Alirocumab may be used on its own or together with other medicines to help lower your cholesterol (fat) levels in the blood.
Excessive cholesterol in your body can clog up your blood vessels. This can lead to many health problems such as stroke and heart disease, including heart attack.
This medicine is meant to be used as part of a complete cholesterol management programme that should include exercise, a healthy diet and lifestyle.
Alirocumab is to be injected subcutaneously (into the fatty layer under the skin, usually in the thigh, upper arm, or abdomen area).
If you or a caregiver had been given the proper training on the preparation and injection techniques of this medicine, you or your caregiver may do the administration.
Use Alirocumab exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not administer more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Remember to rotate the injection sites. Do not inject into the same area all the time. New injection sites should be at least 1.5 inches away from the previous injection site. Do not inject near the navel (belly button), and into areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks or visible veins.
Alirocumab is available as a pre-filled pen or syringe. Make sure you know how to use the specific device you have been given. If you have problems or do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Alirocumab must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
If you or a caregiver had been trained to administer this medicine and missed a dose, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember within 7 days then return to your normal dosing schedule.
If a missed dose is not administered within 7 days in individuals using an every-2-week regimen, skip the missed dose and return to your regular dosing schedule.
If a missed dose is not administered within 7 days in individuals using an every-4-week regimen, administer the dose and start a new dosing schedule based on this date.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately if you forgot to administer your dose.
Do not use Alirocumab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe kidney disease
- severe liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. blood cholesterol levels) may be done before and while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes should I make to reduce my cholesterol levels?
A healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise are keys to helping you reduce your cholesterol levels. Try to control the type and amount of food that you eat each meal. Include lots of fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoid eating fried foods or foods that are high in fat. If you have not been exercising, start slow and gradually step up your exercise capacity.
Alirocumab may cause any of the following side effects: cough, sore throat, colds, runny nose, sneezing, diarrhoea, muscle pain or spasms, and pain, swelling, itching or redness at the injection site.
If you develop rashes, breathlessness, swollen face, eyes, lips or throat, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor immediately. These could be signs of an allergic reaction.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking other cholesterol-lowering medicines such as ezetimibe or fenofibrate.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C.
Do not freeze Alirocumab otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
If needed, it may be stored at room temperature (below 25°C) for a maximum of 30 days.
Keep the pre-filled pens or syringes in their original package to protect them from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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