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What Is Praluent?

Praluent is a prescription injectable medication containing alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, or PCSK9. It lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly called LDL cholesterol. Praluent is approved for certain adults with hypercholesterolemia and patients with inherited cholesterol disorders. It is also approved to reduce major cardiovascular events in adults at increased risk. Praluent is administered beneath the skin at scheduled intervals and is used alongside diet, exercise, and other cholesterol treatments when appropriate.

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What Is Praluent?

Praluent is a prescription injectable medication containing alirocumab, a monoclonal antibody that inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9, or PCSK9. It lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, commonly called LDL cholesterol. Praluent is approved for certain adults with hypercholesterolemia and patients with inherited cholesterol disorders. It is also approved to reduce major cardiovascular events in adults at increased risk. Praluent is administered beneath the skin at scheduled intervals and is used alongside diet, exercise, and other cholesterol treatments when appropriate.

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How Does Praluent Work?

Praluent binds to PCSK9, a protein that promotes breakdown of LDL receptors on liver cells. These receptors remove LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. By inhibiting PCSK9, alirocumab allows more LDL receptors to remain available, increasing removal of LDL cholesterol from circulation. This lowers blood LDL concentrations and can reduce cardiovascular risk in eligible adults. Praluent works differently from statins, which reduce cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Treatment response is evaluated through cholesterol testing and clinical assessment.

What Conditions Does Praluent Treat?

Praluent is approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, including coronary heart disease death, heart attack, stroke, and hospitalization for unstable angina, in adults at increased risk. It is also used alongside diet and exercise to lower LDL cholesterol in adults with hypercholesterolemia, adults and children aged eight years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, and adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Treatment eligibility depends on cholesterol measurements, cardiovascular risk, medical history, and previous lipid-lowering therapy.

How Is Praluent Administered?

Praluent is administered by subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Adults with hypercholesterolemia commonly begin with 75 mg every two weeks or 300 mg every four weeks. The dose may be adjusted to 150 mg every two weeks when additional LDL reduction is needed. Adults with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia generally receive 150 mg every two weeks. Pediatric dosing for heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia depends on body weight. Injection sites should be rotated, and patients or caregivers should receive training before administering the medication at home.

What Are the Side Effects and Warnings of Praluent?

Common adverse effects include injection-site redness, itching, swelling, and discomfort. Some patients experience cold-like symptoms, influenza-like illness, or muscle pain. Serious allergic reactions, including hypersensitivity and angioedema, can occur. Praluent should not be used by patients with a history of serious hypersensitivity to alirocumab or its ingredients. Patients should follow proper injection and storage instructions and undergo recommended cholesterol monitoring. Facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread allergic reaction requires immediate medical attention.

Common Questions About Praluent

Is Praluent the same as alirocumab?

Yes. Praluent is the brand name for alirocumab, an injectable PCSK9 inhibitor used to lower LDL cholesterol and reduce certain cardiovascular risks.

Is Praluent a statin?

No. Praluent is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits PCSK9. Statins lower cholesterol through a different mechanism.

How often is Praluent injected?

Depending on the indication and dose, Praluent is commonly injected every two or four weeks. Pediatric and certain inherited cholesterol disorder regimens have specific instructions.

Can children receive Praluent?

Yes. Praluent is approved for children aged eight years and older with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia. Pediatric dosing is based on body weight.

References

Alirocumab. PubChem. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Alirocumab. Date Accessed November 2, 2026.

Alirocumab and Cardiovascular Outcomes after Acute Coronary Syndrome. The New England Journal of Medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30403574/. Date Accessed November 2, 2026.

Alirocumab Injection. MedlinePlus. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615035.html. Date Accessed November 2, 2026.

DailyMed - PRALUENT (alirocumab) injection, solution. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=446f6b5c-0dd4-44ff-9bc2-c2b41f2806b4. Date Accessed November 2, 2026.

Praluent. European Medicines Agency. https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/praluent. Date Accessed November 2, 2026.