What is Lecanemab?
Lecanemab can be used to treat adults who have Alzheimer’s disease.Lecanemab can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Lecanemab
If you experience symptoms indicative of an allergic reaction, seek medical assistance immediately: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling to lips, face, tongue or throat.Some side effects can occur during the injection. You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, itching, sweating, or flu-like symptoms.
Lecanemab can cause a number of side effects.
- ARIA with symptoms or signs on an MRI
- Infusion-related reactions
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contact the FDA by dialing 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report adverse side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Donpezil, memantine, Aricept, Nameda, Rivastigmine, and Exelon
Warnings
Lecanemab may cause temporary swelling or bleeding of the brain, which usually resolves with time. This condition can cause no symptoms, but it is still serious. If you experience headaches, nausea, confusion, difficulty walking, seizures, or vision changes, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
Lecanemab may cause Amyloid-Related Imaging Anomalies, or "ARIA", which is a temporary swelling of the brain or small bleeding spots that will usually disappear with time. Before and after lecanemab treatment, your doctor may order an MRI scan of your brain. Your doctor can offer more insight into any risks.Lecanemab is not known to harm an unborn child. Inform your physician immediately if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed if you are using lecanemab.
How to take Lecanemab?
A healthcare provider injects lecanemab into a vein.The medicine is administered slowly over an hour, every two weeks.Other medications may be prescribed to prevent severe side effects or an allergic reaction.Do not shake or freeze this medicine. Store it in its original container in the fridge.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for Alzheimer's disease:
Once every two weeks, administer 10 mg/kg IV over an hour.
Comments:
This drug has been approved under an accelerated approval process based on the reduction in amyloid beta plaques observed in treated patients.
The approval of this indication could be conditional on the confirmation of clinical benefit through a confirmatory study.
Before starting the treatment, it is important to confirm that there is amyloid beta.
Alzheimer's disease
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to keep your appointment for lecanemab, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
In a medical environment, an overdose is treated immediately.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking, particularly those that treat or prevent blood clots. This includes aspirin.Lecanemab may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
