Praluent Adverse Reactions: Identifying Them and Managing Their Impact
Praluent, a biologic drug used to manage high cholesterol, has shown effectiveness in lowering LDL cholesterol levels. However, like any medication, it comes with potential side effects. Here's a breakdown of what you need to know about Praluent's side effects.
Praluent is a PCSK9 inhibitor, a type of monoclonal antibody. It's administered as a subcutaneous injection, usually given once every two weeks. The drug comes in a pre-filled pen for ease of use.
Common side effects in people taking Praluent for high cholesterol include diarrhea, urinary tract infections (UTIs), influenza (flu), nasal congestion, and injection site reactions. To help prevent injection site reactions, let Praluent come to room temperature for 30 to 40 minutes before injecting it and be sure to pick a new site for each injection.
More serious side effects, while less common, include muscle and joint pain, flu-like symptoms, increased blood sugar levels, and injection site reactions that persist. If these symptoms last longer than a few days or weeks, it's essential to talk with your doctor.
There have been reports of severe allergic reactions to Praluent, although these are rare. If you experience mild symptoms such as skin rash, itching, flushing, or swelling under the skin, call your doctor right away. In the case of serious symptoms like swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Praluent may cause elevated liver enzymes, which can be a sign of liver damage or problems with liver function. Symptoms of high liver enzyme levels may include abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, itching, nausea or loss of appetite, and jaundice. If you become pregnant while taking Praluent, tell your doctor right away. They'll help determine whether to continue taking the drug and may advise enrolling in the drug's manufacturer pregnancy safety registry.
Long-term side effects of Praluent are generally considered rare, but they can include muscle and joint pain, flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, and increased blood sugar levels. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential for monitoring these risks.
It's important to note that Praluent isn't available in a biosimilar version, and there's not enough information to know whether it's safe to take during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you can become pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking Praluent.
Lastly, drinking alcohol while taking Praluent may further increase the risk of liver damage. If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about it.
After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Praluent and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.
In summary, while Praluent is effective at lowering LDL cholesterol, potential long-term side effects include muscle/joint pain, flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, and increased blood sugar levels that require medical attention if persistent or severe. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is essential for monitoring these risks.
- Praluent, a PCSK9 inhibitor, is used to manage high cholesterol levels, but it might cause common side effects like diarrhea, urinary tract infections, flu, nasal congestion, and injection site reactions.
- To prevent injection site reactions, let Praluent come to room temperature and choose a new injection site each time.
- Serious side effects of Praluent, though less common, include muscle and joint pain, flu-like symptoms, increased blood sugar levels, and persistent injection site reactions.
- Severe allergic reactions to Praluent are rare, but patients should be cautious and report mild symptoms like skin rash, itching, flushing, or swelling under the skin to their doctor immediately.
- Praluent may cause elevated liver enzymes, potentially indicating liver damage or impaired function, and patients should notify their doctor of symptoms such as abdominal pain, dark urine, fatigue, itching, nausea, loss of appetite, or jaundice.
- Pregnant women should consult their doctor before taking Praluent, as there's limited information about its safety during pregnancy.
- Long-term side effects of Praluent might include muscle and joint pain, flu-like symptoms, injection site reactions, and increased blood sugar levels, which may require regular monitoring by a healthcare provider.
- Praluent isn't available in a biosimilar version, and its safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding hasn't been thoroughly established.
- The FDA tracks side effects of approved medications, and patients who experience side effects from Praluent can report them to the MedWatch program.
