do. My cardiologist is surprised that I reacted to this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 21, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I am a 35-year-old male in very good shape with genetically high cholesterol. I have been extremely intolerant of statins and tried Praluent per my doctor's recommendation. I spoke with a pharmacist and got very little information about this medication as it is very new. I was hopeful, and my first injection went well. I had very minor flu-like symptoms for three days and then felt normal. Injection two came with typical statin-like side effects (achy joints, sore muscles, fatigue) along with irritability, sexual performance issues, and mild depression. The third shot was my last. It made statins seem nice. Symptoms all increased. I got sores in my mouth and became extremely depressed. Symptoms subsided 3 weeks after the last injection."

• fir...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Anyone taking Praluent with side effects of leg pain followed by varicose veins spreading throughout your legs (at the site of injection)? Also, pigmented white spots appearing? Also, lung issues? Lastly, extreme joint pain?"

• GPa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 10, 2019

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I am three shots in or 5 weeks. Progressive muscle and joint pain. Muscle cramps. Rapid heartbeat and palpitations. Brain fog. Burning eyes. Dry nose. Stuffy nose. Hoarse voice. Horrible GERD for several days post-injection. No more for me. This stuff is horrible."

• Neu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2019

For High Cholesterol "3rd month at 150 mg/month to 300 mg/month. Some side effects: sore muscles, joints for a day or two. Nothing too bad. See what happens after the increase. When on statins, there is no sore muscles, joints for a day or two, it's all the time. This drug is much better. Going to once-a-month dosing, so am only sore or sick 2 or 3 days out of the month. Not a bad trade-off if you ask me."

• Jac...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 30, 2019

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I cannot tolerate statins, so my cardiologist suggested Praluent 75 mg every two weeks. After the first injection, I began to have a burning sensation and irritation on my lips and in my mouth. This progressed to itching on my body, followed by a burning skin sensation on my arms and legs as well. I also have muscle and joint pain and aching, as well as dizziness. Both the doctor and pharmacist said to stop it because it seems to be an allergic reaction. I can't comment on effectiveness because I only took one dose. Symptoms are persisting after two weeks, and I hope they end soon. I am sensitive to many drugs but was hoping I could tolerate this, so I am disappointed. My cholesterol is not that high, usually, LDL is around 100 or slightly less with no medication. So I will continue to watch my diet carefully and hope for the best."

• Pet...
• February 1, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I’m a 55-yr-old male with familial hypercholesterolemia. I take Zocor, Crestor, and Praluent. My numbers are awesome. HDL, LDL, all fantastic. I’d been on Praluent for about 6 months, so about 12 doses of 150 mg. I have developed several muscle and joint pains in my hips that are now spreading into my legs. I have also developed mild neuropathy in my hands. I am an avid golfer and tennis player, and it is now to the point where I have had to stop playing both and ache when I walk. I am considering going off the Praluent and just accepting my fate!!!"

• Boo...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 16, 2023

For High Cholesterol "Five years later, I experienced a stroke at the age of 54. Due to being considered high-risk, I was prescribed Praluent, which was believed to be the wonder drug for me. However, I have progressively felt unwell, experiencing tiredness and dreadful joint pain so severe that I am unable to sleep. At first, I did not suspect Praluent, but rather my blood pressure medication. However, my general practitioner ran blood tests and discovered that my liver enzymes were off the scale. Upon reviewing my blood tests over the past five years, it appears that there has been a significant increase in liver enzymes since I began using Praluent. After researching potential side effects, I was horrified to discover that raised liver enzymes were listed. I am now wondering if this medication could be the cause of my health problems and have decided to stop taking it to find out. I am also undergoing tests to examine my gallbladder, which may also be the source of the problem. In addition to the liver enzyme issue, my cholesterol levels have increased over time. I initially started on 75 mg of Praluent every two weeks, which yielded great results in lowering my cholesterol. However, my cholesterol level has now risen to 8.4, indicating that the medication is no longer working. As I researched potential causes of my issues, I was also interested in learning if anyone else had experienced raised liver enzymes as a side effect of Praluent."

• Suz...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 23, 2018

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "The medication is being taken in addition to statins. I have never had issues with my Crestor or Zocor, but my numbers were not low enough. The medication with the statin has brought my total cholesterol to 142 and LDL down considerably. I have noticed worsening vision, joint pain in my hips and knees, and a strange hoarse voice. I cannot say that the Praluent is the cause, but I am having these investigated. The onset of symptoms seems to align with the new medication, but it also aligns with being 50-ish and maybe everyone feels like rubbish at this age."

• Ber...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 24, 2024

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "My two-year check proved to be excellent while on Praluent. I have arthritis, so my joint pain could be from that. The pen is not comfortable to use, it takes a while to learn an easy way to use. Presently, Medicare has stopped covering this on my plan, so I have paid out of pocket. I don’t think I can continue to do so for the rest of my life, which means I will have to be given a different medicine that may not work as well for me."

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

For High Cholesterol "Since starting Praluent (I have now had 3 doses of 150 mg), I have been experiencing bruising on my abdomen and joint pain in my knees, shoulder, and fingers. I also take Plavix, and I am on the lowest dose of Crestor (5 mg) and am ready to stop that. I don't yet know if the Praluent is working because I do not get bloodwork done until November. I have to say I am suspicious that it is causing the joint pain."

• Lad...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 1, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "After the first dose, I experienced severe joint pain and leg swelling to the point where it was difficult to walk. Most joints hurt, including legs, shoulders, neck, and fingers. I also developed a cough and a red rash on my lower legs."

• Ric...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2023

For High Cholesterol "I took my 4th 150 ml injection on 1/17/2023. That night, I awoke with problems swallowing, combined with weakness, nausea, and severe joint pain. It is now 3/1/2023, and my knees, legs, feet, and fingers are very stiff and painful, and walking steps is hard. Nexium is no longer working as my reflux medication, as I continue to have GERD and bowel issues. My cholesterol number was very good. Continue to hope that I will be back to normal soon."

• CBo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 26, 2025

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "At age 68, I was prescribed statins for cholesterol. I tried three different prescriptions. They gave me bad back, joint, and muscle pain on low doses. Higher doses left me nearly unable to move. My cardiologist put me on Praluent. It worked great! A little backache, but livable, and 75 mg/ml reduced my cholesterol to 157. Then UHC took Praluent off the formulary, and I was switched to Repatha. By the second dose, I had back, joint, and muscle pain. At 4 months, the pain was worse, and I have terrible fatigue. I’m trying to go back to Praluent, but after reading some of these reviews, I don’t know what to do. I hope I can tolerate it a second time."

• G D...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I had joint pain for one or two days after taking it that lasted for about 2 days. I also had muscular pain and discomfort that lasted for about a week."