Praluent and Pain: What Users Say

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I have Myasthenia Gravis and Praluent initially flared my condition within 3 days of taking this, this has subsided several weeks later. With respect to side effects, I have neck, shoulder, back, and leg pain, cramping, nausea, severe fatigue, weakness in legs, and finally can't leave out the cough. I had a similar reaction to Repatha. I thought I would give Praluent a go. Half-life is super long, 17 - 20 days... so, this will be fun. There's no way I will continue this. It's amazing how FDA could pass this stuff. I would like to sift through the clinical trial data... the real data."

• Nev...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 19, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I have Myasthenia Gravis and Praluent initially flared my condition within 3 days of taking this, this has subsided several weeks later. With respect to side effects, I have neck, shoulder, back, and leg pain, cramping, nausea, severe fatigue, weakness in legs, and finally can't leave out the cough. I had a similar reaction to Repatha. I thought I would give Praluent a go. Half-life is super long, 17 - 20 days... so, this will be fun. There's no way I will continue this. It's amazing how FDA could pass this stuff. I would like to sift through the clinical trial data... the real data."

• Pic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Took this for a month and a half and my PCP told me to stop. I made trips to my gynecologist thinking my problems were related to my estrogen, then to MedExpress for sinus issues, and the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. ER could not find anything. I had aches and pains, could hardly walk due to stiffness in ankles and leg pain. Heart palpitations and chest cramps. Trouble swallowing and the feeling of something stuck in my throat. Sweats and vision blurring. I had been off my blood pressure meds for 2 years and had to start taking them again. I've been off of it for about a month and still have chest cramps and something stuck in throat. I may not like statin drugs but with CoQ10 I can manage them. Never taking this med again. I would rather die."

• Pic...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2019

For High Cholesterol "Took this for a month and a half and my PCP told me to stop. I made trips to my gynecologist thinking my problems were related to my estrogen, then to MedExpress for sinus issues, and the ER thinking I was having a heart attack. ER could not find anything. I had aches and pains, could hardly walk due to stiffness in ankles and leg pain. Heart palpitations and chest cramps. Trouble swallowing and the feeling of something stuck in my throat. Sweats and vision blurring. I had been off my blood pressure meds for 2 years and had to start taking them again. I've been off of it for about a month and still have chest cramps and something stuck in throat. I may not like statin drugs but with CoQ10 I can manage them. Never taking this med again. I would rather die."

• PJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 12, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I have been taking it for about 5 months. It lowered my cholesterol, but the pain I have in my hips and bones are not worth it. I can hardly walk, the pain is unbearable. They say it takes 3 months to get out of your body. Can't take anything without side effects."

• Cho...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2018

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Praluent ruined my life! I was diagnosed with familial hypercholesterolemia and was prescribed Praluent by the cardiologist. If I knew then what I know now, I would have never taken this poison. From the moment I took my first and last Praluent injection, my heart started beating rapidly, my chest tightened up, short of breath, severe stomach pain, anxiety, and vomiting! I was admitted to the hospital, and doctors had no idea what Praluent is, and I had to explain while I was in critical condition. Their advice was don't take any more injections and wait until the Praluent gets out of my system, which can take up to 3 months! Three months have passed, and I am now in constant pain! I'm on strong painkillers, steroids, and anti-nausea medication. I also developed hypertension, and I can't seem to bring it down even with meds! I don't think I will ever recover from this. If anyone had a similar experience and had treatment for the horrible, life-changing side effects, please share it with us."

• Bad...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 6, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I have had high cholesterol, a genetic gift. I cannot take the statin meds due to debilitating muscle pain, so my specialist suggested I try Praluent. Initially, I was on it with amazing results in lowering my counts, but then the pain started… Everywhere. It would be tolerable after I was up and moving, but so bad it would wake me at night. And it wasn’t just one area, every single area of my body ached terribly. Getting out of bed was pure hell, laying in bed and moving was pure hell. Blood pressure was also elevated on this med, and I even lowered injections to once a month to hopefully use it with positive results. I have now been off of it for 2 months, and I will never use this again. I cannot believe this is put out there for the public to use, you have no life without pain on it. Hope this review helps someone out there. I’m a 65-year-old lady, high cholesterol since 28 years of age."

• arc...
• October 8, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I am a heart patient. I’ve had one heart attack and another one milder one a year ago. I have taken two injections with not too many noticeable side effects. Maybe some isolated aches and pains and maybe a little tightness in my chest. After the 1st week of the second injection, I checked my BP: 169/95, checked again on the 2nd day: 159/99. Way too high for a heart patient! Then it goes down too low: 95/69, etc. I have reported this to the FDA. I don’t need this. I called my doc and was told by a nurse to increase my BP meds but I told them NO! Not till I talk to my regular heart doc and primary care doc in person. I’m done with this med for now. If I am going to die, I would rather die from not taking this med. If I die from taking this med, what’s the point? I don’t think a long-range study on side effects from this med has been done. It hasn’t been out long enough."

