Alirocumab and Fatigue: 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."

• WNT...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 16, 2023

For High Cholesterol "I’m 65 years old. I took two doses of Praluent over a 4-week period and experienced extreme fatigue and lethargy. It also impacted my cognitive ability (I’m a financial analyst). I’m troubled that the clinical trials focus on side effects limited to the injection site. I had far many more than this. The most pronounced was unusual tiredness and fatigue. I normally bike 10 miles every other day and could not bike any longer. As soon as I suspended taking this drug after three weeks (due to its long half-life), I was able to resume my exercise routine. I had high hopes for this drug because it initially reduced my bad (and good) cholesterol dramatically. My cardiologist did not want to hear my complaints. I am overall very disappointed in the experience. I’m still trying to find a medication that will work that doesn’t sap all my energy."

• EDB...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 10, 2017

For High Cholesterol "I started taking this drug in Dec 2015 with amazing results! Within a few months, however, I noticed I was feeling ill and had sore muscles, particularly in my upper legs. Because I am a devoted walker, 3-5 miles per day, I began to wonder if it could be the Praluent. My doctor informed me that he had not heard of problems, so I continued to take it. In May this year, a problem arose with insurance availability of this drug for me. Because I was forced to stay off it for a month, all of a sudden, I began to feel better! I mean all tiredness, fatigue, muscle pain were just simply gone! When offered the meds again, I have refused. I was really, really sick from this medicine. This is my own experience. Since then, I have read a lot of blogs where others have experienced the same."

• 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."

• 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."

• NUM...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 11, 2020

For Cardiovascular Risk Reduction "I started Praluent about a year ago... loved the results, LDL from 135 to 69, just awesome. I first noticed a tightness in my chest and diaphragm, as I continued to take it, I noticed increased difficulty in breathing deeply and freely. There was the loss of stamina and increased fatigue. I used up my supply of Praluent 5 weeks ago... restricted breaths stopped about 2 weeks ago. SCARED about going back on Praluent with coronavirus approaching. I'm 69 years old, that battle will be hard enough... Restart Praluent... YES or NO? I JUST DON'T KNOW!"

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

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."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 14, 2021

For High Cholesterol "Horrendous. I called the FDA. I had side effects of horrendous fatigue, flu-like symptoms, muscles hurt, feel very weak, musculoskeletal issues, burning, bad sinuses, tired, tired, diarrhea after the 4th bi-weekly injection, and insomnia. I was on a great path before this, my diet is good, I was active. Now I can’t do walking and treadmill because I just feel horrible. To walk up stairs, my legs feel so heavy. Would not recommend this to anyone. What’s the point in having great cholesterol numbers if your quality of life is horrible? I’m just waiting for this stuff to leave my system and praying it does no long-term damage."

• Fri...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• December 24, 2018

For High Cholesterol "Dramatic reduction in total cholesterol after about 1.5 years. 62-year-old female. Went from 250 down to now 107. Have gradually been getting more and more fatigued, weaker, and now to the point I can't do my walks. Going to call cardiologist after the holidays. This is how I felt on statins after just a few days. I'm disappointed. Very easy to use med."

• 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?"

• Bea...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 17, 2019

For High Cholesterol "66 yrs old, female, active tennis and daily walking; diagnosed heart disease but no symptoms. Can’t tolerate statins due to fatigue, memory, muscle issues. I’m on the bimonthly 75 mg Praluent for the last three months. The shot is a sharp sting. The first week my legs ached really badly for 3 nights, couldn’t sleep, but that has diminished. Now, after the shot, by the 3rd day my legs are tired at night, but it’s livable. My chol numbers dropped dramatically from 350 (with HDL at only 50 a year ago). Now HDL is 127 and LDL is 60! Got much lower and it reversed. Great ratio. BUT liver enzymes are way up AST (was 26 to 130 now) and ASL up! But I had just returned from a cruise of heavy eating and drinking. So, now I cut out my nightly glass of wine completely, and will get a new blood test in a month."

• PEa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 1, 2020

For High Cholesterol "I started taking Praluent in January 2020. A few weeks in, I had an awful UTI. Never, ever had one before. It was miserable. Then, six weeks later, I had another UTI. The only thing new was the Praluent. I started looking into the side effects and saw that it was a highlighted side effect. As I read more on this drug, I saw it may be causing the fatigue and pain in my lower back and pelvic area. I told my doctor I wasn’t going to continue. This was a last option, as I have severe side effects from everything else we have tried. I did have blood work the other day, and my numbers were lower, but triglycerides were still high."

• Cro...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 23, 2020

For High Cholesterol "Switched from Repatha to Praluent due to insurance. I injected the first of the month. Now, after 2 ER visits and a bunch of prednisone, it's finally starting to leave my body. To recap, the next day I felt like I got hit with the flu, had no energy, and felt like crap. Shortly after, my whole face, fingers, and feet blew up, and I was covered in hives from head to toe. I'm a day done with my steroids, and the hives are already coming back. Not as bad, but enough to be bothersome, especially during bedtime. If you have any sensitivity to statins, I highly suggest you stay away."

