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Praluent Coupon - Praluent 2 pens of 75mg/ml carton

Praluent

alirocumab
Used for Heart Attack, Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke Risk Reduction, High Cholesterol
Used for Heart Attack, Coronary Artery Disease, Stroke Risk Reduction, High Cholesterol

Praluent (alirocumab), is a PCSK9 inhibitor used to treat high cholesterol in certain adults and children, including those with a genetic condition called familial hypercholesterolemia. The medication also helps lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for chest pain in adults with heart disease. Praluent (alirocumab) is injected under the skin in the thigh, stomach, or upper arm every 2 weeks or 4 weeks, depending on your dose. Common side effects include injection-site reactions, flu or flu-like symptoms (e.g. sneezing, coughing, runny nose), and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on March 17, 2025
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageCostAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Praluent (alirocumab)?

What is Praluent (alirocumab) used for?

How Praluent (alirocumab) works

Praluent (alirocumab) is a PCSK9 inhibitor, which means it blocks a protein called PCSK9. Normally, PCSK9 prevents the liver from removing LDL cholesterol from the blood. By blocking PCSK9, Praluent (alirocumab) helps your body clear out more LDL cholesterol, leading to lower cholesterol levels.

When does Praluent (alirocumab) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPraluent
Drug ClassPCSK9 inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Praluent (alirocumab) essentials

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What are the side effects of Praluent (alirocumab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

Other Side Effects

  • Muscle pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Bruise

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, rash, hives, itching
When do Praluent (alirocumab) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Injection-site reactions

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Praluent (alirocumab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Lowers LDL ("bad") cholesterol by about 50% to 60%

Reduces the risk of heart problems in adults with heart disease

Used alone or with other cholesterol-lowering medications

Given either every 2 or 4 weeks

thumbs-down

Cons

Must be injected under the skin

Side effects include injection-site reactions, flu, and diarrhea

Potential for serious allergic reactions

Not known if safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Praluent (alirocumab)

pharmacist

  • Mark your calendar for prescriber visits and blood tests while taking Praluent (alirocumab). Your prescriber will check your cholesterol levels and might adjust your dose based on your lab results.

    • Follow a healthy and balanced diet low in fat and exercise regularly while taking Praluent (alirocumab). Doing so will help you get the most benefit out of the medication.

      • Praluent (alirocumab) can cause serious allergic reactions, like swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Stop using it and get medical help right away if you have trouble breathing or a severe rash.

        • It's not fully known if Praluent (alirocumab) is safe in pregnancy. Animal studies show no harm, but discuss to your prescriber about the risks and benefits.

          • Though likely safe, Praluent (alirocumab) while breastfeeding isn't well studied. Talk to your prescriber or OB-GYN provider, especially if you're nursing a newborn or premature baby.

            • Store Praluent (alirocumab) in the refrigerator and its original carton to protect it from light. It can also be kept at room temperature for up to 30 days.

              Tips for what to do if you miss a dose:

              • If you miss a dose and it's been 7 days or less, take Praluent (alirocumab) as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule.

                • If more than 7 days have passed and you inject Praluent (alirocumab) every 2 weeks, skip the missed dose and and take your next dose at the usual time.

                  • If more than 7 days have passed and you inject Praluent (alirocumab) every 4 weeks, give yourself a dose and start a new schedule from this date.

                    How to use Praluent (alirocumab):

                    • Make sure you know how to use Praluent (alirocumab). Watch this instructional video and read the instructions for use for the 75 mg pen or 150 mg pen and contact a member of your care team if you have any questions.

                      • Check your medication strength: Praluent (alirocumab)] comes in 75 mg/mL and 150 mg/mL. If your dose is 300 mg, you’ll need two injections using different sites.

                        • When it's time for a dose, take the pen out of the refrigerator and let it warm to room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes. Don't warm it up in the microwave, sun, or hot water since it can damage the medication.

                          • Pick an injection site (thigh, stomach, or upper arm) and clean it with an alcohol wipe. Be sure to rotate injection sites with each dose to avoid irritation. Don't inject into tender, bruised, hard, or red skin, or areas with visible veins, scars, or stretch marks.

                            • Inject at a 90° angle by pressing the yellow safety cover onto your skin until it's no longer visible. Once you hear a click, hold the pen in place until the dose window turns yellow, which can take about 20 seconds.

                              • Throw away used needles pens in a sharps container or a sturdy plastic container, such as an empty milk carton or laundry detergent bottle. Don't throw them away in your trash can.

                                faqs

                                Frequently asked questions about Praluent (alirocumab)

