Donanemab
Written By Dr. Sakshi Jain
Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev SharmaLast updated 07 Jul 2026 | 01:27 PM (UTC)
Donanemab Uses
Donanemab is used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
How Donanemab works
Donanemab works by binding to abnormal amyloid beta plaques, which are protein deposits that build up in the brains of people with Alzheimer's disease. After binding to these plaques, it helps the body's immune system remove them from the brain. Reducing these amyloid plaques may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to the disease.
Common side effects of Donanemab
Brain swelling, Headache
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Expert advice for Donanemab
- Ask a family member or caregiver to accompany you to infusion appointments whenever possible. They may notice changes in your memory, speech, walking, or behavior that you might not recognize and can help report these changes promptly to your doctor.
- Inform every doctor involved in your care that you are receiving Donanemab, particularly before starting blood thinners or medicines used to dissolve blood clots, as these treatments may increase the risk of bleeding in the brain.
- Learn to recognize symptoms that require urgent medical attention, including a severe headache, sudden confusion, vision changes, weakness, difficulty walking, or seizures. Seek immediate medical care if any of these symptoms occur during treatment.
- Keep an updated list of all your medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements, and share it with your doctor at each visit. This helps identify medicines that may increase your risk of side effects or require additional monitoring.
- Treatment with Donanemab should be viewed as one part of a comprehensive Alzheimer's care plan. Continue following your doctor's recommendations regarding cognitive support, physical activity, nutrition, and caregiver involvement throughout treatment.
- If you develop significant bleeding in the brain (intracerebral hemorrhage) during treatment, your doctor may pause Donanemab until brain scans confirm that the condition has stabilized and your symptoms have improved. Whether treatment is restarted will depend on your doctor's assessment.
Frequently asked questions for Donanemab
Donanemab can cause a side effect called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA), which may result in temporary swelling or small areas of bleeding in the brain. Many people with ARIA do not notice any symptoms, so MRI scans are performed before treatment and at scheduled intervals to detect these changes early and help your doctor decide whether treatment can be continued safely. Keeping all scheduled MRI appointments is an important part of your treatment.
Before starting Donanemab, your doctor may recommend a genetic test to check whether you have a specific inherited gene called ApoE ε4. Some people inherit a form of this gene that increases their chance of developing a brain-related side effect called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA) during treatment. Knowing your test result helps you and your doctor better understand your risk and decide whether this medicine is the right treatment for you. Having this gene does not mean you cannot receive Donanemab, but it may require closer monitoring during treatment.
No. Donanemab does not produce an immediate improvement in memory or thinking. It works by removing amyloid beta plaques from the brain, which may help slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease in people with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
Always tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking before starting treatment. This is especially important if you take blood-thinning medicines (anticoagulants) or medicines used to dissolve blood clots, as these may increase the risk of bleeding complications during Donanemab treatment. Never start or stop another medicine without discussing it with your doctor.
No. Even if you feel well, continue attending all scheduled infusion appointments and MRI scans unless your doctor advises otherwise. Alzheimer's disease is progressive, and regular treatment and monitoring are important to help ensure that the medicine is used safely and effectively.