Table 3 Side effects of PCSK9 inhibitor therapy reported by patients, cause of therapy adjustments and discontinuation
Adverse effect documented in patients record | |
 Joint or muscle pain | 10 |
 Rhinitis | 5 |
 Flu-like symptoms | 5 |
 Fatigue | 4 |
 Skin lesions or pruritus | 4 |
 Gastrointestinal symptoms | 2 |
 Insomnia | 1 |
 Elevated insulin requirements | 1 |
Cause leading to PCSK9 inhibitor therapy adjustment (switch of PCSK9 inhibitor agent) | |
 Adverse effect | 8 |
 Joint or muscle pain | 6 |
 Flu-like symptoms | 3 |
 Fatigue | 1 |
 Gastrointestinal symptoms | 1 |
 Dose reduction (evolocumab 140 mg to alirocumab 75 mg) | 1 |
Cause leading to PCSK9 inhibitor therapy discontinuation | |
 Adverse effect | 7 |
 Joint or muscle pain | 3 |
 Skin lesions or pruritus | 2 |
 Gastrointestinal symptoms | 1 |
 Adverse effects not specified | 1 |
 Elevated insulin requirement | 1 |
 Non-responder (clearly documented) | 1 |
 Reasons of insurance coverage | 1 |
 By patient’s request | 1 |