Lecanemab is used to treat the early stages of Alzheimer's disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions).
This medicine slows down the progression of early Alzheimer's disease.
Lecanemab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Lecanemab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Lecanemab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine.
Alert your doctor if your magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scan shows small signs or spots of bleeding or fluid in the brain, or evidence of previous larger bleeding in the brain as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- Down syndrome (a genetic disorder associated with physical growth development delays and intellectual disability)
- risk factors for bleeding in the brain
- bleeding problem
- history of fits or seizures within the past 12 months, stroke
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Individuals who are carrying a certain genetic mutation in apolipoproteins may have an increased risk of developing a serious side effect called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) which can manifest as swelling and bleeding in the brain. Your doctor may perform genetic testing before giving you this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Confirmatory test for the presence of amyloid beta pathology and MRI brain scan must be done before treatment to know if Lecanemab is suited for you to use.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of ARIA, hypersensitivity and infusion-related reactions may also be needed.
Lecanemab may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, headache, cough, and rash.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen mouth or eye
- signs and symptoms of ARIA e.g. headache, confusion, dizziness, feeling sick, vision changes, difficulty walking, fits or seizures
- signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions e.g. swelling, fever, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or lightheadedness, chills, body aches, feeling shaky, joint pain, shortness of breath
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using blood-thinning medicines.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Lecanemab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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