• bik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this for a month. Two injections so far. I am 64 years old, I exercise frequently and have a history of cholesterol - total number under 200, however. Since taking this drug, I have been sluggish and fatigued. The fatigue comes and goes. Prior to taking this, I rode my stationary bike about 8 to 10 miles every other day. It is difficult to do what I regularly did prior to initiating this drug. Now, my exercise routine is tougher to do, and I am very fatigued after riding. PSk9 inhibitors appear to have an impact on my blood pressure response to exercise. Hypotension response appears amplified (I am going for a follow-up on this). Research I have read on the PSK9s like this says, however, that the impact is 'inconclusive' with respect to BP. However, I am more fatigued being on this drug. The first few days my cognitive abilities were impaired, but this did improve. I also had more frequent nighttime urination. I am not taking a third Praluent injection."

• bik...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 23, 2022

For High Cholesterol "I have been on this for a month. Two injections so far. I am 64 years old, I exercise frequently and have a history of cholesterol - total number under 200, however. Since taking this drug, I have been sluggish and fatigued. The fatigue comes and goes. Prior to taking this, I rode my stationary bike about 8 to 10 miles every other day. It is difficult to do what I regularly did prior to initiating this drug. Now, my exercise routine is tougher to do, and I am very fatigued after riding. PSk9 inhibitors appear to have an impact on my blood pressure response to exercise. Hypotension response appears amplified (I am going for a follow-up on this). Research I have read on the PSK9s like this says, however, that the impact is 'inconclusive' with respect to BP. However, I am more fatigued being on this drug. The first few days my cognitive abilities were impaired, but this did improve. I also had more frequent nighttime urination. I am not taking a third Praluent injection."

• Haz...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 23, 2020

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "Took Repatha for over a year, had minor side effects (runny nose only), which eventually disappeared. Then my insurance changed formularies and I had to switch to Praluent, not at all happy. Have been taking for two months, side effects include constant runny nose, fatigue, bruising, muscle pain, and pain and itching at the injection site. Would not recommend this medication. Repatha, in my opinion, is much better, unfortunately for myself, insurance will absolutely not cover Repatha."

• Len...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 2, 2024

For High Cholesterol "Injections are and have always been painless. I am going into my ninth week. Last cholesterol check my number before starting Praluent was 235. Since then, things appear much clearer, not so lightheaded as before. Blood pressure is much lower and is controlled. I am much more tired than I used to be. I also feel lethargic on the first four days following each shot. Sometimes feel faint, but again no more head fog and no more fatigue, which before Praluent was severe. If anyone is considering this drug, I would try it. I am confident that the sides of this drug are much better than the side effects of a stroke or heart attack. In closing, all good things come from the Lord Jesus, never forget that."

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

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "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."

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

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "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

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "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."

• Jud...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 29, 2022

For High Cholesterol, Familial Homozygous "I'm 82 y.o. female. High cholesterol is in my family, and no one has died of a heart attack. I tried statins and Ezetimibe with troubling side effects - pain and fatigue in legs and a high muscle enzyme number. Then the cardiologist put me on Praluent, and after several months, I began having a large welt at the injection site with every injection. Then I started getting a rash with blisters on my legs that itched. I also began having pain and fatigue in my legs again. I had my veins checked, my hips checked, and an MRI of my back (possible stenosis the orthopedist thought). Everything checked out fine! Had a biopsy done on the rash and was told it was from some allergy. I stopped taking the Praluent, and a month later, the pain in my legs is 99% gone, and the rash has subsided. The Praluent definitely lowered my cholesterol, but I don't tolerate it well."

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

For High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous "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."

• Cal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2021

For High Cholesterol "Took 16 days ago, start to itch after I took it. Next day, felt flu symptoms, became very fatigued for the 2 weeks. I never took the 2nd shot. Broke out 4 days ago with a rash on my arms, went to legs, now stomach started with little bite-like lumps, then small bumps that burn and itch badly. I went to doctors, and they gave me cream that made it burn more. Used baking soda and cortisone, helped itching for a while, and ice packs. Finally went to the hospital, said have to ride it through because I'm allergic to it. Taking Benadryl, taking Claritin, hope this helps. Praluent did lower my cholesterol in 6 days, dropped 40 points, however, I will never take it again. I am in such discomfort. Does anyone else have this problem? I am sensitive to most medicines. I tried Crestor and Lipitor years ago, legs hurt so bad had to stop. I was disappointed, I finally thought I found something I could take, but the rash is so uncomfortable and could last a while. Please let me know if anyone had this problem."

• 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."

• Luv...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 14, 2025

For High Cholesterol "I've been on Praluent 150 mg/ml every two weeks for approximately 6 months to lower my cholesterol. Was previously on statins, but the side effects for me got worse over time (muscle cramps, fatigue, brain fog). Praluent has worked well in getting my cholesterol numbers in the normal range, but I've experienced hoarseness, stuffy nose, some muscle cramps in lower legs and feet. I also have periods of strong and rapid heartbeat, and my blood pressure has been creeping up. I notice the symptoms more in the first few days after the injection, and they get better within 5 to 7 days. I'm intolerant to a lot of medications, and my statin intolerance got worse over time. I'm hoping the same is not true for Praluent. My cardiologist (who is the medical director of a prominent cardiology center in my city) said she is aware of the cramps, hoarseness, and nasal congestion as side effects, but not the rapid heartbeat or higher blood pressure. Yet I see a lot of similar reactions in these reviews."