The Latest on Lecanemab: Real-world Side Effects and Management
A Behind-the-Scenes Look
Alzheimer's Research: Evidence Indicates Infrequent Incidence of Lecanemab Adverse Reactions
The FDA approved lecanemab, marketed as Leqembi, as a treatment for Alzheimer's disease in 2023. This medication, like all drugs, isn't without its potential pitfalls. Learn about the common side effects, the serious yet manageable amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), and how it's being handled in practical scenarios with real-world patients.
Side Effects, Simplified
Lecanemab, employed to manage early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease, can trigger a range of side effects, such as headaches, dizziness, muscle aches, and blurred vision [1]. However, the most pressing issue is ARIA –, brain swelling or bleeding, primarily affecting a specific area [1].
Tackling ARIA: The Real-world Approach
ARIA can be identified on brain scans. In clinical trials, around 12.6% of participants experienced ARIA, with the majority of cases being asymptomatic and resolving on their own [1]. Approximately 2.8% of participants endured ARIA-related symptoms, including headaches, confusion, nausea, and dizziness [1]. Although severe instances are rare, lecanemab has been linked to around 0.2% of fatalities [1].
To manage ARIA in real-life situations, careful monitoring and suitable infrastructure for administering and caring for patients are essential. Specialty memory clinics, equipped to handle lecanemab, have demonstrated that the drug can be safely administered using appropriate care strategies [2]. Routine MRI brain scans are employed to detect ARIA early, and genetic testing for the APOE gene is recommended, as certain genotypes may escalate the risk of ARIA [3].
The Bottom Line
ARIA may seem daunting, but with careful monitoring and proper care, it is a manageable side effect. The benefits of lecanemab in hindering Alzheimer's progression make it an invaluable treatment option for many patients, despite the potential risks [1][3].
- The neurological disorder, Alzheimer's disease, has prompted the development of various therapies and treatments, with lecanemab, approved in 2023, being one of them.
- As lecanemab is a drug used to manage early symptomatic Alzheimer's disease, it is important to understand its potential side effects, including headaches, dizziness, muscle aches, and blurred vision.
- In real-world cases, one of the most concerning side effects of lecanemab is amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may lead to brain swelling or bleeding, primarily affecting a specific area.
- Seniors undergoing lecanemab treatment should be closely monitored, and health-and-wellness providers should have access to appropriate care strategies to manage ARIA effectively.
- Medical-conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's-disease-related dementia, and other neurological-disorders continue to challenge the scientific community, but with continued research and innovative treatments like lecanemab, there is potential for breakthroughs in the health-and-wellness industry.
