Alirocumab for High Cholesterol User Reviews (Page 5)

• Debs
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• September 13, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "My numbers were brilliant. But after several months I suddenly became very ill. I would have episodes of severe dizziness and feeling of total detachment when all I could do was sit with my head on the table and wait to get back to myself. Or get my husband to guide me to the couch and lay me down. Sometimes the episodes were milder but more frequent like up to 3 times a day. My consultant was unreachable so my gp agreed that I should discontinue the praluent although he made it clear that he didn't quite believed that the problems were effects of the injections. When the attacks disappeared shortly after I took my last injection it became obvious that the praluent was to blame. About 3 months have now gone by and I still don't feel back to myself. I am left with some lightheadedness which I hope will wear off ."

• DCano
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 2, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "I have been taking this drug for around 6 months now, 75mg, woman in early 60's pretty healthy and watch my intake of everything. Taking this for high cholesterol, suffering with really bad muscle aches and pains, also terrible night cramping. Experiencing dizzy spells and headaches also in which I have never suffered with before in life time. Tummy discomfort and palpitations and night sweats. Decided to come off for 6 weeks and felt much better. Took an injection last night and did not feel well at all, palpitations and dizziness straight away. Nope not for me, quality of life more important and what will be will be."

• Sandy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 9, 2024

Praluent (alirocumab) "I've used this medication for two years, and it has significantly reduced my LDL level. This is important because I'm unable to use or tolerate other high cholesterol medications due to adverse effects or lack of effect on the LDL level. My dose is 75 mg given by injection every two weeks, and I give myself the injection at home. My main issue with it is that it is expensive, and it's been a struggle getting it approved by insurances."

• Undet...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 24, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "I’ve been using Pralent for approx. a year. I’ve experienced the leg pain, at the most. My cholesterol was 500 plus. This medicine has dropped it to 271! I know that’s still extremely high but, it lowered it extremely! I haven’t noticed runny nose, nausea, constipation, excessive heart rate, or increase in blood pressure with this medicine. Reading the reviews has answered my questions about the leg and back pain I’m experiencing. I also have headaches, I feel comes from this medicine. I just hope and pray one day we all will find the miracle cure! Until then, stay healthy n happy!❤️❤️❤️"

• JRC
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 5, 2024

Praluent (alirocumab) "I am male, 65 years old, in good shape, fairly active (just had a great stress test), and have survived for 15 years since an emergency quadruple bypass. I have been using Praluent for five years or more at the suggestion of my cardiologist (150mg/mL injection twice a month). It was prescribed because all other medications (mostly various statins) had little to no effect on my cholesterol levels, something all my family members struggle with (however, I am the only one with any heart issues - lucky me). Honestly, and I do feel really bad for the folks who report negative outcomes and symptoms here, but it nearly immediately made a huge difference in my total cholesterol, HDL/LDL, and triglyceride levels, which are stellar then and now. I can also honestly say that I have had absolutely no side effects even though I was prone to some bad ones when on various statins (muscle pain, headaches, etc.). I don't even mind the injectable application as it is a minor inconvenience."

• Moraw...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• October 23, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "I am 75 years old vegetarian weighting 130lb. After total hysterectomy at age 32 I developed high cholesterol. I was placed on Vytorin which barely worked for me. After many years I become allergic to Vytorin so I had to stop it. Years later I had triple bypass and was placed on Praluent .First time my cholesterol plummeted to 130. I had congestion and feeling like I had something in my throat that forced me to swallow frequently but I continued it for 2 years. Congestion and swallowing stopped so I was happy. . Well, last year I woke up in AM with severe pain in my left knee , no ability to put weight on and slight discomfort in R knee. Never had any problems with knees before. MRI showed that there are no arthritic changes but I have raptured meniscus in both knees . I got injections of steroid. 3 months later I developed severe pain in my elbow that not responded to pain medications . I am off Praluent but my cholesterol is back at 262 and I barely can walk."

• John
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 17, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "After experiencing a major heart attack, and placement of a stent in my "widow maker" artery, I was given a statin to reduce my LDL (it was at 112) so it was not a high dose. This caused pain in my wrist in a matter of hours. This moved to my hips, and after I was released and able to walk around it moved to my right hip and thigh. I could hardly walk. I discontinued and felt better the next day. I waited 2 weeks for insurance to approve Praluent 75 mg. I felt great in between meds. I had no problems with the injection, but In 12 hours my right wrist started to hurt and in 24 hours I was in a brace for 4 days. In the meantime, my right lower shin began to hurt. Lower than a shin splint. Weird. like I had a popsicle stick glued to me. Pain under the skin, numbness on the skin. Swelling. I am 61, have a physical job, good BMI. I am sensitive to medications. I usually require low doses, or the medication doesn't work at any dose. 2 different statins were awful for me. It just doesn't work for me."

