What side effects should you watch for with Kisunla (donanemab)?
Starting Kisunla is a significant step in managing early Alzheimer's. Here's what to know about potential side effects:
The main concern is something called ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), which means brain swelling or small bleeds that show up Show Full Answer
What side effects should you watch for with Kisunla (donanemab)?
Starting Kisunla is a significant step in managing early Alzheimer's. Here's what to know about potential side effects:
The main concern is something called ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities), which means brain swelling or small bleeds that show up on MRI scans. About 35 percent of people taking donanemab may experience this, though most cases are mild and temporary.
Common side effects include:
- Headache
- Increased risk of falls
- Allergic reactions
- Brain swelling or small areas of bleeding (usually temporary but can be serious)
The good news is that a modified dosing schedule can lower the ARIA risk by as much as 41 percent. You'll need regular MRI monitoring to check for these changes.
What else to expect:
Kisunla is given as an IV infusion, so you'll need regular appointments. Before starting, you'll need confirmation of amyloid buildup through a PET scan or spinal fluid test if you haven't had this already.
Recent studies show that people taking donanemab for three years had slower cognitive decline and a 27 percent lower risk of progressing to the next stage when treatment started early.
Talk with your healthcare team about what monitoring schedule they recommend and what warning signs to watch for between appointments.
March 22
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