                                Is Praluent (alirocumab) a statin?
                                No, Praluent (alirocumab) isn't a statin, it's a PCSK9 inhibitor. Both statins and PCSK9 inhibitors work differently to lower cholesterol. Statins reduce how much cholesterol your body makes, whereas PCSK9 inhibitors, like Praluent (alirocumab), help your body remove more cholesterol from the blood. Some people might need to take both a statin and a PCSK9 inhibitor to better control their cholesterol levels.
                                What's the difference between Praluent (alirocumab) and Repatha (evolocumab)?
                                Praluent (alirocumab) and Repatha (evolocumab) are both PCSK9 inhibitors that help lower cholesterol. They are both injected under the skin either every 2 or 4 weeks, and studies show they are similar in how well they work and safety. One key difference is their FDA-approved age cut-offs. For HoFH, Praluent (alirocumab) is approved for adults, while Repatha (evolocumab) can be used in adults and children ages 10 and older. For HeFH, Praluent (alirocumab) is approved for children ages 8 and older, while Repatha (evolocumab) is approved for people ages 10 and older. Talk to your prescriber if you have questions about comparing these medications.
                                Does Praluent (alirocumab) raise blood sugar?
                                It's not completely clear if Praluent (alirocumab) raises blood sugar since study results are mixed. While some studies show Praluent (alirocumab) doesn't raise blood sugar or A1c, other data suggests it might slightly raise blood sugar. If you have diabetes or concerns about blood sugar control, talk to a healthcare professional to see how Praluent (alirocumab) fits into your treatment plan.
                                Does Praluent (alirocumab) cause hair loss?
                                Hair loss wasn't reported as a side effect in clinical studies of Praluent (alirocumab). Contact your prescriber if you notice hair loss, hair shedding, or hair thinning while you're taking this medication. They can help figure out possible causes and discuss potential solutions.
                                How long does Praluent (alirocumab) stay in your system?
                                It takes about 2 to 3 months for most of Praluent (alirocumab) to leave your body after a single dose. This estimate is based on the half-life, which measures how long a medication stays in your system. Even though Praluent (alirocumab) remains in your body for months, it should be taken every 2 or 4 weeks to keep the medication levels high enough in your body for it to work well to lower cholesterol.
                                Can I take Praluent (alirocumab) a day early?
                                It's best to take Praluent (alirocumab) on schedule, either every 2 weeks or 4 weeks as prescribed. But occasionally taking it a day early is unlikely to be harmful. Staying as close to your regular schedule as possible helps keep your cholesterol levels stable. If you’re unsure or need to adjust your schedule, talk to your prescriber for guidance.
                                How long can Praluent (alirocumab) be stored at room temperature?
                                Praluent (alirocumab) should be stored in the refrigerator. But it also can be kept at room temperature (up to 77°F) in the original carton for up to 30 days. If the medication isn't used within 30 days, it should be thrown away.
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                                What are the risks and warnings for Praluent (alirocumab)?

                                Praluent (alirocumab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                                risk-warning

                                Serious allergic reaction

                                Praluent (alirocumab) can cause serious allergic reactions, including life-threatening ones like anaphylaxis. Symptoms include rash, itching, hives, facial swelling, and trouble breathing. If you experience any signs of a serious allergic reaction, stop using the medication immediately and get medical help right away.

                                dosage

                                Praluent (alirocumab) dosage forms

                                Typical dosing for Praluent (alirocumab)

                                Praluent (alirocumab) is given as an injection under the skin in the thigh, stomach, or upper arm.

                                • Adults:

                                  • High cholesterol or HeFH: The typical starting dose is 75 mg every 2 weeks or 300 mg every 4 weeks. If your LDL is still high, your prescriber might raise your dose to 150 mg every 2 weeks

                                  • HeFH and undergoing LDL apheresis or HoFH: The typical dose is 150 mg every 2 weeks.

                                • Children ages 8 and older with HeFH:

                                  • Weigh less than 110 lbs (50 kg): The typical dose is 150 mg every 4 weeks. If your child's LDL is still high, their prescriber might change the dose to 75 mg every 2 weeks.

                                  • Weigh 110 lbs (50 kg) or more: The typical dose is 300 mg every 4 weeks. If your child's LDL is still high, their prescriber might change the dose to 150 mg every 2 weeks.

                                drug-cost

                                How much does Praluent (alirocumab) cost?

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                                Praluent (brand)
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                                alternatives

                                What are alternatives to Praluent (alirocumab)?

                                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Praluent (alirocumab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                Praluent (alirocumab)
                                Used for:
                                $525.77 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                Repatha (evolocumab)
                                Used for:

                                • High cholesterol in adults

                                • Inherited condition causing extremely high cholesterol (heterozygous and homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia) in people aged 10 years and older

                                • Lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, and the need for heart procedures (like stent placement) in adults with known heart disease

                                $581.38 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                Leqvio (inclisiran)
                                Used for:
                                View Prices
                                images

                                Praluent (alirocumab) images

                                yellow - Praluent Prefilled Pen 75mg / 1mL Solution for Injection
                                This medicine is Yellow Carton.yellow - Praluent Prefilled Pen 75mg / 1mL Solution for Injection

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                                References

                                Best studies we found

                                American Heart Association. (2024). What is familial hypercholesterolemia?

                                Carugo, S., et al. (2022). PCSK9 inhibition and risk of diabetes: Should we worry? Current Atherosclerosis Reports.

                                Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). (2023). Alirocumab.

                                View All References (12)

                                Family Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Homozygous FH.

                                Family Heart Foundation. (n.d.). Lipoprotein apheresis.

                                Family Heart Foundation. (2014). What is heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia?

                                Leiter, L. A., et al. (2017). Efficacy and safety of alirocumab in insulin-treated individuals with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk: The ODYSSEY DM-INSULIN randomized trial. Diabetes.

                                McDonagh, M., et al. (2016). A systematic review of PCSK9 inhibitors alirocumab and evolocumab. Journal of Managed Care & Specialty Pharmacy.

                                MotherToBaby. (2024). Alirocumab (Praluent®).

                                Pokhrel, B., et al. (2024). PCSK9 inhibitors.

                                Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). How to use Praluent.

                                Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2024). Instructions for use: Praluent® (PRAHL-u-ent) (alirocumab) injection for subcutaneous injection single-dose pre-filled pen (75 mg/mL).

                                Sanofi-Aventis U.S. LLC. (2024). Praluent- alirocumab injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                Schwartz, G. G., et al. (2018). Alirocumab and Cardiovascular Outcomes after Acute Coronary Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine.

                                Snyder, C., et al. (2025). Inherited high cholesterol in children: What families need to know. Healthychildren.org.

                                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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