Alirocumab (Praluent)
Alirocumab (Praluent) is an injected PCSK9 antibody. In ODYSSEY LONG TERM, 150 mg every two weeks lowered LDL cholesterol by 62 percentage points more than placebo at 24 weeks on background statin therapy. Study results
How much does alirocumab lower LDL cholesterol?
Alirocumab 150 mg every two weeks produced a 62-percentage-point advantage in LDL reduction over placebo at 24 weeks in ODYSSEY LONG TERM. Read the evidence.
| Dose and treatment context | LDL result |
|---|---|
| 150 mg every two weeks, with background therapy | 62 percentage points vs. placebo |
A separate monotherapy study used a lower starting dose with protocol-driven escalation. Those results should not be mixed with this high-dose add-on trial.
Individual responses vary. LDL and ApoB measure different things; these LDL percentages should not be used as ApoB estimates. Compare ApoB-lowering treatments.
How is alirocumab taken?
Adult starting regimens include 75 mg every two weeks or 300 mg every four weeks. The prescriber may change to 150 mg every two weeks if the LDL response is inadequate. It is given under the skin, with self-injection training. Prescribing information.
How does alirocumab compare with other medications?
Praluent and Repatha are both PCSK9 antibodies with cardiovascular outcome evidence. Differences in formulary preference can matter more for access than small differences between separate LDL trials.
Which medications can be combined with alirocumab?
This treatment can be used on top of a statin, often with Ezetimibe. Combining multiple PCSK9-directed drugs is not a routine strategy; switching agents is different from taking them together. The choice depends on the needed LDL reduction, dosing preference, and insurance requirements.
How much does alirocumab cost?
The Praluent cash offer lists $225 for two pens. Two pens are not a month’s supply for every possible regimen; confirm the strength and dose. Offers checked October 6, 2026; availability and eligibility can change.
TrumpRx / manufacturer cash offer
The Praluent cash offer lists $225 for two pens. Two pens are not a month’s supply for every possible regimen; confirm the strength and dose.
GoodRx
Compare available pharmacy cash prices and coupons for the exact product and quantity. A pharmacy price may exclude administration charges and may differ from a manufacturer program.
Compare the cash price with your plan’s out-of-pocket quote for the same strength and quantity. Coupon purchases may not count toward your insurance deductible.
Does insurance cover alirocumab?
Coverage for alirocumab varies by plan and formulation. These named formularies and medical policies were checked October 6, 2026; your plan’s rules and cost sharing may differ.
| Insurer | Coverage policy |
|---|---|
| UnitedHealthcare | UnitedHealthcare requires prior authorization for Praluent. Adult non-HoFH criteria include LDL at least 55 mg/dL, specified statin treatment or intolerance, and failure, intolerance, or contraindication to Repatha. Concurrent PCSK9 inhibitors or Leqvio are excluded. Commercial prior-authorization policy, May 2026. |
| Aetna | Praluent is nonformulary in this plan; Repatha is the listed preferred antibody. Advanced Control, October 2026. |
| Cigna | Cigna’s Praluent authorization policy includes an established-cardiovascular-disease pathway requiring LDL at least 55 mg/dL after eight weeks of maximally tolerated statin therapy, or documented statin intolerance. Separate HeFH, HoFH, and hypercholesterolemia pathways apply; formulary access still depends on the plan. National formulary policy CNF604, September 2026. |
| Anthem | No listing for alirocumab was located in this named pharmacy formulary. This does not establish a denial; ask the plan about its current drug list, exceptions, and medical-benefit coverage. California Individual Select, October 2026. |
| Blue Shield of California | No listing for alirocumab was located in this named pharmacy formulary. This does not establish a denial; ask the plan about its current drug list, exceptions, and medical-benefit coverage. Standard Formulary. |
| BCBS of Texas | No listing for alirocumab was located in this named pharmacy formulary. This does not establish a denial; ask the plan about its current drug list, exceptions, and medical-benefit coverage. Performance Annual, 2026. |
What are the side effects of alirocumab?
Injection-site reactions and flu-like symptoms can occur. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including angioedema, require stopping treatment and prompt medical assessment. Device handling and storage matter for reliable dosing. Full safety information.
Does alirocumab reduce heart attacks or strokes?
In ODYSSEY OUTCOMES, the primary cardiovascular composite occurred in 9.5% of patients taking alirocumab versus 11.1% taking placebo over a median 2.8 years. Participants had a recent acute coronary syndrome and were receiving intensive or maximally tolerated statin therapy. Read the supporting evidence.
Is alirocumab right for you?
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