Aducanumab-avwa (US brand name Aduhelm™) is a recombinant human immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody directed against amyloid beta.
On this page, we present some basic information about this medication. Other articles on this website with more advanced information and tips related to this medication are linked to under Related Pages below.
FDA-approved indications
Treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mechanism of Action/Pharmacodynamics
Deposition of extracellular beta amyloid is the hallmark pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Aducanumab is a recombinant human immunoglobulin gamma 1 (IgG1) monoclonal antibody that works by reducing soluble and insoluble forms of amyloid beta in a dose and time-dependent manner.
Pharmacokinetics
Reaches steady-state concentrations by 16 weeks of repeated dosing with an every 4-week regimen.
Contraindications
None
Warnings and Precautions
– Amyloid-related imaging abnormalities due to hemosiderin deposition (ARIA-H): Be vigilant for the development of symptoms consistent with ARIA-H during the first 8 doses and if symptoms are observed, then follow up with clinical evaluation and MRI testing.
– If hypersensitivity reactions (angioedema, urticaria, etc.) are observed, promptly discontinue treatment
Dosage and administration
Aducanumab is given by IV infusion administered approximately over 1 hour every 4 weeks (minimum 21 days apart).
The dose is gradually titrated over 7 weeks to the maintenance dose of 10mg/kg IV infusion administered over 1 hour every 4 weeks
Titration:
Infusion 1 and 2: 1 mg/kg over 1 hour, 4 weeks apart
Infusion 3 and 4: 3 mg/kg over 1 hour, 4 weeks apart
Infusion 5 and 6: 6 mg/kg over 1 hour, 4 weeks apart
Infusion 7 and beyond: 10 mg/kg over 1 hour, every 4 weeks
Maintenance
10 mg/kg IV infusion administered over 1 hour every 4 weeks
Instructions
– Obtain a recent brain MRI (within one year) prior to initiating treatment and again prior to the 7th and 12th infusions. If radiographic severe ARIA-H is observed, treatment should be continued only after clinical evaluation and follow-up MRIs show radiographic stabilization.
– Dilute in 100 mL of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, USP, prior to administration. Administer as an intravenous infusion over approximately one hour via a 0.2 or 0.22-micron in-line filter.
Dosage forms and strengths
Injection (single dose vial):170 mg/1.7 mL (100 mg/mL) or 300 mg/3 mL (100 mg/mL)
Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
Alzheimer’s disease: Medications
How to choose a cholinesterase inhibitor
Switch cholinesterase inhibitors?
Medications for dementia: Alternative preparations
Donepezil (Aricept®, Aricept ODT®): Basic Information
Galantamine (Razadyne, Razadyne ER): Basic Information
Rivastigmine (Exelon®, Exelon® Patch): Basic Information
Memantine (Namenda®, Namenda XR®): Basic Information
References
Prescribing information for aducanumab-avwa (Aduhelm™)
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