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PCSK9 Inhibitor (Human Monoclonal Antibody)

Alirocumab (PCSK9 Inhibitor — Post-ACS)

Brand names: Praluent

Alirocumab is a subcutaneous monoclonal antibody PCSK9 inhibitor used as a lipid-lowering agent to reduce LDL-cholesterol, including after acute coronary syndrome and in familial hypercholesterolaemia.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It binds and inhibits proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), increasing the number of LDL receptors available to clear LDL-cholesterol from the circulation.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is an adjunct to maximally tolerated statin therapy and diet, not a replacement for statins, in patients not at LDL goal.
  • NICE restricts funded use to specific LDL thresholds and cardiovascular risk categories, so check current eligibility criteria.
  • Hypersensitivity and injection-site reactions can occur and warrant review.

Monitoring

Monitor the lipid profile to assess LDL-cholesterol response after initiation and dose adjustments.

Counselling the patient

  • Continue your statin and other heart-protective treatments unless told otherwise.
  • It is given by subcutaneous injection; rotate injection sites and report persistent skin reactions.
  • Keep using a healthy diet alongside the medicine.

Evidence & guidelines

The ODYSSEY OUTCOMES trial showed alirocumab reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in patients after recent acute coronary syndrome already on intensive statin therapy.

Reference: ODYSSEY OUTCOMES (Schwartz et al. NEJM 2018); NICE TA394/TA895; ESC Dyslipidaemia Guidelines 2019; MHRA SPC Praluent; Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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