Alirocumab
Generic Name: alirocumab
Brand Names:
Praluent
11 DESCRIPTION Alirocumab is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG1 isotype) that targets proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Alirocumab is a PCSK9 inhibitor produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese Hamster Ovary cell suspension culture. Alirocumab consists of two disulfide-linked human heavy chains, each covalently linked through a disulfide bond to a human kappa light chain.
Overview
11 DESCRIPTION Alirocumab is a human monoclonal antibody (IgG1 isotype) that targets proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Alirocumab is a PCSK9 inhibitor produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese Hamster Ovary cell suspension culture. Alirocumab consists of two disulfide-linked human heavy chains, each covalently linked through a disulfide bond to a human kappa light chain.
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PRALUENT ® is indicated: To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (coronary heart disease death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization) in adults at increased risk for these events . As an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: adults with hypercholesterolemia. adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).
Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION In adults with hypercholesterolemia, including HeFH ( 2.1 ): The recommended starting dosage of PRALUENT is either 75 mg once every 2 weeks or 300 mg once every 4 weeks administered subcutaneously. For patients receiving PRALUENT 300 mg every 4 weeks, measure LDL-C just prior to the next scheduled dosage, because LDL-C can vary between dosages in some patients. If the LDL-C response is inadequate, the dosage may be adjusted 150 mg subcutaneously every 2 weeks. In adults with HeFH undergoing LDL apheresis or in adults with HoFH ( 2.1 ): The recommended dosage of PRALUENT is 150 mg once every 2 weeks administered subcutaneously. PRALUENT can be administered without regard to the timing of LDL apheresis.
Side Effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are also discussed in the other sections of the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Common (>5% of patients treated with PRALUENT and more frequently than placebo) adverse reactions in adults with: Primary hypercholesterolemia : injection site reactions, and influenza. ( 6 ) Established CV disease: myalgia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Regeneron at 1-844-734-6643 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Warnings
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions: hypersensitivity vasculitis, angioedema, and other hypersensitivity reactions requiring hospitalization, have been reported with PRALUENT treatment. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue treatment with PRALUENT, treat according to the standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including hypersensitivity vasculitis, angioedema, and other hypersensitivity reactions requiring hospitalization, have been reported with PRALUENT treatment. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PRALUENT is contraindicated in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to alirocumab or any of the excipients in PRALUENT. Hypersensitivity vasculitis, angioedema, and hypersensitivity reactions requiring hospitalization have occurred [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
Pregnancy
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from clinical trials and postmarketing reports on PRALUENT use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there were no effects on embryo-fetal development when rats were subcutaneously administered alirocumab during organogenesis at dose exposures up to 12-fold the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose of 150 mg every two weeks.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C) in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze. Do not shake. PRALUENT may be kept at room temperature up to 77°F (25°C) in the original carton for 30 days. If not used within the 30 days, discard PRALUENT.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Alirocumab used for?▼
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE PRALUENT ® is indicated: To reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular (CV) events (coronary heart disease death, myocardial infarction, stroke, or unstable angina requiring hospitalization) in adults at increased risk for these events . As an adjunct to diet and exercise to reduce low- density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in: adults with hypercholesterolemia. adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HoFH).
What are the side effects of Alirocumab?▼
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are also discussed in the other sections of the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Common (>5% of patients treated with PRALUENT and more frequently than placebo) adverse reactions in adults with: Primary hypercholesterolemia : injection site reactions, and influenza. ( 6 ) Established CV disease: myalgia. ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Regeneron at 1-844-734-6643 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Can I take Alirocumab during pregnancy?▼
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data from clinical trials and postmarketing reports on PRALUENT use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. In animal reproduction studies, there were no effects on embryo-fetal development when rats were subcutaneously administered alirocumab during organogenesis at dose exposures up to 12-fold the exposure at the maximum recommended human dose of 150 mg every two weeks.
What are the important warnings for Alirocumab?▼
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Hypersensitivity reactions: hypersensitivity vasculitis, angioedema, and other hypersensitivity reactions requiring hospitalization, have been reported with PRALUENT treatment. If signs or symptoms of serious hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue treatment with PRALUENT, treat according to the standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve. ( 5.1 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions, including hypersensitivity vasculitis, angioedema, and other hypersensitivity reactions requiring hospitalization, have been reported with PRALUENT treatment. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS PRALUENT is contraindicated in patients with a history of a serious hypersensitivity reaction to alirocumab or any of the excipients in PRALUENT. Hypersensitivity vasculitis, angioedema, and hypersensitivity reactions requiring hospitalization have occurred [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
Related Medications
Medical Disclaimer
This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.