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Lecanemab-irmb (Intravenous)

Generic name: lecanemab-irmb [ lek-AN-e-mab-- irmb ]
Brand name: Leqembi
Drug class: Miscellaneous central nervous system agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 5, 2023.

Intravenous route(Solution)

Warning: Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities

Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including lecanemab-irmb, can cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), characterized as ARIA with edema (ARIA-E) and ARIA with hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H). Incidence and timing of ARIA vary among treatments. ARIA usually occurs early in treatment and is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events rarely can occur. Serious intracerebral hemorrhages, some of which have been fatal, have been observed in patients treated with class of medications.

Apo

E e4 Homozygotes

Patients who are apolipoprotein E e4 (Apo

E e4) homozygotes (approximately 15% of Alzheimer's disease patients) treated with this class of medications, including lecanemab-irmb, have a higher incidence of ARIA, including symptomatic, serious, and severe radiographic ARIA, compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers. Testing for Apo

E e4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of developing ARIA. Prior to testing, prescribers should discuss with patients the risk ARIA across genotypes and the implications of genetic testing results. Prescribers should inform patients that if genotype testing is not performed they can still be treated with lecanemab-irmb; however, it cannot be determined if they are Apo

E e4 homozygotes and at higher risk for ARIA.Consider the benefit of lecanemab-irmb for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and potential risk of serious adverse events associated with ARIA when deciding to initiate treatment with lecanemab-irmb .

Uses for lecanemab-irmb

Lecanemab-irmb injection is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.

This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.

Before using lecanemab-irmb

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of lecanemab-irmb injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of lecanemab-irmb injection in the elderly.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Proper use of lecanemab-irmb

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. It must be given slowly, so the needle will have to remain in place for at least 1 hour. This medicine is usually given every 2 weeks.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Your doctor will do magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before the first treatment, and at certain times during treatment with this medicine.

Your doctor may give you other medicines (eg, allergy medicine, NSAID, steroid medicine) before receiving this medicine to help prevent infusion-related reactions.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Detailed Lecanemab dosage information

donepezil, memantine, Aricept, Namenda, rivastigmine, Exelon

Precautions while using lecanemab-irmb

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which can be seen as temporary swelling or bleeding in the brain. Call your doctor right away if you have changes in vision, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea, or seizures.

This medicine may cause infusion-related reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have back pain, blurred vision, chest tightness, chills, confusion, cough, dizziness, dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, drowsiness, fever, flushing, general feeling of discomfort or illness, headache, joint pain, muscle aches and pains, nausea and vomiting, nervousness, pale skin, pounding in the ears, runny nose, shivering, slow or fast heartbeat, sore throat, sweating, trouble breathing, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness or weakness.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have a cough, difficulty swallowing, dizziness, fast heartbeat, large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, sex organs, rash, itching, trouble breathing, or unusual tiredness or weakness after receiving this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Side Effects of lecanemab-irmb

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Less common

Incidence not known

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Lecanemab side effects (more detail)

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Available Dosage Forms:

Therapeutic Class: Central Nervous System Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Lecanemab

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer