Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you are given LEQEMBI if any of the following apply to you:
- you have had a mini stroke, stroke or seizure (fit) within the last 12 months.
- you have a bleeding disorder.
- you have Down syndrome.
Allergic reactions
Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you develop any signs or symptoms of an allergic reaction during or after you are given LEQEMBI. See section 4 “Possible side effects” for signs of an allergic reaction.
Amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)
LEQEMBI can cause a side effect called amyloid related imaging abnormalities, or “ARIA”. ARIA is a side effect that does not usually cause any symptoms, but serious symptoms, including life-threatening symptoms can occur. ARIA is most commonly seen as temporary swelling in one or more areas of the brain (ARIA-E) that usually resolves over time. Some people may also have small spots of bleeding in or on the surface of the brain (ARIA-H), and infrequently, larger areas of bleeding in the brain can occur. Most people with ARIA do not get symptoms, however some people may have symptoms, such as:
- Headache
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Feeling sick (nausea)
- Difficulty walking
- Fits (seizures)
Tell your doctor or nurse if you experience any of these symptoms.
ARIA-E and ARIA-H are visible on a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) brain scan. The MRI uses magnetic waves to create detailed images of the soft tissues of the body. Your doctor will do MRI scans before and during your treatment with LEQEMBI to check you for ARIA.
Genetic Risk Factors for ARIA
Some people carry a gene called ApoE4 that increases the risk for ARIA, particularly in people that have 2 copies of the gene (homozygous ApoE4 carriers). Your doctor will discuss this with you and arrange a genetic test to make sure that LEQEMBI is suitable for you.
Infusion-related reactions
Infusion-related reactions are a very common side effect of LEQEMBI treatment. Tell your doctor or nurse straight away if you experience any symptoms associated with your LEQEMBI infusion. For symptoms, see section 4 “Possible side effects”. Most infusion-related reactions occur during the infusion or within 2.5 hours after the infusion is completed. If you have an infusion-related reaction, you may be given medicines before your infusions to decrease your chance of having an infusion-related reaction. These medicines may include antihistamines, paracetamol, anti-inflammatory medicines or steroids.
Medicines used to prevent or dissolve blood clots
The risk of having a larger bleed in the brain (known as intracerebral haemorrhage) with LEQEMBI treatment is increased in patients receiving medicines used to prevent blood clots (anticoagulants) or to dissolve them (thrombolytic agents). Tell your doctor that you are being treated with LEQEMBI before you receive any medication to prevent blood clots or dissolve them. LEQEMBI can be used together with aspirin and other medicines that prevent your blood cells sticking together (antiplatelet agents).
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before you are given this medicine. It is not known if LEQEMBI will harm your unborn baby or if this medicine passes into breast milk.
If you become pregnant while you are using LEQEMBI, tell your doctor. You and your doctor can discuss if you should carry on with treatment.
If you are breast-feeding, you and your doctor can discuss if you should carry on with breast-feeding or treatment.