Aduhelm (aducanumab-avwa) One vial of 170 mg/1.7 mL (100 mg/mL)

Description

Aduhelm injection is used to reduce amyloid beta plaque, a protein found in the brain of people with Alzheimer’s disease (a brain disease that slowly destroys the memory and ability to think, learn, communicate and handle daily activities).

Aduhelm injection belongs to a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the formation of amyloid beta in the brain.

Warnings

Aduhelm can cause temporary swelling or bleeding in the brain that usually clears up with time. This may cause no symptoms but can be serious. Call your doctor if you have headaches, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or vision changes.

To make sure Aduhelm is safe for you, tell your doctor if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to aducanumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Aduhelm injection.
• take any other prescription or nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects; or
• have or have ever had any medical conditions.

Before taking this medicine

Aduhelm can cause a condition called Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities or “ARIA.”

ARIA is a temporary swelling or small spots of bleeding in the brain that usually clears up with time. Your doctor may perform an MRI of your brain before and during your treatment with Aduhelm. Ask your doctor about your risk.

It is not known if aducanumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

How is Aduhelm given?

Aduhelm injection comes as a solution (liquid) and is injected into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given slowly over one hour, once every 4 weeks (at least 21 days apart).

You will need brain MRIs while receiving Aduhelm.

Your doctor may need to interrupt your treatment or stop your treatment depending on your response to the medication and any side effects that you experience. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.

Aduhelm dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer’s Disease:

Titration is required for treatment initiation: Doses are infused over 1 hour every 4 weeks:
-Infusion 1 and 2: 1 mg/kg IV
-Infusion 3 and 4: 3 mg/kg IV
-Infusion 5 and 6: 6 mg/kg IV
Maintenance dose: 10 mg/kg IV once every 4 weeks