The Basics
What is Alirocumab?
Used in adults who have familial heterozygous hypercholesterolemia to decrease the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood.Also used in adults with cardiovascular disease to lower the risk of stroke, heart attack, or serious or life-threatening chest pain.
Brand names for Alirocumab
Praluent
How Alirocumab is classified
Antibodies – Monoclonal, Anticholesteremic Agents, Antilipemic Agents
Alirocumab During Pregnancy
Alirocumab pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Alirocumab while pregnant
N/A
Taking Alirocumab While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Alirocumab?
No information is available on the clinical use of alirocumab during breastfeeding. Because alirocumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 146,000, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. Until more data become available, alirocumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Maternal / infant drug levels
No information is available on the clinical use of alirocumab during breastfeeding. Because alirocumab is a large protein molecule with a molecular weight of 146,000, the amount in milk is likely to be very low and absorption is unlikely because it is probably destroyed in the infant’s gastrointestinal tract. Until more data become available, alirocumab should be used with caution during breastfeeding, especially while nursing a newborn or preterm infant.
Possible effects of Alirocumab on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Alirocumab
None listed
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/None listed
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
