Lecanemab
Lecanemab is a monoclonal antibody medication approved for treating early-stage Alzheimer's disease, including mild cognitive impairment and mild dementia due to Alzheimer's. It works by targeting and reducing amyloid beta plaques in the brain, which are a hallmark pathological feature of the disease, potentially slowing clinical decline in appropriate patients.
Lecanemab is an Alzheimer's treatment that removes amyloid beta plaques from the brain using a monoclonal antibody approach.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06DX04
- RxNorm
- 2626143
- Generic
- Lecanemab
- Class
- atc-n06
- Brands
- Leqembi
- 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
- 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- not indicated for pediatric populations
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- not applicable
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks; discuss with healthcare provider
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use in third trimester due to potential fetal exposure
close fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot recommended
breastfeeding not recommended during treatment; discontinue breastfeeding or discontinue lecanemab
no data available on excretion in breast milk
geriatric
elderly over 65no dose adjustment required
monitor closely for ARIA (amyloid-related imaging abnormalities); baseline MRI recommended before treatment; periodic monitoring MRI at weeks 13, 25, and 57
baseline MRI and periodic MRI monitoring; monitor for cognitive changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
pediatricsnot applicable
not indicated for use in pediatric populations
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mild renal impairmentno dose adjustment required
monitor renal function; no formal dose adjustment needed
baseline and periodic renal function monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severe renal impairmentuse with caution
limited data available; use with caution in moderate to severe impairment
monitor renal function more frequently
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentno dose adjustment required
no formal dose adjustment needed; limited data in severe hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Lecanemab is classified as an anti-amyloid beta monoclonal antibody
FDA approval date
Full FDA approval for early Alzheimer's disease treatment
Common uses
Indicated for patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease
Mechanism of action
Binds to soluble amyloid beta aggregates and promotes their clearance
Lecanemab is indicated for the treatment of early-stage Alzheimer's disease, specifically in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease who have confirmed amyloid pathology.
Lecanemab is a humanized IgG1 monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to aggregated soluble and insoluble forms of amyloid beta. By targeting these amyloid species, it facilitates clearance of amyloid plaques from the brain through immune-mediated mechanisms.
Lecanemab is administered as an intravenous infusion every 2 weeks. Patients require regular MRI monitoring for amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which can include brain swelling or microbleeds. Treatment is only appropriate for patients with confirmed amyloid pathology and early-stage disease.
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 July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy