Uses
What is Leqembi used for?
Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) is commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi doesn’t cure Alzheimer’s disease, but it may help slow declines in memory and thinking.
Leqembi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Leqembi work (mechanism of action)?
In people with Alzheimer's disease, a protein called amyloid beta builds up in the brain. These proteins form clumps known as plaques that cause memory and thinking problems. Leqembi is a medicine that targets and helps remove these amyloid beta plaques.
How is Leqembi supplied (dosage forms)?
Leqembi is available in the following dosage forms that are injected into a blood vessel.
- 500 mg/5 mL injection
- 200 mg/2 mL injection
How should I store Leqembi?
Leqembi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Leqembi?
The most common side effects of Leqembi are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Infusion-related reactions (see below)
- Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA) (see below)
- Headache
There may be other side effects of Leqembi that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Leqembi?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Leqembi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Leqembi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Get emergency help if you are no longer where you received Leqembi.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA). Leqembi may cause a potentially serious side effect called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Most people with ARIA don’t have any symptoms. If people do have symptoms of ARIA, they are often mild and go away on their own. However, sometimes ARIA can be serious or life-threatening. Stop using Leqembi and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of ARIA.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Vision changes
Infusion-related Reactions. Leqembi is given to you through an infusion into your vein. Sometimes, people can have a reaction to the infusion. Infusion-related reactions are more likely to occur with the first infusion. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an infusion-related reaction.
- Fever
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Flu-like symptoms, like chills, body aches, feeling shaky, and joint pain
- Changes in your heart rate, such as a fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Leqembi?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Leqembi.
- Leqembi
- Lecanemab-irmb
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Leqembi.
What should I know about Leqembi before using it?
Leqembi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.
If you will store Leqembi at home, do not share it with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep Leqembi out of the reach of children.
Some people have a genetic risk factor called homozygous apolipoprotein E gene carriers. This genetic risk factor may increase the risk of a serious potential side effect called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Your healthcare provider may do genetic testing to see if you have this risk factor before prescribing Leqembi.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Leqembi?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Leqembi is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Leqembi may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Leqembi, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Leqembi could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Leqembi passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does Leqembi interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Leqembi and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Leqembi.
Does Leqembi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines to reduce blood clots from forming, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), or apixaban (Eliquis).
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Leqembi?
If you or someone else has used too much Leqembi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Leqembi?
Leqembi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Leqembi as scheduled.
If you miss an appointment to get your Leqembi dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.