Praluent injections

[AlibaliM]

I’ve just started Praluent injections as I’m intolerant to statins! After 1st injection I have chest tightness and intermittent breathlessness. I had the same with statins. Has anyone else had similar effects? Not sure if I should see if symptoms settle until next injection in 2 weeks or contact consultant?

[Lucybird]

I'd speak to your GP. It's possible you're having an allergic reaction and you don't want to suddenly get worse. Unless a doctor or the pharmacist told you this is a possible but not concerning reaction, then I would just speak to your consultant

[AlibaliM in reply to Lucybird]

I was told to expect flu type symptoms I’ll call tomorrow as cannot take this discomfort and not sure how long it stays in your system. Thanks for replying

[Carokai]

Do seek advice.

I had a very severe reaction,to Praluent (flu like symptoms, cold sores, bad chest pains, digestive disturbance and severe headaches). Despite being told by my Consultant I should persevere my GP told me to dtop taking it after the 4th dose because the symptoms worsened with each injection.

By the end I was struggling to eat, had a face covered in sores and headaches that were so severe I could hardly get out of bed.

My Consultant wasn't happy, he told me I was the only patient he knew of who couldn't take Praluent. I left the appointment feeling That in some way I was just being awkward. My GP was totally different, she saw the effects first hand and was concerned by how much they deteriorated with each dose.

I am sure Praluent is a 'wonder drug' for many, but for me it was a scary experience. Trust your judgement and take advice if things don't feel right!!!

[AlibaliM in reply to Carokai]

Thanks for replying, I’m going to call today. I was very hopeful with this as most feedback is good but all meds have some side effects, yours sound awful. Are you taking anything else to lower your cholesterol?

[Carokai in reply to AlibaliM]

No and at times that worries me enormously as I have already had two heart attacks.

I have very high cholesterol and have just been through genetic testing which has concluded it is not due to Familial hypercholesterolemia.

My GP has suggested we try to find another Metabolic Specialist for a second opinion as to what is going on. The first Consultant was lovely but told me that unless I was prepared to try Repatha (similar to Praluent) there was nothing else he could do for me. I am too scared by my Praluent reaction to try Repatha.

In the meantime I attempt to keep my cholesterol as low as possible through diet (low sugar, vegan) and exercise.

[AlibaliM in reply to Carokai]

Yes it is a worry, having had a heart attack last March and exhausted all statins, makes me feel like a ticking time bomb even with having a good diet.

[Carokai in reply to AlibaliM]

I really hope Praluent works for you 🤞🤞🤞🤞

[AlibaliM in reply to Carokai]

So used 2nd injection to see if my body could tolerate it. Absolutely not! I feel so unwell , flu symptoms, chest and throat pain as well as difficulty swallowing. Back to the drawing board for me.