How does Praluent work?

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on March 12, 2024.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

Praluent works by inactivating a protein in the liver called proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin 9 (PCSK9). When Praluent inactivates PCSK9, more receptors are available to capture LDL (“bad”) cholesterol for removal from the blood. Lowering LDL in the blood can help to reduce the incidence of heart disease.

Praluent (alirocumab), classified as a PCSK9 inhibitor, is approved:

For adults with heart disease to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and certain types of chest pain (unstable angina) requiring hospitalization.
To be used with diet, alone or in combination with other low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)-lowering therapies, in adults with primary hyperlipidemia, including heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), to reduce LDL-C.
To be used in addition to other LDL-C-lowering therapies in adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH) to reduce LDL-C. HoFH is a rare genetic and possibly deadly condition characterized by very high levels of LDL-C and an elevated risk for early heart disease.
To be used in addition to diet and other LDL-C-lowering therapies in pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with HeFH to reduce LDL-C.

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is an inherited condition caused by changes in genes that control how the body processes cholesterol. These changes can lead to very high levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. There are two types of FH:

HeFH develops when one changed gene is inherited from one parent and HoFH develops when a mutated gene is inherited from both parents.
Praluent is approved to treat both children and adults with HeFH and adults with HoFH.

Can I give Praluent injections at home?

Praulent is given as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection and comes as a pre-filled pen. Your healthcare provider will teach you or your caregiver how to inject this medicine so you can use it at home.

In children aged 12 to 17 years, Praluent should be given under adult supervision. In children aged 8 to 11 years, Praluent should be given by a caregiver.

Praluent is injected every 2 weeks OR every 4 weeks (monthly). Your healthcare provider will tell you your dose and schedule.

Common side effects

In studies, the most common side effects with Praluent were injection site reactions (7%) and influenza (6%) and muscle pain (4%). Allergic reactions, some of which may be serious, have also been reported (8.6% Praluent versus 7.8% placebo). Itching was the most frequently reported allergic reaction (1.1%).

This is not all the information you need to know about Praluent (alirocumab) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your treatment. Review the full Praluent information here, and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Praluent (alirocumab) [product information]. Regeneron. Tarrytown, NY. Revised 3/2024. Accessed March 12, 2024 at https://www.regeneron.com/sites/default/files/Praluent_PI.pdf
Understanding Homozygous Familial Hypercholesterolemia. American Heart Association (AHA). Accessed March 12, 2024 at https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/cholesterol/genetic-conditions/homozygous-fh

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How does Praluent work?

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