• Lil...
• March 18, 2023

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "Due to my high cholesterol level of 365, I was unable to take statins. I am a 67-year-old female. I had been taking a 75 mg dose for six months, but in the last few months, I noticed several stomach issues, including diarrhea. After the last two shots, I experienced numbness in my hands, followed by pain in my knees and legs. My hands also retained water to the extent that I had to remove my rings, something that had never been an issue before. After taking the last two shots, I woke up with severe chest pain, thinking it was indigestion, and felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Suddenly, my body felt like it was falling apart, so I went to my doctor to inform him that I would no longer take the medication. When I went in, my blood pressure was so high that I had to go to the hospital. My blood pressure and pulse rate were alarmingly high, which scared me immensely. I will never take this drug again because it has also triggered panic attacks. I pray that all of this is not permanent damage. This drug is poison."

• Lil...
• March 18, 2023

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "Due to my high cholesterol level of 365, I was unable to take statins. I am a 67-year-old female. I had been taking a 75 mg dose for six months, but in the last few months, I noticed several stomach issues, including diarrhea. After the last two shots, I experienced numbness in my hands, followed by pain in my knees and legs. My hands also retained water to the extent that I had to remove my rings, something that had never been an issue before. After taking the last two shots, I woke up with severe chest pain, thinking it was indigestion, and felt like someone was sitting on my chest. Suddenly, my body felt like it was falling apart, so I went to my doctor to inform him that I would no longer take the medication. When I went in, my blood pressure was so high that I had to go to the hospital. My blood pressure and pulse rate were alarmingly high, which scared me immensely. I will never take this drug again because it has also triggered panic attacks. I pray that all of this is not permanent damage. This drug is poison."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I began to have severe muscular and skeletal pain but thought it was arthritis. After use, it became more pronounced. Both hips hurt, my legs cramped and tingled, and I would have diarrhea 2/3 times a week. Finally, I quit taking the drug and still have the same symptoms 4 months later. Fatigue and weakness in both legs still are present, as well as pain in both arms. I don't know how long this will continue, but I hope that it goes away soon. Never had this problem before."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 23, 2023

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I began to have severe muscular and skeletal pain but thought it was arthritis. After use, it became more pronounced. Both hips hurt, my legs cramped and tingled, and I would have diarrhea 2/3 times a week. Finally, I quit taking the drug and still have the same symptoms 4 months later. Fatigue and weakness in both legs still are present, as well as pain in both arms. I don't know how long this will continue, but I hope that it goes away soon. Never had this problem before."

• 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?"

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I'm a 53-year-old female. I've had two heart attacks back in 2015. I'm also diabetic and have other chronic illnesses. My doctor prescribed this medication about four months ago. At first, I didn't take it, something made me wary. I don't tolerate statins. Just this week, I took my third dose. The side effects are horrible, the pain is unbearable. My memory is a mess. I can't literally hold a cup in my hands. Lower back pain, legs are weak, if I move an arm, it feels like it's being broken. My shoulders hurt, my neck hurts, literally, I'm not able to function at all. I will not take this medication ever again. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow and letting him know that I'm practically in pain 24/7. I refuse to be this ill."

• Mel...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 27, 2018

For High Cholesterol "I'm a 53-year-old female. I've had two heart attacks back in 2015. I'm also diabetic and have other chronic illnesses. My doctor prescribed this medication about four months ago. At first, I didn't take it, something made me wary. I don't tolerate statins. Just this week, I took my third dose. The side effects are horrible, the pain is unbearable. My memory is a mess. I can't literally hold a cup in my hands. Lower back pain, legs are weak, if I move an arm, it feels like it's being broken. My shoulders hurt, my neck hurts, literally, I'm not able to function at all. I will not take this medication ever again. I'm calling my doctor tomorrow and letting him know that I'm practically in pain 24/7. I refuse to be this ill."

• FtM...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2016

For High Cholesterol "I have experienced debilitating leg pain, brought on by simple walking, and I'm not sure if it's related to Praluent. It began shortly after the first injection and has increased in severity. I have seen many doctors without success."

• jhb...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 11, 2023

For High Cholesterol "After the second injection, the medicine made sores on my back, which are now scars. At the eighth month, I was developing arm pain and my hands were going numb. At ten months, I lost the ability to perform any physical manual labor, lots of pain in my arms, hands going numb at night, it was worse. I am a hard worker, and I could not pick things up, I had no strength in my hands, severe pain in my arms and hands. I contacted my doctor finally. She did lots of blood work, and everything was okay with that. I was advised there was no explanation for the pain I was going through. I am on no meds other than Praluent. I found an article in the Journal of Neurology Research that described exactly what I was experiencing from what a 57-year-old woman went through and was diagnosed with CIDP as an exclusion diagnosis. Praluent is pure poison for me at least. I have never hurt so badly in my life and just hope there is no permanent damage. I have not taken an injection for 3 weeks now and still hurt with numb hands and arms."

