What is Alirocumab?
Alirocumab is an injectable prescription medication that belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It is used to treat high cholesterol and prevent cardiovascular disease in patients who are at increased risk, particularly those with a history of heart attack, stroke, or peripheral artery disease. Alirocumab works by binding to proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), an enzyme that helps regulate the amount of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in the blood. By inhibiting PCSK9, alirocumab lowers LDL-C levels and reduces cardiovascular risk. It is administered via a subcutaneous injection every two weeks.
What is Alirocumab used for?
Alirocumab is a medication used to treat high cholesterol and other forms of hyperlipidemia. It belongs to a class of drugs known as PCSK9 inhibitors, which work by blocking the activity of the proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) enzyme. This enzyme plays a key role in the regulation of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in the blood.
By inhibiting PCSK9, alirocumab helps to increase the number of LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells, which in turn leads to an increased clearance of LDL particles from the bloodstream. This results in a significant reduction in LDL-C levels, making it easier for patients with high cholesterol or other forms of hyperlipidemia to manage their condition and reduce their risk of cardiovascular disease. Alirocumab is administered via subcutaneous injection once every two weeks. It has been shown to be effective in reducing LDL-C levels across a range of patient populations, including those with primary hypercholesterolemia or familial hypercholesterolemia.
Alirocumab side effects
- Hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis)
- Injection site reactions (e.g., pain, erythema, induration)
- Musculoskeletal pain
- Nasopharyngitis
- Injection site reactions at multiple sites
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Muscle spasm
- Osteoarthritis exacerbation
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Anemia
- Cough
- Flu syndrome
- Increased lipase
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