Aria Safety Tips
ARIA SAFETY TIPS FOR PATIENTS TAKING ALZHEIMER’S TREATMENTS: LEQEMBI & KISUNLA
Patients receiving treatment with Kisunla or Leqembi can develop ARIA (Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities). ARIA is a common but serious side effect that does not usually cause any symptoms, but can be serious. ARIA is commonly seen as temporary swelling in the brain that usually goes away or spots of bleeding on the surface of or in the brain. These findings are seen on MRI and most patients do not develop symptoms. MRI monitoring is specifically designed to catch problems early, and patients need to know when to call.
Call Your Neurologist Promptly If You Develop:
- Headache
- Difficulty walking or dizziness
- Worsening confusion
- Vision changes (blurred vision, double vision)
- Nausea
Most ARIA occurs early in treatment regimen. Your plan of care will include scheduled MRIs to evaluate for ARIA prior to initiating treatment and at the following intervals:
Kisunla: Complete an MRI prior to 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 7th infusions
Leqembi: Complete an MRI prior to 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 14th infusions
Your neurologist may determine you need additional MRIs of the brain.
Some people have a gene called ApoE4 that may increase the risk of ARIA. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing to see if you have this gene.
Utilize Your Journal
Both Kisunla and Leqembi offer a “My Treatment Schedule” which serves as an excellent resource to keep your appointments organized and is provided by your Sage Infusion care team.
- Between infusions, jot down how you’re feeling and any side effects that may come up so you can share these with your healthcare provider and infusion team.
- Keep contact details for your healthcare team, infusion center information, your infusion schedule, and MRI appointments all in one organized place.
Bottom Line: Never ignore sudden neurologic symptoms while receiving treatment. Stay organized and utilize resources provided by your care team to ensure no step is missed.