Kisunla vs. Leqembi for Alzheimer's Disease: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Kisunla

(donanemab)

Leqembi

(lecanemab)

Summary for Kisunla

Prescription only

Kisunla (donanemab or donanemab-azbt) is FDA approved to treat people with early Alzheimer's disease (AD). It's a type of monoclonal antibody called an amyloid beta-directed antibody. Kisunla (donanemab) is given as an infusion into a vein by a healthcare professional every 4 weeks. Potential side effects include small bleeds on the brain and headache.

Indications for Kisunla

Early Alzheimer's disease (when there's mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia)

Pros and Cons for Kisunla

Pros

Given once a month
Can slow down worsening symptoms of AD
No known interactions with other medications

Cons

Not studied in people with moderate or severe Alzheimer's disease
Must be given as an IV infusion by a nurse
Must get MRI scans before and during treatment to check for your safety

Common Side Effects for Kisunla

Bleeding in the brain (up to 25%)
Swelling or fluid buildup in the brain (24%)
Headache (13%)
Infusion-related reaction (9%)

Warnings for Kisunla

Amyloid related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)
Infusion-related reactions
Allergic reactions

Summary for Leqembi

Prescription only

Leqembi (lecanemab or lecanemab-irmb) is FDA approved to treat people with early Alzheimer's disease. This is when they have mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia. Leqembi (lecanemab) is a type of monoclonal antibody that's given as an infusion into a vein. It's given at an infusion center once every 2 weeks. Later on during treatment, there's an option to get the infusions once every 4 weeks. Common side effects include infusion-related reactions and headache. Leqembi (lecanemab) is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease.

Indications for Leqembi

Early Alzheimer's disease (when there's mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia)

Pros and Cons for Leqembi

Pros

Given once every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks
Can help slow down Alzheimer's disease from getting worse in people with mild symptoms
Helps lessen amyloid beta plaques in the brain
No known interactions with other medications