Rx only
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Other anti-dementia drugs
- Action class
- Amyloid Beta-directed Antibody
- Mechanism
- Amyloid Beta-directed Antibody Interactions
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Available as
2 ML · Injection5 ML · Injection1.8 ML
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
⚠ Boxed warningWARNING: AMYLOID RELATED IMAGING ABNORMALITIES Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including LEQEMBI, 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 can occur. ARIA can be fatal. Serious intracerebral hemorrhage s > 1 cm, some of which have been fatal, have been observed in patients treated with this class of medications. Because ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic an ischemic stroke, treating clinicians should consider whether such symptoms could be due to ARIA-E before giving thrombolytic therapy to a patient being treated with LEQEMBI [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ), Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. ApoE ε4 Homozygotes Patients who are apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) homozygotes (approximately 15% of Alzheimer’s disease patients) treated with this class of medications, including LEQEMBI, have a higher incidence of ARIA, including symptomatic, serious, and severe radiographic ARIA, compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers. Testing for ApoE ε4 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 of 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 LEQEMBI; however, it cannot be determined if they are ApoE ε4 homozygotes and at higher risk for ARIA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Consider the benefit of LEQEMBI for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and potential risk of serious adverse events associated with ARIA when deciding to initiate treatment with LEQEMBI [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. WARNING: AMYLOID RELATED IMAGING ABNORMALITIES See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including LEQEMBI, can cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), as ARIA with edema (ARIA-E) and ARIA with hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H). ARIA is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events can occur. ARIA can be fatal. Serious intracerebral hemorrhages > 1 cm have occurred in patients treated with this class of medications. ARIA-E can cause focal neurologic deficits that can mimic ischemic stroke. ( 5.1 , 6.1 ) ApoE ε4 Homozygotes Patients treated with this class of medications, including LEQEMBI, who are ApoE ε4 homozygotes have a higher incidence of ARIA, including symptomatic and serious ARIA, compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers. Testing for ApoE ε4 status should be performed prior to initiation of treatment to inform the risk of develo
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE LEQEMBI is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment with LEQEMBI should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials. LEQEMBI is an amyloid beta-directed antibody indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Treatment with LEQEMBI should be initiated in patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia stage of disease, the population in which treatment was initiated in clinical trials. ( 1 )
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Lecanemab-irmb is a humanized immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against aggregated soluble and insoluble forms of amyloid beta. The accumulation of amyloid beta plaques in the brain is a defining pathophysiological feature of Alzheimer’s disease. LEQEMBI reduces amyloid beta plaques, as evaluated in Study 1 and Study 2 [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] .
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Confirm the presence of amyloid beta pathology prior to initiating treatment. ( 2.1 ) Obtain a recent baseline brain MRI prior to initiating treatment. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Obtain an MRI within approximately one week prior to the 3 rd , 5 th , 7 th , and 14 th infusions. If radiographically observed ARIA occurs, treatment recommendations are based on type, severity, and presence of symptoms. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Recommended starting dosage: 10 mg/kg once every 2 weeks administered after dilution as an intravenous infusion over approximately one hour. ( 2.2 ) After 18 months, continue treatment once every 2 weeks or transition to an intravenous or subcutaneous maintenance dosage. ( 2.2 ) Recommended maintenance dosage: Intravenous infusion: 10 mg/kg once every 4 weeks ( 2.2 , 2.5 ) Subcutaneous injection: 360 mg administered once a week using the LEQEMBI IQLIK autoinjector ( 2.2 , 2.6 ). See Full Prescribing Information for preparation and administration instructions. ( 2.5 , 2.6 ) 2.1 Patient Selection Confirm the presence of amyloid beta pathology prior to initiating treatment [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.1 )] . 2.2 Recommended Dosage Initiate LEQEMBI as an intravenous infusion using the starting dosage (see Table 1). After 18 months, the starting dosage may be continued or a transition to maintenance dosage regimen may be considered, which can be administered by either intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection (see Table 1). If transitioning from starting dosage to a maintenance dosage regimen, administer the first maintenance dose two weeks after the last starting dose. Table 1: Starting and Maintenance Dosage Regimens Route of Administration Dose Frequency Infusion Rate (if Intravenous) Starting Dosage Intravenous Only (LEQEMBI) 10 mg/kg Once every 2 weeks Over approximately one hour Maintenance Dosage Intravenous (LEQEMBI) 10 mg/kg Once every 4 weeks Over approximately one hour Subcutaneous (LEQEMBI IQLIK) 360 mg Once every week ------------------------ For intravenous infusion, use LEQEMBI vials. LEQEMBI vials must be diluted before administration [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.5 )]. For subcutaneous administration, use LEQEMBI IQLIK [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.6 )]. 