Aducanumab
Aducanumab is a monoclonal antibody medication designed to target and reduce amyloid-beta plaques in the brain, which are believed to play a role in Alzheimer's disease progression. It is used to treat Alzheimer's disease in its early stages, specifically for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
Aducanumab is an amyloid-targeting antibody therapy for early-stage Alzheimer's disease that works by reducing brain amyloid plaques.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06DX03
- RxNorm
- 2557217
- Generic
- Aducanumab
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Aduhelm
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless potential benefits justify potential risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse with caution
consider risks vs benefits, monoclonal antibodies may cross placenta
fetal monitoring and assessment of immunoglobulin levels in newborn
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment
discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue drug, decision should be made based on importance of treatment to mother
monitor infant for exposure effects
geriatric
elderly 65 and olderno adjustment
no dosage adjustment needed based on age, monitor for ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities)
regular MRI scans to monitor for ARIA-E and ARIA-H
pediatric_age
pediatricnot applicable
not indicated for use in pediatric patients, no safety or efficacy data available
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild to moderate renal impairmentno adjustment
no dosage adjustment needed, monoclonal antibodies not renally eliminated
standard monitoring for ARIA
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentuse with caution
limited data in severe renal impairment, use with caution
enhanced monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderate hepatic impairmentno adjustment
no dosage adjustment needed, but monitor for ARIA
regular MRI monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severe hepatic impairmentuse with caution
not studied in severe hepatic impairment, use only if benefits outweigh risks
enhanced monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Aducanumab is a human immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody
FDA approval date
Aducanumab received accelerated approval from FDA in June 2021
Approved indication
Indicated for treatment of Alzheimer's disease
Mechanism of action
Binds to amyloid-beta plaques to reduce them
Aducanumab is indicated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease, the stages of disease where amyloid plaques are present but dementia severity is still limited.
Aducanumab is a monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain. By binding to these plaques, it triggers immune-mediated clearance of amyloid, thereby reducing the amyloid burden in the brain, which is thought to slow disease progression in Alzheimer's disease.
Aducanumab is administered via intravenous infusion every four weeks. A significant safety concern is amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which can manifest as brain swelling (ARIA-E) or microhemorrhages (ARIA-H); patients require monitoring with MRI scans during treatment. The FDA approval was controversial due to mixed clinical trial results, and its use should be discussed carefully with a neurologist or specialist.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy