Alirocumab and Cough: What Users Say

• Ret...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 4, 2020

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol "I thought I would follow up on my initial review that I left several weeks ago to give some hope to those who are having a bad reaction like myself. I literally couldn't stand for more than a few minutes, I was so weak. I had no core strength, no strength in my legs, and then in my arms. I lost my dexterity in my hands, had a bad cough, and my heart was beating wildly, etc. All these side effects started to dissipate approximately 2 months after my last dose. I am almost back to full strength. As my cough started to go away, all my strength started coming back, and my heartbeats calmed down. This stuff, Praluent, is insane. I will never take another one of these injectables again. The good news is that I'm about 90% better. Everyone leaves these comments stating that they are really in trouble on this medication but never follow up. For two months, I thought I was in trouble. I'm writing to let others know I'm almost back to normal after 2 months of a living nightmare. It still gets a one rating."

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

Alirocumab 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."

• 63 ...
• April 3, 2020

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol "Have a strong family history of heart disease. Have had several stents placed. Have high blood pressure and cholesterol. Statins made me have severe muscle issues, most noticeable in my feet. My cardiologist had me try Repatha and I experienced severe muscle pains, cough, and leg swelling. I changed to Praluent with two injections done and experienced the same issues. Now I have severe pain in my hands and am unable to do fine dexterity movements with one hand. I will not take this injection again to see if symptoms subside. If this medication is causing the symptoms, beware before you take the drug. My next plan to lower cholesterol will involve more natural treatments. Has anyone had success with this?"

• Gir...
• August 23, 2017

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol "I am a statin intolerant patient who was initially excited to try this new drug. It was easy to administer and seemed to be working with little side effects (minor cough and cold symptoms). Total cholesterol went from 203 to 98 after just two months. As I continued to use the drug, I developed severe shortness of breath and heart palpitations. Sadly, apparently I can't tolerate this drug either. After further research, there is little information on long-term side effects. My pharmacist told me that patients are reporting my same symptoms and even memory loss. Not the drug for me."

• Ell...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 16, 2019

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "The Praluent injections gave me a runny nose, chest muscle pain, and I would cough up little chunks of clear phlegm for a few days after every injection. Then the muscle pains and fatigue would set in until time for the next shot. Rinse and repeat. However, my cardiologist was ecstatic with my blood work. I had been on the injections for a couple of months when I got a real bad case of pneumonia and could do nothing but lay in bed and cough phlegm for 3 weeks. I went off the injections during this time. After 4 weeks of no injections, I got blood work done and it was absolutely horrible, so now, of course, I'm back on it just praying the muscle pain goes away and that I don't get pneumonia again. This is the only medication I have ever taken that I am afraid might kill me. But my cardiologist thinks it's a freaking miracle drug."

• RSU...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 6, 2018

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol "Started Praluent 9/2015. Began cough/cold symptoms 1/2016. Injection every 2 wks. Symptoms got worse each time the med was injected. 7/2016 informed my Dr. who said symptoms were unrelated. Between 8/2016 and 1/2017 went to the ER 5 times and spent 20 days in the hospital. Bronchitis and autoimmune reaction. The med reduced LDL and destroyed my immune system. Had to receive infusion and still have very low IGG. Once I stopped it, took all of 2017 to start feeling a little better. Reported reaction to mfg and FDA. Thinking about seeking litigation advice."

• Bon...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 4, 2020

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "I have high cholesterol all my life. All statins give me side effects. I got approved for this injection, Praluent. I am 65, and I also have lung issues that come with a constant cough plus pain in my body. I was reading the side effects of this drug and could get influenza, pain, cough, etc. I was looking forward to this drug, but now that I have it, I am having second thoughts. Any input on this?"

• cop...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 30, 2017

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Age 57. It has lowered my LDL to 62. At age 49, I had a bypass, 10 years later, a stent and then had a procedure to kill some of my extra heartbeats. I have been taking it for over a year now, and my skin feels like a bad sunburn. My throat closes off when drinking and eating now and then. My sex drive is about gone for me. When I go to sleep, I start coughing for about 10 minutes, then it stops. Throat gets dry sometimes, then coughing and mucus start running down my throat."

• ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 12, 2022

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol "I've had multiple TIA strokes. GP needed to get my bad cholesterol down from 8.6. My family reacts poorly to statins. My cardiologist put me on Praluent, cholesterol is just at a safe level. My dose is 75 mg every two weeks. The only noticeable side effect was calf cramps, which wake me up, treated with magnesium glycinate. The cardiologist wanted me at a lower bad cholesterol. I am now on 150 mg every two weeks. My calf cramps have returned at night, but I have developed a dry cough. My myotherapist said my neck muscles are very tight. Hoping the cough eases off. Used Epsom salt foot bath, this has eased the cramp as I didn't want to take more magnesium by mouth. I'll let you know the outcome of the higher dose after I see the cardiologist. I need to drink much more water to keep my blood pressure normal. Cheers."

• Pes...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 16, 2023

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol "I've been using the 75 mg for about 2 years now. I have recently begun to have some upper respiratory symptoms, but am unsure if it's related to Praluent. I'm a GI next week and will know more after that. I was exposed to strong chemicals in a small space, and symptoms began after that exposure. Symptoms are hoarseness, post-nasal drip, coughing especially after eating, and occasional GERD (once or twice a month). This may not be related to Praluent, as I seemed to have no symptoms prior to that."

• Nan...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• November 25, 2020

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol "I shared my experience with Praluent but forgot to add the cough. It is so aggravating. Every day, since starting the Praluent injections, I've had the cough that is a side effect. I would not have guessed that it would be so aggravating. I know I don't sound like a happy camper, I'm waiting with hope for things to get much better. Good luck to all that's on this injection. Researchers have done a great job, just need to improve it somewhat."

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

Alirocumab 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."

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

Alirocumab for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "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."

• Jen...
• October 5, 2021

For High Cholesterol "I have had a cough for two years and shortness of breath with flu symptoms. I had all the tests, everything is okay. The doctor just said it's the drug's side effects. My cholesterol has been good for 5 years. I take 75 mg every two weeks."

• Lan...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• February 6, 2021

For High Cholesterol "Been taking alirocumab for approximately 2 years. This medicine is really very effective as it helped lower my LDL levels by 50%. Used to have really bad LDL levels, but I'm glad alirocumab helped. However, one thing that I'm concerned about is the side effect. Ever since I took alirocumab, I would have a runny nose and cough. However, it is still tolerable. I hope that researchers can improve this drug by reducing such side effects. Overall, I'd give alirocumab an 8/10. Love it."