Kisunla: Side Effects and How to Manage Them
Kisunla (donanemab-azbt) is a prescription drug used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Kisunla can cause side effects that range from mild to serious. Examples include headache and infusion-related reactions.
Kisunla is typically prescribed for adults with mild Alzheimer’s disease.
The active ingredient in Kisunla is donanemab-azbt. The drug comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein over a period of time).
Kisunla is a biologic medication. This means that Kisunla is made from parts of living organisms.
Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects that Kisunla can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Kisunla has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Note: As a person’s condition progresses, they may need help reading or understanding certain information about their treatment plan. This article contains details that may help caregivers learn more about key aspects of Kisunla.
What are the more common side effects of Kisunla?
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during their Kisunla treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:
- headache
- mild infusion-related reactions
- boxed warning: risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)*
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
What are the mild side effects of Kisunla?
Mild side effects have been reported with Kisunla. These include:
- headache
- mild infusion-related reactions*
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop Kisunla treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Kisunla may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
What are the serious side effects of Kisunla?
Serious side effects have been reported with Kisunla. These include:
- severe infusion-related reactions*
- intestinal obstruction (blockage)
- intestinal perforation (hole)
- boxed warning: risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)*
If you develop serious side effects while receiving Kisunla, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Kisunla, visit MedWatch.
Allergic reaction
For some people, Kisunla can cause an allergic reaction.
This was an uncommon side effect reported in the drug’s studies. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Kisunla treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Kisunla, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Side effects explained
Learn more about some of the side effects Kisunla may cause.
Risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities
Kisunla has a boxed warning for the risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts people about certain drug effects that may be dangerous.
In studies of Kisunla, ARIA was a common side effect. This refers to abnormalities that may appear on imaging such as MRI scans. They typically occur when your first begin treatment, but it can happen anytime during treatment.
ARIA can appear as either swelling or bleeding spots in different parts of your brain. In some cases, large bleeding areas of your brain may occur.
ARIA usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. However, some people have symptoms such as:
- headache
- confusion
- dizziness
- vision changes
- nausea
- seizures
- difficulty walking
In rare cases, ARIA can cause serious complications including seizures and status epilepticus.
Having a certain genetic risk factor (homozygous apolipoprotein E ε4 gene carrier) can raise the risk of developing ARIA if you receive Kisunla.
Taking antithrombotic medications, which help prevent and treat blood clots, can raise your risk of bleeding in your brain. Brain bleeding can also occur with certain types of ARIA. So, you may be more likely to experience ARIA with brain bleeding if you take antithrombotic medications during your Kisunla treatment.
What might help
Before receiving Kisunla, talk with your doctor about your medical conditions and all medications your take, including prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter medications. Your doctor will help determine whether Kisunla is the right medication for you.
Your doctor will likely order a test to check for the genetic factor mentioned above before prescribing Kisunla for you. Before and during your Kisunla treatment, your doctor will also order MRI scans of your brain. This will help check for brain abnormalities or changes. Your doctor will monitor you more closely during the first 24 weeks of treatment for any brain changes.
It may be difficult to distinguish ARIA symptoms from symptoms of a stroke. If you develop symptoms of ARIA described above, immediately call your doctor or go to the closest emergency room.
Infusion reactions
Severe infusion reactions were an uncommon side effect in studies of Kisunla. Mild and moderate infusion reactions were more commonly reported.
Infusion reactions typically occur during the infusion or within 30 minutes after the infusion ends. An infusion reaction may not occur with each dose of Kisunla. The majority of infusion reactions were reported within the first four doses.
Infusion-related reactions may cause symptoms such as:
- chills
- nausea and vomiting
- sweating
- headache
- chest pain
- trouble breathing
- skin irritation
What might help
Your doctor may give you other medications before your Kisunla infusion. This is to help prevent infusion-related reactions. They may give you the following medications:
- antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
- pain reliever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- corticosteroid, such as prednisone (Rayos)
If you develop infusion-related reaction during or after your Kisunla treatment, talk with your doctor right away. They may slow or stop the infusion if you’re receiving a dose at the time. Or they may consider an alternative treatment in the future.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Kisunla treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or receiving a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how your symptoms affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Kisunla affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Warnings for Kisunla
Below is important information you should consider before receiving Kisunla.
Boxed warning: Risk of amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA)
Kisunla has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Other warnings
Kisunla can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Kisunla is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before you receive Kisunla. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- previous allergic reaction to Kisunla
- pregnancy
- breastfeeding
- alcohol consumption
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
What is Kisunla used for?
Kisunla is a medication commonly prescribed for [insert primary use, e.g., treating a specific condition]. It is important to use Kisunla as directed by a healthcare professional.
What are the common side effects of Kisunla?
Common side effects of Kisunla may include [insert common side effects]. These side effects are generally mild and may decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
Are there any serious side effects associated with Kisunla?
Serious side effects of Kisunla are rare but can include [insert serious side effects]. If you experience any of these, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
How can I manage the side effects of Kisunla?
To manage the side effects of Kisunla, consider [insert management strategies, e.g., staying hydrated, taking medication with food]. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Should I stop taking Kisunla if I experience side effects?
Do not stop taking Kisunla without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you experience side effects. Your provider can help you determine the best course of action.
Can Kisunla interact with other medications?
Yes, Kisunla can interact with other medications. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.
Who should not take Kisunla?
Individuals with [insert contraindications, such as certain medical conditions] should not take Kisunla. Always discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
How long do Kisunla side effects last?
The duration of Kisunla side effects can vary. Common side effects may resolve as your body adjusts, but persistent or severe side effects should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
