If you have high cholesterol or cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels), your doctor may suggest Praluent for you. It’s a prescription drug used to:

The active ingredient in Praluent is alirocumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Praluent belongs to a group of drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors.

Praluent comes as a liquid solution in a prefilled pen. You’ll inject the drug under your skin.

This article describes the dosages of Praluent, as well as its strengths and how to use it. To learn more about Praluent, see this in-depth article.

Please keep in mind that this article covers Praluent’s standard dosing schedules, which are provided by the drugmaker. But always follow the dosage schedule and instructions your doctor provides.

“Praluent’s dosage is detailed below.”

What is Praluent’s form?

Praluent comes as a liquid solution inside of a single-dose prefilled pen. You inject the drug under your skin.

What strengths does Praluent come in?

75 and 150 are the strengths of Praluent.

What are the usual dosages of Praluent?

Your doctor can prescribe you a low dose and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. They will prescribe the smallest dose that will provide the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to follow the dosing instructions your doctor provides. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage to reduce LDL cholesterol

Praluent is used to reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in people with high cholesterol.

The dosage of Praluent is either:

  • 75 or 150 grams given once every 2 weeks.
  • 300mg given once every 4 weeks.

“Your doctor may adjust your dosage if this doesn’t reduce your cholesterol enough. Your doctor can tell you more about the Praluent that is right for you.”

Dosage to lower certain risks in people with cardiovascular disease

Praluent is used to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or unstable angina that requires a hospital stay in adults with cardiovascular disease (disease of the heart and blood vessels).

The dosage of Praluent is either:

  • 75 percent of it is given once every 2 weeks.
  • 300mg given once every 4 weeks.

The doctor will determine the right dose of Praluent for you.

Is Praluent used long term?

Praluent is a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor agree that it is safe and effective for your condition, you will likely use it for a long time.

If you missed a dose of Praluent, you have 7 days to get it. Then, inject your next dose.

If it has been more than 7 days since you missed your dose.

  • If you miss a dose, you should inject your next dose as scheduled.
  • If you inject the drug every 4 weeks, you should start a new schedule based on this date.

If you need help remembering to inject your dose of Praluent on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

You inject Praluent under your skin of your belly or thigh. If someone else is giving you the injection, your upper arm is also an option for an injection site.

Your doctor will teach you how to give a Praluent injection. You should not give yourself an injection until you have received this training.

You can also find written directions and an instructional video on the Praluent website.

If you store Praluent in the refrigerator, take it out within 30 to 40 minutes. The drug can reach room temperature. Do not place the drug in the sun.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Praluent, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

“If you can’t read the prescription label on your medication, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies have labels for medication.”

  • Large print or use of blind.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text to sound.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer accessibility features, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

If you inject more Praluent than your doctor prescribes, you can have serious side effects.

What to do in case you inject too much Praluent

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Praluent. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

The dosages provided by the drugmaker are described in the sections above. If your doctor recommends Praluent, they will prescribe the correct amount.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Praluent without your doctor’s recommendation. Only use Praluent exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Some questions you may want to ask your doctor.

  • Will you change my Praluent dose if I take other drugs to lower my cholesterol?
  • Will I have more side effects if I need a higher dose?
  • “Will you change my dose if Praluent isn’t working well for me?”

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Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.