Praluent for High Cholesterol, Familial Heterozygous User Reviews (Page 2)

• No to...
• December 17, 2020

"HORRIBLE BREAKOUT I have heart disease and cholesterol of 151 - every statin has horrible side effects on me so cardiologist wanted me on Rapatha but insurance would only over Paluent. I've tried 4x now to go along with cholesterol meds and this did it in for me. I injected in my right thigh about 9pm, woke up at midnight with stomach pain so severe I thought about the hospital- it finally subsided. 2 hours later I awoke to a horrible itching on my right calf and turning the lights on looked like a horrible bite or infection. By the next morning my left leg broke out in a severe dark purple bubbled rash all over. Then my torso broke out with shingles. Multiple visits to my GP and dermatologist and all concur this was absolutely the Praluent. Looking online, rashes and shingles can be side effects. My dermatologist said it made me break out in eczema, psoriasis and shingles at the same time. Im on high doses of Prendisone and topical heavy duty steroids and an anti-viral."

• Noonoo
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2019

"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 2017. I’m on my 6th injection of Praluent 75mg. I requested this dose over the 150mg to start as I’m hypersensitive to everything. I hope to eventually titrate up to the 150mg 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."

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

"Age 57. It has lower my LDL to 62. At age 49 I had a bypass 10 years later a stent and then had procedure to kill some of my extra heart beats. 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 stops Throat gets dry sometimes then coughing and mucus starts running down throat."

• Carol...
• February 20, 2024

"Wonderful. Lowered LDL from 138 to 65. I have been on this medicine for over a year. I tried a diet change and statins which caused muscle aches. Tired for a few days after injection first few months. That has gone away."

• Dennis...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• August 9, 2016

"This the first time I have my cholesterol under control in30 years dropped from 388 to166 after 4 months. It is very expensive though hope price is reduced soon im lucky to be getting help from the Patient Access Network.i worry about this help being stopped in the future which will cause me to stop taking it and having to go back to the medications I used to take which did nothing for me"

• Jack...
• May 4, 2017

"74 year old male, triple bypass in 2002. Cholesterol around 300 previous to drug therapy, now at 116. Tried many varieties of statins, all had arthritis like side effects. Haven't noticed the same issues with this drug, arthritic pain now only occurs after strenuous labor. Drug is very expensive and financial help not easy to come by. NO luck with the PAN network."

• Abusy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

"Prior to using Praluent total cholesterol was 220 and all other related chol levels were high. After using Praluent 150/mg injectables q2wks x 2mos (3 injections prior to most recent blood test, 4th injection administered the day after blood was drawn), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel Plasma test show all of cholesterol numbers are significantly lower w/ no adverse side effects. Post CV event, 6 mothns ago started Crestor 10mg@pm, Brilinta 90mg q12h, ASA 80mg qd, Koreg q12h, Losartan 25mg qd Sig for 63yo atherosclerotic 225lbs male w/ one stent. Praluent (alirocumab) 150/mg subq inject q2w. -Current cholesterol levels- Chol-79 Trig-72 HDL-62H LDL-17"

• kev10rn
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 25, 2022

"After the first couple weeks on Praluent, I noticed Achilles tendon pain, right hip pain, low back pain, 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."

• Pralu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 28, 2023

"Could not take Repatha due to severe gastrointestinal issues for a month and severe irritability. Doctor suggested Praluent 75mg and I had 3 shots. After each shot, I had bee stinging feelings all over my body and severe lightning strike pain in my upper back after the 3rd shot. I experienced leg cramps from the beginning, and now the joints that were already hurting hurt even worse. Additionally, I now have a swollen lip and bleeding gums. The doctor's office advised me to stop taking the shot. I was really hopeful, but now I can't take anything else."

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

"After one year on Praulent (75 mg every two weeks) with no noticeable side effects, I began to notice 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 Praulent as my cardiologist had told me that I would have to take it the rest of my life. I went kayaking the first of August. Afterward, I barely got my kayak up into the the bed of my truck and 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 were feeling like I had a constant flu, body aches and pains, tingling and sharp pains in shoulder joints, difficulty standing and walking. I discontinued Praulent, 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."