• In...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 17, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "My 46 year old brother took one injection and had a massive heart attack less than 24 hours after the injection. If you have had a heart attack in the past or bypass or your heart is in anyway compromised, don't use this. It is bad and nothing is being done about it or will be done until more people come forward and question this drug."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 2, 2022

Praluent (alirocumab) "I have been taking Praluent for 7 months and was very reluctant to try it based on the negative reviews and I typically have side effects with medication. I am still struggling to find a blood pressure medication with no side effects. I finally decided to try the Praluent when my cardiologist finally said you need to take something - you can not do nothing. If you cannot tolerate Statins, you have a high calcium score, and heart disease in your family, it’s time to at least try the drug. To my surprise side effects have been very minimal, just a little weak the day after the shot all worth getting my LDL down to 29 with total cholesterol under 100. I hope it lasts. I wish all those who struggle with the decision to try that my experience may be helpful. I do not dismiss the negative reviews but I thought I should share my positive experience"

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 26, 2022

Praluent (alirocumab) "I cannot take statins. I have tried everything and it didn’t work. I recently was diagnosed with carotid blockage. Tried Praulent and I am so happy. It brought every cholesterol profile back to normal. First time in years. My only complaint is I have difficulty with the pen; I have small hands. Overall. A+"

• Bootsy
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• April 16, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "Five years later, I experienced a stroke at the age of 54. Due to being considered high-risk, I was prescribed Praluent, which was believed to be the wonder drug for me. However, I have progressively felt unwell, experiencing tiredness and dreadful joint pain so severe that I am unable to sleep. At first, I did not suspect Praluent, but rather my blood pressure medication. However, my general practitioner ran blood tests and discovered that my liver enzymes were off the scale. Upon reviewing my blood tests over the past five years, it appears that there has been a significant increase in liver enzymes since I began using Praluent. After researching potential side effects, I was horrified to discover that raised liver enzymes were listed. I am now wondering if this medication could be the cause of my health problems and have decided to stop taking it to find out. I am also undergoing tests to examine my gall bladder, which may also be the source of the problem. In addition to the liver enzyme issue, my cholesterol levels have increased over time. I initially started on 75mg of Praluent every two weeks, which yielded great results in lowering my cholesterol. However, my cholesterol level has now risen to 8.4, indicating that the medication is no longer working. As I researched potential causes of my issues, I was also interested in learning if anyone else had experienced raised liver enzymes as a side effect of Praluent."

• Pesuco
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 16, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "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."

• Charles
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 10, 2022

Praluent (alirocumab) "65 year old male going on year 3 of bi-weekly Praluent injections. Originally prescribed because I can't tolerate statins due to rhabdomyolysis. Overall cholesterol numbers cut in half from mid 200's. No side effects whatsoever. Injection itself couldn't be easier."

• L-pa
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• March 29, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "I have been on it since it was introduced. I could no longer take statins and was on a very strict diet prior to taking it for high cholesterol . I was able to find a Lipidologist to give it to me and my insurance paid which was fortunate because it was $15,000 at the time. Praluent brought my total cholesterol down about 75 points and has kept it down unless I eat a lot of fat. I still have to diet but am pretty healthy. The only side effect is a headache if I don’t take it on schedule. I take the 75 mg dose. My Lp(a) is good too."

• Rick
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 1, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "I took my 4th 150ml injection on 1/17/2023. That night, I awoke with problems swallowing. Combined with weakness, nausea, and severe joint pain. It is now 3/1/2023 and my knees, legs, feet, and fingers are very stiff and painful and walking steps is hard. Nexium is no longer working as my reflux medication as I continue to have GERD and bowel issues. My cholesterol number was very good. Continue to hope that I will be back to normal soon."

• Jimmee
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 16, 2022

Praluent (alirocumab) "Family history of high cholesterol. Had a stent put in 2014. Can't take statins, legs lock up. Started on Repatha about 4 years ago. All numbers drastically improved. No real side effects noticed. Insurance dropped Repatha in 2020 made me switch to Praluent. Numbers still staying low and no bad side effects. Maybe some foot cramps, some lower back pain, but I'm 71 so aches and pains are expected. Stuffy nose for a few days after injection. Started on 75mg pen every two weeks. I'm now on 150mg injection pen every 2 weeks (300 mg monthly). My cardiologist loves this stuff and my numbers. I worry about long term kidney or liver damage. But I don't want a heart attack either. I'm a very active 71 year old male."