• Nan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 1, 2019

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "62 yr-old female with heterozygous familial on statins - 20 mg Crestor - and ezetrol. After strict diet and exercise, total cholesterol down from 6.8 to 2.1. Started on Praluent bi-weekly in June. Although my LDL plummeted to 0.06, severe muscle spasms, pain, and cramps kept increasing: knee, thigh, ankle, next leg, and eventually upper arm. No more gym, chronic pain, sleepless nights, painful to stand or walk. Requested to be taken off a week ago. 3 weeks since my last shot and improving each day. Please God let the statins work better."

• CMa...
• February 18, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I was on a statin for several years, but in 2015 I had to have 2 stents put in. When the cardiologist increased the statin, I had side effects, so I had to stop it. She urged me to try Praluent, saying it had little to no side effects. After 4 doses, I got a UTI that didn't respond to the usual antibiotics, and I ended up in the hospital for stronger antibiotics. Then, a few weeks later, I developed pain in my neck muscles that got so bad it woke me up, I also had pain in my hips and legs. I've been off the medication for 3 weeks, and symptoms have all but disappeared. The only good thing was my collateral went down almost 100 points."

• CMa...
• February 18, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I was on a statin for several years, but in 2015 I had to have 2 stents put in. When the cardiologist increased the statin, I had side effects, so I had to stop it. She urged me to try Praluent, saying it had little to no side effects. After 4 doses, I got a UTI that didn't respond to the usual antibiotics, and I ended up in the hospital for stronger antibiotics. Then, a few weeks later, I developed pain in my neck muscles that got so bad it woke me up, I also had pain in my hips and legs. I've been off the medication for 3 weeks, and symptoms have all but disappeared. The only good thing was my collateral went down almost 100 points."

• Lak...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 27, 2018

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "Have genetic high cholesterol plus cardiovascular risk. Taking statins caused myopathy, resulting in terrible muscle aches and pains. I have been on Praluent 75 mg twice monthly for approximately 2 years. I am a very active, soon-to-be 70 years old, however, after sitting at least 10 minutes, it is unbearable to raise my body and start walking, as my body is very stiff. Hard to get my feet to move...I ache from my lower back down to my feet...my insides feel very sore, and I have developed terrible nose sores! I am afraid if I take it much longer, I will be unable to walk. I was hoping that the Praluent was safe for me, and in the beginning of using Praluent, I was pleased with the thought of it lowering my cholesterol and having no side effects. Not sure what to do now!"

• EDB...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I posted here in Aug, stating that due to pain in my legs, fatigue, backache, etc., I had stopped this med. On a recheck with doc in Sept, I found that my chol had risen to 410! So rebound was terrible; double what it was pre-Praluent! I am now back on 75 mg and will be rechecked in Dec. I am already experiencing nasal/mucous issues and some back pain and fatigue, although not as bad as when on 150 mg. What I'm wondering is if anyone out there knows if this can cause long-term severe problems, and has anyone talked to their doc about these side effects? If so, what were their comments, please?"

• Mar...
• June 10, 2023

For High Cholesterol "This medication (Praluent) sent me to the hospital for three and a half days with pneumonia and UTI. After injecting the second dose, I felt like I had injected poison into my body. The body pain and cramping were horrible, and there will be no third injection EVER."

• lar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 17, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I had no luck with statins, the doctor put me on Praluent (3.5 mo.). I have had 1 heart attack resulting in 1 stent before I started Praluent. I also have torticollis in my neck and bulging discs in my back, which I am treated for, but since I started Praluent, it seems like my symptoms are worse. My neck, back, and legs hurt. 2 weeks ago, I thought I was having another heart attack, went to the hospital ER, pain eased, and the EKG came back normal, possible side effect? I am thinking about taking myself off Praluent, I am tired of feeling like garbage. I'm a 67-year-old male."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 30, 2022

For High Cholesterol "Like so many other patients, I had unfortunate side effects too. Muscle pain, legs, arms, even feet and neck pain. Worst, my hands are really hurting me, getting cramps, especially at night, no way to sleep properly. I just took medication for only 3 months. Right now, I am taking nothing to get rid of all these side effects. I hope it will be better, I don't know what will come next. After all these readings, I get the idea that all the patients using these drugs are 'guinea pigs' to try out this medication. It is very expensive and costs the health system a lot of money. Why is this drug still on the market? I feel for anyone of you out there and hope one day you will be pain-free again."