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Overview: Kisunla is used for Alzheimer's disease. It is given by a health care provider as an infusion into one of your blood vessels. It helps to reduce amyloid beta plaques in the brain. A common side effects of Kisunla is headache. Kisunla can sometimes lead to a serious side effect known as Amyloid-Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA). Call your health care provider right away if you have trouble walking or talking, confusion, or changes in your vision.

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.

Learn more about How Kisunla Helps With Early Alzheimer's, and What to Expect.

Kisunla may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care 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 an intravenous (IV) injection that is given by a health care provider. 

How should I store Kisunla?

Kisunla is usually given by a health care 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 health care 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 health care 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 (800-332-1088). 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 health care 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • 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 health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of ARIA.

  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Trouble 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 health care 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 health care 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 health care provider before using Kisunla?

Tell your health care 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 know 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 health care 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 a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Kisunla passes into breast milk. Tell your health care 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 health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Especially tell your health care provider if you take medicines to reduce blood clots from forming, such as aspirin, warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven), or apixaban (Eliquis).

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Kisunla. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

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 health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care 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.