Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb)

No dosing information is available for this tab.

Lecanemab-irmb is administered by IV infusion or by subcutaneous injection. For IV administration, the drug is available in single-dose vials containing 2 or 5 mL of lecanemab-irmb 100 mg/mL solution; the solution must be diluted prior to infusion. For subcutaneous administration, the drug is available as single-dose prefilled autoinjectors (IQLIK) containing 360 mg/1.8 mL (200 mg/mL).

No dosing information is available for this tab.

No formal drug-drug interaction studies have been performed with lecanemab-irmb.

Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

Lecanemab/Thrombolytics

SEVERITY LEVEL: 1-Contraindicated Drug Combination: This drug combination is contraindicated and generally should not be dispensed or administered to the same patient.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of lecanemab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with lecanemab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lecanemab with thrombolytic agents may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: Patients with ongoing amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) may be at increased risk for post-thrombolytic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH). The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association guidelines for the early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke states patients on amyloid immunotherapy is an absolute contraindication for use of thrombolysis. The guidelines state that the risk of thrombolysis related intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) in patients on amyloid immunotherapy or with ARIA is unknown and thrombolysis should be avoided in such patients.(2) The US manufacturer of lecanemab states that lecanemab should be used with extreme caution in patients treated with thrombolytics. Evaluate the risks and benefits of concurrent use of lecanemab with thrombolytics.(1) Appropriate use recommendations for lecanemab state patients on lecanemab should not receive thrombolytics.(3) If thrombolytics are warranted, patients receiving concurrent therapy with lecanemab and thrombolytics should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or symptoms associated with ARIA-H.(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination. General signs of blood loss include decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. When applicable, perform computed tomography (CT) scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRIs) to monitor efficacy and safety of thrombolytic use with lecanemab. Discontinue thrombolytics in patients with active pathologic bleeding.(1) Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In a case report, a patient treated with thrombolytics for acute stroke who had received lecanemab experienced severe, multi-focal brain hemorrhages leading to death.(4) In clinical studies, lecanemab was observed to increase ARIA-H, including microhemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences. Patients were excluded from clinical trials if taking concurrent anticoagulants or anti-platelets.(1) In Studies 1 and 2, the maximum severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage was mild in 9% (79/898), moderate in 2% (19/898), and severe in 3% (28/898) of patients. Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% (6/898) of patients in Study 2 after treatment with lecanemab compared to 0.1% (1/897) on placebo. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking lecanemab have been observed.(1)

Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Efgartigimod-Alfa

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Efgartigimod-alfa binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of efgartigimod-alfa states that efgartigimod-alfa should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, efgartigimod-alfa should be discontinued.(3)

DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with efgartigimod-alfa have not been performed. Efgartigimod-alfa may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)

Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Nipocalimab-Aahu

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Nipocalimab-aahu binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medicines that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of nipocalimab-aahu states that nipocalimab-aahu should not be combined with long-term use of FcRn-binding medications. If the medication is essential for the patient, nipocalimab-aahu should be discontinued.(3)

DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with nipocalimab-aahu have not been performed. Nipocalimab-aahu may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)

Lecanemab/Anticoagulants

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of lecanemab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with lecanemab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lecanemab with anticoagulants agents may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The US manufacturer of lecanemab advises extreme caution in patients treated with anticoagulants. Evaluate the risks and benefits of concurrent use of lecanemab with anticoagulants.(1) Appropriate use recommendations for lecanemab state patients on anticoagulants should not receive lecanemab.(2) The UK manufacturer of lecanemab contraindicates initiation of lecanemab in patients receiving ongoing anticoagulant therapy. If anticoagulation is necessary, then lecanemab should be paused. Lecanemab can be reinstated if anticoagulation is no longer medically indicated.(3) If concurrent therapy is warranted, patients should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination, as well as other bleeding and changes in platelet count or International Normalized Ratio (INR).(1) When applicable, perform agent-specific laboratory tests (e.g. INR, aPTT) to monitor efficacy and safety of anticoagulation. Discontinue anticoagulation in patients with active pathologic bleeding. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In clinical studies, lecanemab was observed to increase ARIA-H, including microhemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences. Patients were excluded from clinical trials if taking concurrent anticoagulants or anti-platelets.(1) In Studies 1 and 2, the maximum severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage was mild in 9% (79/898), moderate in 2% (19/898), and severe in 3% (28/898) of patients. Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% (6/898) of patients in Study 2 after treatment with lecanemab compared to 0.1% (1/897) on placebo. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking lecanemab have been observed.(1) In Study 2, baseline use of antithrombotic medications (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) were allowed if patient was on a stable dose. Aspirin was the most common antithrombotic agent. The incidence of ICH was 0.9% (3/328 patients) in patients taking lecanemab with a concomitant antithrombotic medication at the time of the event compared to 0.6% (3/545 patients) in those who did not receive an antithrombotic. Patients taking lecanemab with an anticoagulant alone or combined with an antiplatelet medication or aspirin had an incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage of 2.5% (2/79 patients) compared to none in patients who received placebo.

Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

Igg Antibodies And Derivatives/Rozanolixizumab-Noli

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) prevents catabolism and mediates recycling of IgG and albumin, which leads to their long persistence in the body.(1,2) Rozanolixizumab-noli binds to FcRn and may decrease systemic exposure of other ligands of FcRn, like immunoglobulins and IgG-based antibodies.(3)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The effectiveness of medications that bind to FcRn may be decreased.(3)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: The manufacturer of rozanolixizumab-noli states that concurrent use with medications that bind to the human neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) should be closely monitored for reduced effectiveness of these medications. If long-term use of such medications is essential for the patient, consider discontinuing rozanolixizumab-noli and use alternative therapies.(3)

DISCUSSION: Clinical drug interaction studies with rozanolixizumab-noli have not been performed. Rozanolixizumab-noli may decrease concentrations of compounds that bind to the human FcRn.(3)

Lecanemab/Antiplatelets

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Microhemorrhage has been reported with the use of lecanemab. Radiographic changes on brain MRI have been noted as amyloid related imaging abnormalities-hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H) which included microhemorrhage. In addition, intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH) greater than 1 cm in diameter have occurred in patients treated with lecanemab.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Concurrent use of lecanemab with antiplatelets may increase the risk of hemorrhage.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: The risk for bleeding episodes may be greater in patients with disease-associated factors (e.g. thrombocytopenia). Drug associated risk factors include concurrent use of multiple drugs which inhibit anticoagulant/antiplatelet metabolism and/or have an inherent risk for bleeding (e.g. NSAIDs).

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Lecanemab should be used with extreme caution in patients treated with antiplatelets. Evaluate the risks and benefits of concurrent use of lecanemab with antiplatelets.(1) Appropriate use recommendations for lecanemab state antiplatelets may be used at standard doses if patients meet other criteria for lecanemab therapy. Use of antiplatelet agents in patients who are homozygous for the APOE4 gene may have an increased risk of ARIA with lecanemab therapy.(2) Patients receiving concurrent therapy with lecanemab and antiplatelets should be closely monitored for signs and symptoms of bleeding and changes in platelet count or International Normalized Ratio (INR).(1) If concurrent therapy is warranted, monitor patients receiving concurrent therapy for signs of microhemorrhage, including headache, nausea/vomiting, confusion, dizziness, visual disturbance, gait difficulties, and loss of coordination. General signs of blood loss include decreased hemoglobin, hematocrit, fecal occult blood, and/or decreased blood pressure and promptly evaluate patients with any symptoms. Instruct patients to report any signs and symptoms of bleeding, such as confusion, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual changes, unusual bleeding from the gums or nose; unusual bruising; red or black, tarry stools; red, pink or dark brown urine; acute abdominal or joint pain and/or swelling.

DISCUSSION: In clinical studies, lecanemab was observed to increase ARIA-H, including microhemorrhage and intracerebral hemorrhage. Radiographic changes were classified as mild (<=4 new incidences), moderate (5 to 9 new incidences), or severe (10 or more new incidences. Patients were excluded from clinical trials if taking concurrent anticoagulants or anti-platelets.(1) In Studies 1 and 2, the maximum severity of ARIA-H microhemorrhage was mild in 9% (79/898), moderate in 2% (19/898), and severe in 3% (28/898) of patients. Intracerebral hemorrhage greater than 1 cm in diameter was reported in 0.7% (6/898) of patients in Study 2 after treatment with lecanemab compared to 0.1% (1/897) on placebo. Fatal events of intracerebral hemorrhage in patients taking lecanemab have been observed.(1) In Study 2, baseline use of antithrombotic medications (aspirin, other antiplatelets, or anticoagulants) were allowed if patient was on a stable dose. Aspirin was the most common antithrombotic agent. The incidence of ICH was 0.9% (3/328 patients) in patients taking lecanemab with a concomitant antithrombotic medication at the time of the event compared to 0.6% (3/545 patients) in those who did not receive an antithrombotic. Patients taking lecanemab with an anticoagulant alone or combined with an antiplatelet medication or aspirin had an incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage of 2.5% (2/79 patients) compared to none in patients who received placebo.

*Serious hypersensitivity to lecanemab-irmb or to any of the excipients.

There are no contraindication contraindications for this drug.

• Brain aneurysm
• Cerebral amyloid angiopathy
• Cerebral edema
• Intracerebral hemorrhage

There are no moderate contraindications for this drug.

Adverse effects reported in >=10% of patients and at a higher incidence than placebo include infusion-related reactions, ARIA with microhemorrhages, ARIA-E, and headache.

More Frequent

• Amyloid-related imaging abnormality
• Amyloid-related imaging abnormality with edema

Less Frequent

• Amyloid-related imaging abnormality with superficial siderosis
• Atrial fibrillation
• Hypertension
• Hypotension
• Hypoxia
• Lymphopenia

Rare or Very Rare

• Anaphylaxis
• Hypersensitivity drug reaction
• Intracerebral hemorrhage

More Frequent

• Headache disorder
• Injection site erythema
• Injection site pain
• Injection site sequelae

Less Frequent

• Chills
• Cough
• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Flu-like symptoms
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Vomiting

No enhanced messaging available.

Safety and effectiveness of lecanemab-irmb have not been established in pediatric patients.

There are no adequate data on lecanemab-irmb 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 lecanemab-irmb.

There are no data on the presence of lecanemab-irmb in human milk, the effects on the breast-fed infant, or the effects on milk production. Published data on other monoclonal antibodies generally indicate low passage of monoclonal antibodies into human milk and limited systemic exposure in the breast-fed infant. Consider the developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding along with the mother's clinical need for the drug and any potential adverse effects on the breast-fed infant from lecanemab-irmb or from the underlying maternal condition.

The manufacturer makes no specific dosage recommendations for geriatric patients.

In clinical trials, the age of patients exposed to lecanemab-irmb ranged from 50-90 years, with a mean age of 72 years. Most patients (81%) were >=65 years of age, and 39% were >=75 years of age. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness of lecanemab-irmb have been observed between patients >=65 years of age and younger adult patients.