2.3 Switching Between Maintenance Dosage Regimens During maintenance dosage regimen, patients may switch the route of administration (intravenous LEQEMBI or subcutaneous LEQEMBI IQLIK). This transition should be initiated at 1 week following the last maintenance dose of either the intravenous or subcutaneous dosing regimen. Thereafter, follow the dosing schedule for the newly assigned maintenance dosage regimen. 2.4 Monitoring and Dosing Interruption for Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities LEQEMBI can cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities -edema (ARIA-E) and -hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Monitoring for ARIA Obtain a recent baseline brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) prior to initiating treatment with LEQEMBI. Obtain an MRI prior to the 3 rd , 5 th , 7 th , and 14 th infusions. In general, the MRI should be performed within approximately one week before the scheduled infusion of LEQEMBI and reviewed prior to proceeding with the infusion. If a patient experiences symptoms suggestive of ARIA, clinical evaluation should be performed, including an MRI if indicated. Recommendations for Dosing Interruptions in Patients with ARIA ARIA-E The recommendations for dosing interruptions for patients with ARIA-E are provided in Table 2. Table 2: Dosing Recommendations for Patients with ARIA-E Clinical Symptom Severity 1 ARIA-E Severity on MRI 2 Mild Moderate Severe Asymptomatic May continue dosing Suspend dosing 3 Suspend dosing 3 Mild May continue dosing based on clinical judgment Suspend dosing 3 Moderate or Severe Suspend dosing 3 1 Clinical Symptom Severity Categories: Mild: discomfort noticed, but no disruption of normal daily activity. Moderate: discomfort sufficient to reduce o
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Most common adverse reactions (at approximately 10% and higher incidence compared to placebo): infusion-related reactions, amyloid related imaging abnormality-microhemorrhages, amyloid related imaging abnormality-edema/effusion, and headache. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eisai Inc. at 1-888-274-2378 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Clinical Trials with Intravenous Administration The safety of LEQEMBI has been evaluated in 2090 patients who received at least one dose of LEQEMBI by intravenous infusion. In Studies 1 and 2 in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, 1059 patients received LEQEMBI 10 mg/kg every two weeks by intravenous infusion [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )] . Of these 1059 patients, 50% were female, 79% were White, 15% were Asian, 12% were of Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, and 2% were Black. The mean age at study entry was 72 years (range from 50 to 90 years). In the combined double-blind, placebo-controlled period and long-term extension period of Studies 1 and 2, 1604 patients received LEQEMBI for at least 6 months, 1261 patients for at least 12 months, and 965 patients for 18 months. In the double-blind, placebo-controlled period in Study 1, patients stopped study treatment because of an adverse reaction in 15% of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to 6% patients on placebo; in Study 2, patients stopped study treatment because of an adverse reaction in 7% of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to 3% patients on placebo. In Study 1, the most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of LEQEMBI was infusion-related reactions that led to discontinuation in 2% (4/161) of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to 1% (2/245) of patients on placebo. In Study 2, the most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation of LEQEMBI was ARIA-H microhemorrhages that led to discontinuation in 2% (15/898) of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to <1% (1/897) of patients on placebo. Table 5 shows adverse reactions that were reported in at least 5% of patients treated with LEQEMBI and at least 2% more frequently than in patients on placebo in Study 1. Table 5: Adverse Reactions Reported in at Least 5% of Patients Treated with LEQEMBI 10 mg/kg Every Two Weeks and at least 2% Higher than Placebo in Study 1 Adverse Reaction LEQEMBI 10 mg/kg Every Two Weeks N= 161 % Placebo N= 245 % Infusion-related reactions 20 3 Headache 14 10 ARIA-E 10 1 Cough 9 5 Diarrhea 8 5 Table 6 shows adverse reactions that were reported in at least 5% of patients treated with LEQEMBI and at least 2% more frequently than in patients on placebo in Study 2. Table 6: Adverse Reactions Reported in at Least 5% of Patients Treated with LEQEMBI 10 mg/kg Every Two Weeks and at least 2% Higher than Placebo in Study 2 Adverse Reaction LEQEMBI 10 mg/kg Every Two Weeks N= 898 % Placebo N= 897 % Infusion-related reactions 26 7 ARIA-H 14 8 ARIA-E 13 2 Headache 11 8 Superficial siderosis of central nervous system 6 3 Rash 1 6 4 Nausea/Vomiting 6 4 1 Rash includes acne, erythema, infusion site rash, injection site rash, rash, rash erythematous, rash pruritic, skin reactions, and urticaria. Less Common Adverse Reactions Atrial fibrillation occurred in 3% of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to 2% in patients on placebo. In Study 1, lymphopenia or decreased lymphocyte count was reported in 4% of pa
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on LEQEMBI use in pregnant women to evaluate for a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. No animal studies have been conducted to assess the potential reproductive or developmental toxicity of LEQEMBI. In the US general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown.
