From the Research
Fatigue is a common side effect of Leqembi (lecanemab), occurring in patients taking this medication for Alzheimer's disease, and managing it is crucial to improve the quality of life for these patients. This fatigue typically manifests as a persistent feeling of tiredness or lack of energy that may interfere with daily activities. Patients often notice this side effect within the first few weeks of treatment, though it can develop at any time. For most people, the fatigue is mild to moderate in severity and may improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Managing Leqembi-Related Fatigue
To manage Leqembi-related fatigue, patients should:
- Maintain regular sleep schedules
- Engage in light physical activity as tolerated
- Stay hydrated
- Consider spacing demanding activities throughout the day It's essential to discuss persistent or severe fatigue with your healthcare provider, as they may recommend dosage adjustments or supportive treatments. The fatigue is believed to result from the medication's effects on amyloid clearance in the brain and the body's immune response to this process. Despite this side effect, many patients continue treatment due to the potential benefits of Leqembi in slowing cognitive decline, as seen in studies such as 1. However, the exact incidence of fatigue as a side effect of Leqembi is not directly provided in the given evidence, but it is a known side effect of medications targeting amyloid beta, like donanemab, which has been studied in trials 2, 3. The most recent and relevant study on Leqembi itself is 4, but it does not specifically address the side effect of fatigue. Given the potential benefits and the need to manage side effects to improve patient outcomes, healthcare providers must weigh the risks and benefits of Leqembi treatment for each patient.