• pkw
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• June 26, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "I have experienced the following side effects during the 6 months of use. Bad muscle spasms and cramps day and more at night. Continual skin rashes with severe itching I feel the very minimal benefit of reducing my cholesterol by a small amount is not worth putting up with the diminished sleep quality due to muscular problems and itching skin. I don't think this drug has any proven benefits for my situation."

• Skeet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 6, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "This is the worst drug ever. The needle is huge and is like branding an animal. It is complicated. I had to go to the pharmacists, and even she had trouble. She witnessed the sound, the bleeding, and the instant redness and swelling and said she would be my witness. I have a scar. Why would the makers of Praluent make a device so awful when they could put it on a needle like Rapatha? This is just horrible."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 14, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "I am on 75ml every two weeks. After the first dose, I only experienced a very runny nose. After the second dose, I experienced some minor flu symptoms, but wasn't sure that Praluent was the cause. After the third dose, I experienced flu-like symptoms that caused a high fever and body aches, along with headaches. This one put me to bed for a day and night. I am not due for the fourth dose for another nine days. I read a couple of other reviews of the same problem where their doctors recommended they take the dose once a month, which they did and it appeared to have resolved the problem. Therefore I am going to try the same dosage frequency and see how it goes for me. I have not been tested for cholesterol levels as yet so I cannot report on the efficiency of the drug. I will report back after my lab tests."

• Jack...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• June 23, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "I have had odd episodes that may or may not be a reaction, but have on two occasions occurred within a day of an injection. The worst episodes are two to four seconds of aphasia and brain fog. It begins with a sensation above the heart, moves upward, and hits the brain. While in the emergency room in January, I had a nervous spasm that went all the way to my feet bilaterally. The EKG was monitoring and nothing shows up during the event. Is this some very of neurological pathology?"

• Rita
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 3, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "I am 76 with high cholesterol. I could not tolerate statins because of side effects. My cardiologist put me on Praluent 75 mg, one injection every 15 days. After the 3rd injection I experienced a strange scary weakness in my legs, I went to the neurologist who ruled out any neurological issues. After the 4th injection I started gradually experiencing a serious rise in BP (u pto 170/110 !) and a constant feeling of auricolar pressure as though my head would be close to explode. My symptoms tend to clearly get worse after every new injection. I was seen by an ENT and by my cardiologist who could not understand the cause of my symptoms other than suspecting they are undocumented side effects of Praluent. This drug is still fairly new so pay attention, some side effects are scary and NOT LISTED in official leaflets but there is already one ongoing study about patients who developed hypertension as a consequence of it. I cannot comment on its effectiveness since my cholesterol tests are still to be scheduled"

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

Praluent (alirocumab) "I shared my experience with Praluent but forgot to add THE COUGH. It is so aggravating, everyday, 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 thats on this injection, researchers have done a great job, just need to improve it somewhat.."

• Calie
• Taken for less than 1 month
• October 5, 2021

Praluent (alirocumab) "Took 16 days ago start to itch after I took it next day felt flu symptoms, became very fatigue, for the 2 weeks. I never took 2nd shot broke out 4 days ago with rash on arms went to legs now stomach start with little bite like lumps than small bumps burns and itches bad. I went to doctors and they gave me cream that made it burn more, used baking soda and cortisone help itching for awhile and ice packs finally went to hospital said have to ride it through, because allergic to it Taking Benadryl, taking Claritin hope this helps. Praluent did lower my cholesterol in 6 days drop 40 points however 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 stop. I was disappointed I finally thought 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"

• statin...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• April 30, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "15 years post heart attack. Tried every statin with severe muscle cramping each time. Stopped statins and lived with very high cholesterol. After many years tried Praluent. It worked very very well. No side effects. Only issue is the cost. After three or four months, the cost puts me in the donut hole and I can't afford it until the next year. It works, but the cost of the co-pay becomes prohibitive with time. So I can only take it for a few months each year."

• Olga...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 19, 2023

Praluent (alirocumab) "Don’t yet know if it lowered my LDL which was my main concern but my muscle pain though not chronic is so severe that I requested a CK just to make sure there are no problems. The doctor assured me that praluent does not cause muscle damage and my response was, that’s what was said about Lipitor until there was muscle damage and I don’t want to be the one who says I wish I insisted on checking earlier. The weakness is also an issue. Sometimes holding my arm up to administer eye drops is a problem, holding on to a cup of coffee for any sustained time is a problem, and right now typing this message onto my iPad was a problem."