Leqembi ^*

Leqembi is administered by a healthcare professional as an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein. This process is typically performed in a clinic or hospital setting and takes about one hour to complete. Patients usually receive this treatment once every two weeks. This method ensures the drug enters the bloodstream directly to effectively target amyloid plaques in the brain. Your doctor will create and manage your specific infusion schedule.

Leqembi works by targeting and removing harmful protein deposits called amyloid-beta plaques from the brain. These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease and are believed to contribute to the damage of nerve cells, leading to cognitive decline. By binding to these plaques, Leqembi helps your body’s immune system clear them away. This action can help slow down the progression of the disease and the worsening of symptoms in its early stages.

Leqembi begins to work on clearing amyloid plaques from the brain with the first few doses. However, the observable effects on cognitive and functional decline are gradual and happen over many months. Clinical trials showed a statistically significant slowing of decline at 18 months compared to a placebo. Patients should not expect to feel a difference overnight. Consistent treatment is key, and progress is measured by a slower rate of symptom progression, not a reversal of existing damage.

Leqembi may cause several common side effects, most frequently infusion-related reactions. These can include symptoms like fever, chills, body aches, and nausea shortly after the infusion. The other major side effect is headache. Your doctor will also monitor you for Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA) with regular brain MRIs, which can be serious but often present with no symptoms. Most common side effects are manageable and may lessen over time.

Leqembi is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer's. Leqembi is a disease-modifying therapy designed to slow the progression of the illness in its early stages. By removing amyloid plaques, it can help preserve cognitive function for longer than would otherwise be expected. It addresses one of the underlying pathologies of the disease but does not reverse existing brain damage or stop the disease process entirely.

Leqembi is intended for a specific group of patients. The ideal candidate is someone who has been diagnosed with early Alzheimer's disease, which includes mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia. Before starting treatment, a doctor must also confirm the presence of amyloid plaques in the brain using diagnostic tests like a PET scan or spinal fluid analysis. The medication has not been studied in and is not for individuals with moderate to severe Alzheimer's.

Leqembi carries a risk of Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities, known as ARIA. These are changes in the brain detected by MRI scans. There are two types: ARIA-E, which is temporary brain swelling, and ARIA-H, which involves small spots of bleeding on the brain's surface. While these can be serious, many patients with ARIA do not experience any symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and vision problems.

Yes, special monitoring is required when you are being treated with Leqembi. Your doctor will schedule you for regular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of your brain. You will have a baseline MRI before starting the therapy. Additional MRIs are then required before your 5th, 7th, and 14th infusions to monitor for Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA). This close monitoring helps ensure the treatment is proceeding safely and allows for early intervention if needed.

Leqembi may be taken with some other medications for Alzheimer's, but it requires careful consideration by your doctor. It can be used alongside symptomatic treatments like donepezil or memantine. However, because Leqembi carries a risk of brain bleeding, its use with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs (blood thinners) must be carefully evaluated by your healthcare provider. Always provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications and supplements you are taking.

Leqembi must be stored under specific refrigerated conditions to remain effective, which is why it requires special cold shipping. It is handled and stored by the clinic or hospital that administers your infusion. Patients do not need to store Leqembi at home. Healthcare providers ensure the medication is kept at the correct temperature, between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F), in its original carton to protect it from light until it is ready for use.

Leqembi is given on a strict schedule of one infusion every two weeks. If you miss an appointment for your infusion, you should contact your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. It is important to get back on your treatment schedule to maintain the drug's effectiveness in clearing amyloid from the brain. Your healthcare provider will advise you on the best way to proceed and adjust your schedule accordingly.

Leqembi treatment risks can be affected by your genetics, specifically your apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) genotype. Patients who are 'homozygous' for the ApoE4 gene, meaning they have two copies of it, have a higher risk of developing the serious side effect ARIA (Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities). Your doctor may recommend genetic testing before starting treatment to better understand your personal risk profile and to inform your monitoring plan.