• Jimmy
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 1, 2018

"I've been on praluent for 5 years now. First in a clinical trial, then phase 2 trial and now as prescribed by my lipid specialist. I have had NO side effects whatsoever. I am now 50 years old, and take crestor 40mg and praluent 150mg. I've been on statins for 20 years which reduced my total cholesterol & LDL moderately but still elevated (240 total)( 190 lDL) my current level 170 total and 71 LDL. I am not overweight and exercise a couple times per week. I have had an abnormal calcium score and noted plaque in my right carotid. I feel this drug is saving my life."

• Schuy...
• August 2, 2017

"I have genetic heterozygous familial hyperlipidemia. I have a good diet and decent amount of regular exercise. My LDL has shot way down after a short time on this drug, from 154 to 40-85 range. HDL is slightly lower at 37 than it used to be - 39,40. I've been taking it for 6 months. My liver enzymes are elevated but still within range. I haven't seen too many physical side effects except recently I had bruising and soreness at the injection site with my last shot- this hasn't happened before. I sometimes have liver and digestive pain but I also have GI issues from before so I'm not sure it's the drug. I'm pleased but hoping my liver enzymes stabilize and the injection sites don't get too sore in the future. I also take high dose statins."

• Kayt
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2022

"My experience happened in June of 2019 as a result of taking Praluent 75 mg. for a couple of months and it was so severe that I wrote down all my symptoms so that I would remember the chain of events. At 8:00 PM I started to have such pressure and pain in my head and in my ears that I was certain I was having a stroke. My face and neck became numb with a severe constriction from my neck throughout my head. My chest became flushed, my hands were shaking, my eyes were watering profusely. The pain spread to my spine. My hands and legs felt arthritic. I stopped the injections after this experience and have never taken Praluent again. Unfortunately, my cholesterol numbers worsened. I want you to know there have been residual problems from taking Praluent. I have been diagnosed with numerous auto immune diseases within the last 3 years. I believe this drug causes extreme and lasting problems. I'm living it."

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

"I switched to a Mediterranean diet lifestyle to lower my cholesterol and to be healthier. I lost 15 pounds and lowered my bad cholesterol (LDL) from 188 to 138 with this lifestyle change and by using a non-statin drug Zetia. I go to the gym 5 days a week doing a variety of activities and have always been physically active I am 67 years old, five foot six, and weigh 144 pounds. Four months ago I went on Praluent 75 mg. I had some mild side effects like headaches first 3 days and tiredness. Those symptoms went away by the 3rd month. My cholesterol total score is now 138. My LDL is down to 65."

• tammy
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 26, 2018

"I had been taking statins for years and worked my way through all the brands with multiple side effects. I have injected myself with three doses of Praluent over a six week period and my cholesterol has come down 60% and let have had no side effects."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 4, 2021

"Third dose and my BP is through the roof! I have been in cardio rehab and workout twice a week for months and have my BP taken when I come in. It has steadily risen since I started Praluent a month ago til it was 170/111! Nurse had me sit a bit and it went down to 155/70. She told me to take my BP again today and it was 167/111. I go again tomorrow. My last visit. I was doing great until the Praluent. Calling my cardiologist first thing in the morning. Not taking this damn drug! Can’t tolerate statins…now what???"

• Scott
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• July 18, 2021

"I used both Rapatha and Praulent 150 mg Twice a month. It was found I was allergic to Lipitor. So cardiologists prescribed both the above drugs. After having severe bronchitis mucus buildup in my lungs. I take cold medicine to help. I will ask for something stronger from my doctor. Stopped taking the above drugs and now take Nexlizet 10mg One daily. Needless to say I had extreme 99% blockages in four arteries and now have 6 stents. My cardiologist stated I have a genetic cholesterol condition. I took Lipitor for 20 years."

