About lecanemab (Rekenbi®), a new drug for mild cognitive impairment or dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease

Recanemab (brand name: Rekenbi®), an Alzheimer's disease treatment with a new mechanism of action, was launched on December 20, 2023. Starting from January 9th, our hospital will also have outpatient reservation slots for recanemab treatment.
This drug is to be used in accordance with the Optimal Use Promotion Guidelines (external link) established by ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare notation Welfare, and our hospital has established a system to ensure safe and appropriate use of this drug. The process from consultation to the administration of lecanemab (Rekenbi®) is as follows.

1.Outpatient reservation

Recanemab (Rekenbi®) is administered only to patients with mild cognitive impairment or mild dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. In other words, people with dementia due to causes other than Alzheimer's disease, or those with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease that is progressing may not be eligible for treatment. In principle, you will be referred by your primary care physician to make an appointment for your outpatient treatment with lecanemab. If you think your condition is progressing, please visit an outpatient department of Neurology or psychiatry. A screening test will be conducted at the first outpatient visit, and those who may be eligible for lecanemab (Rekenbi®) will proceed to the next step.

2. Flow of outpatient and testing procedures up to the administration of lecanemab (Rekenbi®)

Eligibility for receiving lecanemab (Rekenbi®) is strictly determined by various tests in addition to clinical diagnosis. Of particular importance are the evidence of amyloid-β accumulation in the brain and the absence of specific brain MRI abnormalities that pose a high risk of side effects. Even if you have undergone an MRI test in the past, you will be required to undergo a brain MRI test under the newly established imaging conditions. If the brain MRI test does not meet the exclusion criteria, you should undergo tests such as cerebral blood flow scintigraphy, and then undergo either an amyloid PET test or a biomarker test using lumbar puncture to prove the accumulation of amyloid β. I'll enjoy having this. A specialist will comprehensively consider these tests, along with previous test results, etc., and will determine whether or not you are a candidate for receiving lecanemab (Rekenbi®). If you are eligible for treatment, administration will begin on an outpatient basis.

3. Administration of lecanemab (Rekenbi®)

You will be asked to visit the hospital once every two weeks, and the medication will be administered through an intravenous drip. The infusion takes approximately one and a half hours. When administering your first dose, you will be asked to wait for approximately 1 hour after the administration is complete for observation. Since allergic reactions such as fever and joint pain may occur after administration, antipyretic analgesics will be prescribed. In addition, periodic brain MRI examinations are required for about six months after starting administration, as side effects such as brain swelling and cerebral hemorrhage may occur.

The above is the general flow of treatment.

4. Outpatient reservation slot

Neurology Monday to Friday morning
Neuropsychiatry Monday to Friday morning

5. Precautions

  • The initial outpatient treatment for lecanemab will be conducted at Neurology and Neuropsychiatry. Please specify the medical department when making a reservation. In addition, regardless of whether you are referred to Neurology or Neuropsychiatry, the examination and treatment content will generally be the same.
  • Please evaluate MMSE within the last three months.
  • Patients with an MMSE score of 21 or less are not eligible for lecanemab treatment. If you wish to see our hospital with an MMSE score of 21 or less, please refer us to the regular initial outpatient clinic.
  • If you have not yet taken the MMSE, please refer us to the initial outpatient department of Neurology or Neuropsychiatry.
  • If you have had an MRI scan, please prepare the image data as well.
  • On the day of the consultation, please be sure to bring a family member who is familiar with the patient's usual condition with you.
Click here for FAX reservation application form (PDF) FAX予約申込書はこちら（Word）
FAX reservation/contact information

Patient Support Center TEL: 078-302-6031 FAX: 078-302-2251