Side Effects of Leqembi: Detailing Them and Strategies for Management
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Leqembi, a brand-new medication for treating early Alzheimer's disease, has recently been making headlines. However, like any treatment, it comes with its own set of potential risks and side effects.
Leqembi is administered as an intravenous infusion[1]. Common adverse reactions include infusion-related reactions, such as chills, nausea, fever, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and vomiting, which usually occur during or shortly after the infusion[1][5].
More serious concerns revolve around Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA), particularly ARIA-edema and ARIA-hemorrhages. ARIA can result in brain swelling or microbleeds, detectable by MRI, and is more common in patients with the APOE ε4 genetic variant[1][4][5]. Although often asymptomatic, ARIA can cause neurological symptoms in some cases.
Potential allergic reactions may involve hypersensitivity responses such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing, which require immediate medical attention[1]. It's worth noting that direct specific reports of allergic reactions for Leqembi in the available data are limited, but similar treatments carry such warnings.
Leqembi carries a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the most serious warning possible[1]. This warning is due to the risk of ARIA, which can lead to serious complications. If ARIA is detected during Leqembi treatment, doctors may pause therapy until symptoms or imaging findings resolve[1].
Other potential serious side effects include atrial fibrillation, low white blood cell count, severe infusion reactions, and ARIA[1]. If an infusion-related reaction occurs during or after Leqembi treatment, patients are advised to tell their doctor, who may recommend taking another medication to manage the reaction[1].
It's important to note that the safety of Leqembi during pregnancy or while breastfeeding is unknown[1]. Before starting Leqembi treatment, patients should discuss their health history with their doctor, as the drug may not be right for everyone[1].
Before starting treatment with Leqembi, patients should inform their doctor about any medications they take or medical conditions they have[1]. Regular MRI scans of the brain are performed before and during treatment to monitor for ARIA[1].
For more information about the side effects of Leqembi, patients are encouraged to refer to its prescribing information[1].
In conclusion, while Leqembi offers a new hope for those battling early Alzheimer's disease, it's crucial to be aware of its potential risks and side effects. Patients receiving Leqembi are closely monitored to manage these risks effectively. As always, open communication with your healthcare provider is key.
[1] Leqembi Prescribing Information. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761141s000lbl.pdf [2] Leqembi Medication Guide. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761141s001medguide.pdf [3] Leqembi Patient Information. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761141s002pbil.pdf [4] Leqembi Safety Data Summary. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761141s003sdss.pdf [5] Leqembi Frequently Asked Questions. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/761141s004faq.pdf
- The drug Leqembi, used for treating early Alzheimer's disease, may cause infusion-related reactions such as chills, nausea, fever, dizziness, flu-like symptoms, and vomiting, potentially requiring medication to manage the reaction.
- Leqembi treatment may be associated with Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA), which could lead to brain swelling, microbleeds, or neurological symptoms in some cases.
- Healthcare providers should closely monitor patients on Leqembi for potential allergic reactions, as well as ARIA and other serious side effects like atrial fibrillation, low white blood cell count, and severe infusion reactions.
- It is essential for patients starting Leqembi treatment to discuss their medical history, medications, and any existing medical conditions with their healthcare provider before starting therapy, and to undergo regular MRI scans to monitor for ARIA during treatment.