BreastfeedingCaution
…8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of lecanemab-irmb in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production.…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA): Enhanced clinical vigilance for ARIA is recommended during the first 14 weeks of treatment with LEQEMBI. Risk of ARIA, including symptomatic ARIA, was increased in apolipoprotein E ε4 homozygotes compared to heterozygotes and noncarriers. The risk of ARIA-E and ARIA-H is increased in patients with pretreatment microhemorrhages and/or superficial siderosis. If a patient experiences symptoms suggestive of ARIA, clinical evaluation should be performed, including MRI scanning if indicated. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Infusion-Related Reactions: The infusion rate may be reduced, or the infusion may be discontinued, and appropriate therapy administered as clinically indicated. Consider pre-medication at subsequent dosing with antihistamines, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or corticosteroids. ( 5.3 ) 5.1 Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities Monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid, including LEQEMBI, can cause amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), characterized as ARIA with edema (ARIA-E), which can be observed on MRI as brain edema or sulcal effusions, and ARIA with hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H), which includes microhemorrhage and superficial siderosis. ARIA can occur spontaneously in patients with Alzheimer’s disease, particularly in patients with MRI findings suggestive of cerebral amyloid angiopathy, such as pretreatment microhemorrhage or superficial siderosis. ARIA-H associated with monoclonal antibodies directed against aggregated forms of beta amyloid generally occurs in association with an occurrence of ARIA-E. ARIA-H of any cause and ARIA-E can occur together. ARIA usually occurs early in treatment and is usually asymptomatic, although serious and life-threatening events, including seizure and status epilepticus, can occur. ARIA can be fatal. When present, reported symptoms associated with ARIA may include headache, confusion, visual changes, dizziness, nausea, and gait difficulty. Focal neurologic deficits may also occur. Symptoms associated with ARIA usually resolve over time. In addition to ARIA, intracerebral hemorrhages greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with LEQEMBI. Consider the benefit of LEQEMBI for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and potential risk of serious adverse events associated with ARIA when deciding to initiate treatment with LEQEMBI. Incidence of ARIA Symptomatic ARIA occurred in 3% (29/898) of patients treated with LEQEMBI in Study 2 [see Clinical Studies ( 14 )]. Serious symptoms associated with ARIA were reported in 0.7% (6/898) of patients treated with LEQEMBI. Clinical symptoms associated with ARIA resolved in 79% (23/29) of patients during the period of observation. Similar findings were observed in Study 1. Including asymptomatic radiographic events, ARIA was observed in 21% (191/898) of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to 9% (84/897) of patients on placebo in Study 2. In Study 2, ARIA-E was observed in 13% (113/898) of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to 2% (15/897) of patients on placebo. ARIA-H was observed in 17% (152/898) of patients treated with LEQEMBI, compared to 9% (80/897) of patients on placebo. There was no increase in isolated ARIA-H (i.e., ARIA-H in patients who did not also experience ARIA-E) for LEQEMBI compared to placebo. Incidence of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% (6/898) of patients in Study 2 after treatment with LEQEMBI, compared to 0.1% (1/897) on placebo. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking LEQEMBI have been observed. Risk Factors for ARIA and Intracerebral Hemorrhage ApoE ε4 Carrier Status The risk of ARIA, including symptomatic and serious ARIA, is increased in apolipoprotein E ε4 (ApoE ε4) homozygotes. Approximately 15% of Alzheimer’s disease patients are ApoE ε4 homozygotes. In Study 2, 16% (141/898) of patients in the LEQ
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS LEQEMBI is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to lecanemab-irmb or to any of the excipients of LEQEMBI or LEQEMBI IQLIK. Reactions have included angioedema and anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )]. LEQEMBI is contraindicated in patients with serious hypersensitivity to lecanemab-irmb or to any of the excipients of LEQEMBI or LEQEMBI IQLIK. ( 4 )
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of LEQEMBI in pediatric patients have not been established.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
6 marketed products on record (RxNorm)
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.