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Donanemab Injection

What is this medication?

DONANEMAB (doe NAN e mab) treats Alzheimer disease. It works by decreasing the buildup of amyloid, a protein that may cause Alzheimer disease. This may slow down the worsening of symptoms. It is a monoclonal antibody.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): KISUNLA

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Taking a blood thinner
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to donanemab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions have not been studied.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

This medication can cause a serious side effect called amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). ARIA can cause swelling or bleeding in the brain. Some people have a genetic risk factor that increases the risk of ARIA. Your care team may test you for this risk factor. The risk of bleeding in the brain is increased in people who take blood thinners. Talk to your care team if you take medications to prevent or treat blood clots. You will have imaging scans before and during your treatment to help your care team monitor for ARIA. Contact your care team right away if you have a severe headache, worsening confusion, dizziness, change in vision, nausea, trouble walking, or seizures.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions or angioedema—skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs, trouble swallowing or breathing
  • Headache, worsening confusion, dizziness, change in vision, nausea, seizures
  • Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Headache

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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