Medication leaflets

Active substance

Results for the substance alirocumab

5 results

About this active substance

Alirocumab is a medication used to lower LDL cholesterol ('bad cholesterol') levels in patients with primary hypercholesterolemia or mixed dyslipidemia. It is a humanized monoclonal antibody that works by inhibiting the PCSK9 protein (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9), which is involved in regulating LDL receptors on the surface of liver cells. Through this mechanism, alirocumab helps significantly reduce LDL cholesterol levels in the blood.

The mechanism of action of alirocumab involves binding to PCSK9, preventing the degradation of LDL receptors on hepatocyte surfaces. These receptors are responsible for capturing and removing LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream. By increasing the number of functional LDL receptors, alirocumab reduces LDL cholesterol levels, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

Alirocumab is administered as a subcutaneous injection, typically once every two weeks or once a month, depending on the prescribed dose and the patient’s needs. It is used either as monotherapy or in combination with other lipid-lowering medications, such as statins, for patients who cannot achieve target LDL cholesterol levels with other treatments.

While effective, alirocumab may cause some side effects. The most common include injection site reactions (redness, pain, swelling), flu-like symptoms (fatigue, fever, muscle aches), and upper respiratory tract infections. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions may occur. Regular monitoring of patients is important to assess the treatment’s effectiveness and to detect any potential side effects.