A problem that many people have these days is high cholesterol levels. Sometimes, even after controlling our diet, exercising, and taking the pills prescribed by our doctors, we still have difficulty controlling our cholesterol levels. In such cases, our doctors may prescribe a new, stronger medication. Alirocumab is one such medication, an injection that is given under the skin. So today, let's talk about this medication in simple terms, its pros and cons, and how to use it.
What kind of medicine is Alirocumab?
Simply put, Alirocumab is a drug that helps lower the levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) in our body. It belongs to a new class of drugs called PCSK9 inhibitors . What this does is, it increases the ability of our liver to remove bad cholesterol from the blood.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Lower blood cholesterol levels. Sometimes it is used alone, other times it is given in combination with other cholesterol-lowering pills.
- Reduce the risk of heart attack , stroke, and certain types of chest pain (unstable angina) that require hospitalization.
This medication is usually marketed under the brand name Praluent .
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, it is very important that you tell them everything, without hiding anything from them. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- Tell us if you have an allergy to Alirocumab or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor about that as well.
The more openly you talk to your doctor, the safer and more successful the treatment you receive will be.
How do you use this injection?
This is an injection that is given under the skin. Don't worry, your doctor or a trained nurse will show you exactly how to give it. It is usually designed so that you can give it yourself at home.
Important things to remember
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide whether to take it every two weeks or once a month, depending on your condition. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Dispose of used needles and syringes properly: This is very important. Never throw used needles and syringes in the trash. There is a special, thick plastic container for them (sharps container) . If you don't have one, you can ask your doctor for one. This will protect you, the environment, and others.
- If given to children: If this medicine is given to children, it should be done under special care after consulting a pediatrician.
What to do if you miss a dose?
Don't worry about missing a dose of medicine. Here's what to do.
- If you are taking the medicine every 2 weeks: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 7 days until your next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual time. Never take two doses at once.
- If you are taking your pill once a month: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you take the dose within 7 days of the scheduled time, carry forward your normal monthly schedule as usual. However, if you take the missed dose after 7 days, start a new monthly schedule from the day you missed it. If you are unsure about this, ask your doctor.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you've taken too much medication, don't panic and take action immediately.
1. Call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
2. Otherwise, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
As with any medication, there are some side effects that can occur. Some of them are serious, while others are common. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect/symptom | What to do |
|---|---|
| When to seek immediate medical advice | |
| Allergic reactions Skin rash, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue or face, difficulty breathing. | Notify the doctor immediately or go to the ETU at the nearest hospital. |
| Signs of infection Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain when urinating. | See a doctor as soon as possible. |
| Signs of liver injury Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, loss of appetite, nausea, pain in the upper right side of the stomach, pale stools, unusual tiredness. | Tell your doctor about these symptoms immediately. |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Diarrhea | These usually go away in a few days, but if they persist or bother you, tell your doctor. |
| Muscle pain or cramps | |
| Redness, itching, or pain where the injection was given | |
Other considerations and medicine storage
- Other medications: This medication rarely interacts with other medications. However, it is safest to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
- Blood tests: While taking this medication, your doctor will ask you to have regular blood tests to check your cholesterol levels and see if the medication is working. Don't skip them.
- Storage: Your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to store this medicine. Usually, these should be stored in the fridge. Never in the freezer. Keep out of the reach of children. Throw away any expired medicine.
This medicine is for you only. Never give your medicine to anyone else.
Take-Home Message
- Alirocumab is a powerful injection given under the skin that reduces high cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
- This medicine should be used exactly as your doctor advises.
- Dispose of used needles and syringes only in a designated sharps container.
- If you miss a dose or take too much, don't panic, just follow the correct dosage. If in doubt, ask your doctor.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a serious side effect, such as allergic reactions, signs of infection, or signs of liver damage.
- Never share your medicine with others.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න