There are indeed ongoing and emerging class action lawsuits related to Alzheimer’s drugs that have been linked to seizures and other serious neurological side effects. These legal actions primarily focus on patients who have experienced seizures, brain swelling, bleeding, or other severe complications after taking certain Alzheimer’s medications, especially newer amyloid-targeting therapies.
Alzheimer’s drugs like donanemab (marketed as Kisunla) and lecanemab (marketed as Leqembi) are monoclonal antibodies designed to reduce amyloid plaques in the brain, which are believed to contribute to Alzheimer’s disease progression. While these drugs have shown some promise in slowing cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients, they have also been associated with a significant risk of adverse effects, including a condition called amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIA). ARIA can manifest as brain swelling (edema), brain bleeding (hemorrhage), and in some cases, seizures and status epilepticus, which is a severe, life-threatening form of seizure.
The risk of seizures linked to these drugs arises mainly from ARIA-related brain complications. For example, donanemab has been reported to cause ARIA in a substantial percentage of patients during clinical trials, with some cases resulting in seizures, permanent neurological damage, or even death. Regulatory agencies in Europe have refused marketing authorization for donanemab due to these safety concerns, while the FDA in the United States has approved it but with updated labeling and dosing recommendations aimed at reducing ARIA risk. These include modified dosing schedules and earlier MRI monitoring to detect ARIA before symptoms like seizures develop.
Similarly, lecanemab has been associated with ARIA-E (edema) and seizures. The FDA has recommended additional and earlier MRI scans for patients receiving lecanemab to identify ARIA events sooner and potentially prevent severe outcomes by adjusting or stopping treatment. Despite these precautions, some patients have still experienced serious adverse events, including seizures.
Because of these serious risks, patients and families affected by seizures or other severe neurological side effects after taking these Alzheimer’s drugs have pursued legal action. Class action lawsuits and product liability claims have been filed against pharmaceutical companies like Eli Lilly, which manufactures donanemab, alleging that the companies failed to adequately warn patients and healthcare providers about the risks of brain bleeding, swelling, and seizures. These lawsuits seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from these adverse effects.
The legal landscape is still evolving, with some lawsuits consolidated into multidistrict litigation to streamline the process. Patients who have experienced seizures or other serious complications after using these drugs may be eligible to join ongoing class actions or file individual claims. The lawsuits often focus on whether the drug manufacturers properly disclosed the risks and whether the benefits of the drugs outweigh their dangers.
In summary, there are open class actions and legal claims related to seizures caused by Alzheimer’s drugs, particularly those targeting amyloid plaques like donanemab and lecanemab. These drugs carry a known risk of ARIA, which can lead to seizures and other severe brain injuries. Regulatory agencies have responded by updating safety guidelines and monitoring requirements, but legal actions continue as affected patients seek accountability and compensation.
