Uses
What is Kisunla used for?
Kisunla (donanemab-azbt) is commonly used to treat Alzheimer’s disease. Kisunla doesn’t cure Alzheimer’s disease, but it may help slow declines in memory and thinking.
Kisunla may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Kisunla work (mechanism of action)?
In people with Alzheimer's disease, a protein called amyloid beta builds up in the brain. These proteins form clumps known as plaques that cause memory and thinking problems. Kisunla is a medicine that targets and helps remove these amyloid beta plaques.
How is Kisunla supplied (dosage forms)?
Kisunla is available as a 350 mg/20 mL injection that is injected into a blood vessel over a period of time.
How should I store Kisunla?
Kisunla is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Kisunla?
The most common side effects of Kisunla are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA) (see below)
- Headache
There may be other side effects of Kisunla that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Kisunla?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Kisunla are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Kisunla may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Your infusion may be slowed or stopped. Get emergency help if you are no longer where you received Kisunla.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA). Kisunla may cause a potentially serious side effect called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Most people with ARIA don’t have any symptoms. If people do have symptoms of ARIA, they are often mild and go away on their own. However, sometimes ARIA can be serious or life-threatening. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of ARIA.
- Headache
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking or talking
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Vision changes
Infusion-related Reactions. Kisunla is given to you through an infusion into your vein. Sometimes, people can have a reaction to the infusion. Infusion-related reactions are more likely to occur with the first few infusions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an infusion-related reaction.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Chills and sweating
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Chest pain
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Skin irritation such as redness or discoloration of your skin
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Kisunla?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Kisunla.
- Donanemab-azbt
- Kisunla
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Kisunla.
What should I know about Kisunla before using it?
Some people have a genetic risk factor called homozygous apolipoprotein E gene carriers. This genetic risk factor may increase the risk of a serious potential side effect called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). Your healthcare provider may do genetic testing to see if you have this risk factor before prescribing Kisunla.
ARIA can cause symptoms that mimic a stroke. It’s important to carry information with you that you are using Kisunla, which can cause ARIA and that ARIA symptoms can cause symptoms that make it look like you are having a stroke. A medical alert bracelet or a wallet card are common ways to ensure you are carrying this information.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Kisunla?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Kisunla is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Kisunla may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Kisunla, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Kisunla could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Kisunla passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Kisunla?
For more information about Kisunla, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.kisunla.lilly.com or call them at 800-545-5979.
Interactions
Does Kisunla interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Kisunla and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Kisunla.
Does Kisunla interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines to reduce blood clots from forming, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), or apixaban (Eliquis).
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Kisunla?
If you or someone else has used too much Kisunla, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Kisunla?
Kisunla is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Kisunla as scheduled.
If you miss an appointment to get your Kisunla dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.