What are the side effects of donanemab (donanemab-azbt)-Kisunla?

Donanemab (donanemab-azbt)-Kisunla is a drug used to treat Alzheimer's disease (AD) in patients with mild cognitive impairment, or mild dementia. It slows the progression of the disease by attacking the accumulation of soluble and insoluble plaque. However, using Kisunla may cause some side effects, including infusion-related reactions and allergic reactions.

In terms of infusion-related reactions, patients may experience symptoms such as flu-like symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and changes in blood pressure. Also, allergic reactions are a concern and may manifest as severe allergic reactions and angioedema (swelling). The label from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also includes a boxed warning about amyloid-related imaging abnormalities, alerting patients to possible side effects. Additionally, common Kisunla side effects include headache and swelling of areas of the brain, which may be accompanied by small bleeding spots on or within the brain. These side effects occurred in at least 10% of patients, more frequently than in patients who received placebo.

If serious side effects occur, such as swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or eyelids, difficulty breathing, and other allergic reactions, patients should promptly inform medical staff for help. In addition, medical personnel should also be notified immediately if infusion-related reactions occur, such as sweating, skin abnormalities, headache, nausea, chest pain, vomiting, or difficulty breathing during the infusion. Healthcare providers may provide medications such as antihistamines, acetaminophen, or steroids before the infusion to reduce the risk of adverse reactions and ensure patient safety. While using Kisunla, patients should pay close attention to their own conditions and communicate with medical staff in a timely manner in order to receive timely and effective treatment and support.