Adakveo Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayAdakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca) is an FDA-approved (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) medication manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.
Adakveo is used to reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises (VOCs) in adults and pediatric patients 16 years of age or older with sickle cell disease (SCD) of any genotype (including HbSS, HbSC, HbS beta0 -thalassemia, HbSbeta+ thalassemia).
Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder in which red blood cells are not shaped as they would normally be. This restricts their flow through blood vessels and limits the delivery of oxygen to tissues. This leads to severe pain and organ damage.
Adakveo forms and strengths
Adakveo is available in injection form, in the following doses: 100 mg/10 mL solution in a single-dose vial.
How does Adakveo work?
Crizanlizumab-tmca is classed as a monoclonal antibody. Its mechanism of action is to bind to P-selectin and stop it from interacting with the P-selectin glycoprotein ligand. Crizanlizumab can also separate P-selectin from PSGL-1 complexes.
Adakveo dosage chart
| Indication | Week 0 | Week 2 | Every 4 weeks thereafter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises in adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older with sickle cell disease | 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes | 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes | 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over 30 minutes |
Adakveo dosage restrictions
Adakveo may cause problems if you have certain medical conditions. Contraindications include if you:
- Are allergic to the active ingredient crizanlizumab
- Are allergic to any of the other ingredients in Adakveo
Talk to your doctor before using Adakveo if you:
- Are taking any of the medications that could interact with Adakveo
- Are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant – fetal harm may occur when administered to a pregnant woman
- Are breastfeeding or are planning to breastfeed
How to take Adakveo
Adakveo should be given by a healthcare professional as 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over a 30-minute period through an intravenous line, containing a nonpyrogenic 0.2-micron inline filter on Weeks 0 and 2, and every 4 weeks after. Adakveo may be given with or without hydroxyurea. Your dose of Adakveo will be based on your actual body weight.
Adakveo must be diluted prior to use. The diluted solution may be stored at room temperature for no more than 4.5 hours or refrigerated for no more than 24 hours. Any unused product must be disposed of in line with local requirements.
Please see the full prescribing information, including the medication guide and boxed warning for full drug information, and always speak with your healthcare provider for medical advice about any changes to your dose so they can monitor and evaluate your condition.
Adakveo dosage FAQs
How long does it take Adakveo to work?
Adakveo begins working immediately, however you may not notice any changes right away. Over time, you will experience fewer pain crises.
What happens if I miss a dose of Adakveo
If you miss a dose, take Adakveo as soon as you remember. If it is within 2 weeks after the missed dose, continue with the patient’s original schedule. If more than 2 weeks have passed since the missed dose, continue treatments every 4 weeks from then on.
How long can I take Adakveo?
Adakveo is for long-term use. Your doctor will determine how long you will take it based on how safe and effective it is for you.
What is the maximum dosage for Adakveo?
Adakveo is given as 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over a 30-minute period.
Can I overdose on Adakveo?
No cases of overdose have been reported.
What interacts with Adakveo?
No drug interactions are listed for Adakveo. However, you should tell your healthcare provider about all the medications you take, including other prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements.
What are the side effects of Adakveo
The most common side effects of Adakveo in clinical trials compared to placebo include:
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Arthralgia
- Myalgia
- Chest pain
- Back pain
- Pyrexia
In rare instances, Adakveo can cause more serious side effects. These can include:
- Infusion-Related Reactions (IRR) sometimes require hospitalization – symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, tiredness, dizziness, pruritus, itching, sweating, or shortness of breath. For mild to moderate IRR stop or slow the rate of infusion and begin symptomatic treatment with acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, antihistamines, or oxygen. Discontinue treatment for severe infusion-related reactions and begin appropriate medical care
- Adakveo may affect laboratory tests to measure your platelet counts, especially when samples are collected in tubes with EDTA. Tests should be run within 4 hours of blood collection or samples should be collected in tubes containing citrate
- Acute chest syndrome and fat embolism
Your doctor will assess the benefits of using Adakveo against your risk of side effects. Patients are encouraged to report negative side effects or adverse reactions of Adakveo to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.