Praluent side effects?

Praluent (alirocumab) is a PCSK9 inhibitor used to lower LDL cholesterol. Like all medicines, it can cause side effects. Here’s a quick overview of what’s most commonly seen and what’s rarer but more serious.

Common side effects (usually mild):
- Injection-site reactions: pain, redness, itching, swelling or bruising at the spot where you inject
- Upper respiratory infections or nasopharyngitis (cold symptoms)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Back pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Rash or itching

Less common but possible:
- Muscle or joint pain
- Fatigue

Serious (less common) side effects to seek care for promptly:
- Signs of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis: hives, swelling of the face/tips of the tongue/throat, trouble breathing or swallowing
- Severe skin reactions (rare)
- Neurocognitive effects have been reported in some people (e.g., memory problems or confusion); symptoms usually improve after stopping the medicine
- Very rare liver enzyme elevations or pancreatitis

Important notes:
- This list isn’t exhaustive. If you experience anything unusual, contact your clinician.
- If you have a known allergy to alirocumab or any components of the injection, don’t use Praluent.
- If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy, discuss risks and alternatives with your doctor.
- If you notice signs of a serious reaction, seek urgent medical care.

If you’d like, tell me about any side effects you’re experiencing, and I can help interpret what they might mean and what to do next.