What is Adakveo Uses, warnings & interactions

Adakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca) is an FDA-approved (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) medication manufactured by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation.

Adakveo is a selectin blocker used to reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises (VOCs) in adults and pediatric patients 16 years of age or older with sickle cell disease of any genotype (including HbSS, HbSC, HbS beta0 -thalassemia, and HbSbeta+ thalassemia).

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder in which red blood cells are not shaped as they would normally. This restricts their flow through blood vessels and limits the delivery of oxygen to tissues, leading to severe pain and damage.

What is Adakveo used for?

To reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises in adults and pediatric patients 16 years of age or older with sickle cell disease.

How does Adakveo work?

Crizanlizumab-tmca is a monoclonal antibody. Its mechanism of action is to bind to P-selectin and stop it from interacting with P-selectin glycoprotein ligand. Crizanlizumab can also separate P-selectin from PSGL-1.

Alternatives to Adakveo

• Oxbryta
• Endari
• Droxia
• Siklos

How to take Adakveo?

Adakveo should be given by a healthcare professional as 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over a 30-minute period on week 0, week 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 side effects

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 requiring hospitalizations – symptoms include pain in various locations, headache, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, dizziness, pruritus, urticaria, sweating, or shortness of breath or wheezing. For mild to moderate IRR interrupt or slow the rate of infusion and begin symptomatic treatment (acetaminophen, NSAIDs, opioids, antihistamines, intravenous fluids, and/or oxygen therapy). Discontinue treatment for severe infusion-related reactions and begin appropriate medical care
• Adakveo may interfere with laboratory tests to measure your platelet counts. Blood 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.

Adakveo precautions

Adakveo isn’t suitable for everyone. You shouldn’t take Adakveo 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

Adakveo drug interactions

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.

Adakveo FAQs

How does Adakveo make you feel?

Adakveo can cause side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, arthralgia, and myalgia. Speak to your doctor for medical advice.

Does Adakveo cause weight gain?

Weight gain has not been reported as a side effect of Adakveo treatment.

How long does it take for 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 it as soon as you remember. If it is taken within 2 weeks of the missed dose, continue according to your regular routine. If more than 2 weeks have passed after the missed dose, continue taking your medication every 4 weeks thereafter.

What should I avoid while taking Adakveo?

No drug interactions have been reported for Adakveo. You are advised however to 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.

How much does Adakveo cost?

Without insurance, prices for Adakveo will vary depending on where you buy it and how much you buy. As a guide, Adakveo intravenous solution (10 mg/mL) typically costs $2,500 for 10 milliliters.

Adakveo may be covered by your healthcare plan, but you may have to make co-payments. With NiceRx you may be able to get Adakveo for a flat fee of only $49 per month. See how we can help you access affordable Adakveo medication.

Related medications

• Oxbryta
• Endari
• Droxia
• Siklos