• Brian
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 24, 2022

"I started taking Praluent 75mg in March of 2020. It immediately gave me best cholesterol numbers of my life. Cardio wanted LDL even lower so he put me on 150mg every 2 weeks. For one year I took this dose with small side effects. It definitely agitated my sinuses and I used to get phantom smells which could be sinuses. Fast forward to February 2021, I get my first Pfizer Covid Vaccination and developed severe itching of the hands starting 3 days after Praluent injection lasting 3-4 days. Over the few months it got worse so we went back to 75mg. Itching stopped for a couple of months then it started doing it again on the 75 mg. By August 2021 I was itching from 3 days after injection to 1 day prior to the next injection 2 weeks later. I stopped the med in August 21. My numbers went through the roof. My LDL was higher than it had ever been. I believe there is a REBOUND effect when you stop this med. Can't take statins. Repatha gave me Gastritis. So I'm back trying to get on Praluent again"

• theob...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• January 21, 2023

"I have been taking Praluent for 1 year now. At first 150mg twice a month. After taking it for 6 months medication was reduced to 75mg twice a month because low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels were very low and I was experiencing leg spasms that kept me awake at night. Spasms are less frequent but I now have aches in my feet, legs, back, shoulders, and hands. I cannot go for long walks anymore or do gardening and maintenance which goes against my doctors' recommendations to keep active. I have also gained 10 pounds because I am now limited in my physical activities. I am 70 years old and have had 3 stents put in. Has anyone else had the same experience?"

• Lbd
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 30, 2023

"I have been having muscle pains since starting it. I do not know how effective it is since I have not been tested since starting it. The cost is very high ($200 per month) - not sure if it is that different from the statin I was taking."

• Kat
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 3, 2023

"I am a 56-year-old, petite, otherwise healthy woman with familial high cholesterol. I adjusted my diet and increased exercise after diagnosis, and after three months, my total bad cholesterol only went down 12 points. I refuse to use statins due to the horror stories I have heard from other users. I tried Praluent instead - 150mg, twice a month. My initial side effects were nasal pressure and a runny nose, which disappeared after the first injection. The only lingering side effect is diarrhea the day after the injection. I now take an Imodium the next day preventively. My blood work shows that after three months on Praluent, my bad cholesterol went down from 224 to 147. These are good results. I can handle the side effects since it is only one day. All other blood work is good, and no other side effects. I will continue on the medication and will see where my numbers are in another six months."

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

"Since starts this medication I have experienced constant mild congestion with mild coughing and morning runny nose. Muscle spasms in my legs at night. Pain in the ham string of the back of my left ankle while walking. Achilles tendon. I had none of these symptoms before taking this medication. Lowest dose 2 time a month. So far I have had 6 injections. Will blood test in the next two weeks for results."

• Pralu...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2021

"75 ml praluent injections since August reduced from 240 to 144mg/dl. The FDA approved it for use in hypercholesterolemia patients in April 2021. Then I helped lift a heavy furniture box with my son, stood on a tall ladder, and days later developed intractable pain in my lower back radiating to my left leg, which is common in an injury that pinches the sciatic nerve ("sciatica"). Normally, an NSAID pain reliever would have provided relief, but I just underwent TAVR in early August (and started taking Praluent before that, and Eliquis several years before the surgery was needed), I could not take the NSAID drug I usually took. The pain escalated and my GP prescribed prednisone, which helped with what was becoming two new rotator cuff injuries on my arms from using a cane instead of a walker or wheelchair. But the prednisone did nothing for the back pain, and by the way, is also incompatible with Praluent, which I have discontinued for now."

• bodiv...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 22, 2021

"After a year of therapy the results are outstanding! I had no way of reducing my LDL and raising my HDL cholesterol, even though I was able to bring down the overall cholesterol with 'statins. This worked precisely where I needed help. Since I have been a previous MI patient it was double important for my saving."

• Chris...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 16, 2021

"After almost 35 years of taking statins, I can no longer tolerate the joint and muscle pain. I used Praluent 75 mg for 2 months, but my numbers did not come down to acceptable levels. I have taken 3 injections of 150 mg and noticed the following: 1 week after 1st dose, I started to experience muscle twitches that went away after a few days. I would also wake up with my heart racing; which I thought was weird since I hadn’t gotten out of bed yet. One week after the second dose, I went to the ER with something that felt like muscle spasms in my heart (diagnosed premature atrial contractions). It lasted several hours, but went away. 3 days after my third dose, I woke up with heart palpitations that are still going at 3:00pm, which is where I am now. After reading that others have had severe palpitations, I will discuss discontinuing with my doctor and either stop or reduce my dosage."