Adakveo : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More

Why is this medication prescribed?

Adakveo (Crizanlizumab-tmca injection) is used to reduce the number of pain crises (sudden, severe pain that may last several hours to several days) in adults and children 16 years of age and older with sickle cell disease (an inherited blood disease). Adakveo is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking certain blood cells from interacting.

How should this medicine be used?

Adakveo (Crizanlizumab-tmca injection) as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse over a period of 30 minutes. It is usually given once every 2 weeks for the first two doses and then once every 4 weeks.

Adakveo can cause serious infusion reactions, which may occur within 24 hours of receiving a dose. A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the infusion and after the infusion to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor or nurse immediately: fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness, sweating, rash, hives, itching, wheezing, or difficulty breathing.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before using Adakveo,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Adakveo, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Adakveo. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using Adakveo, call your doctor.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss an appointment to receive a Adakveo infusion, call your doctor as soon as possible.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Adakveo may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nausea
• back or joint pain
• fever
• redness, pain, swelling, or burning at the site where the injection was given

Adakveo may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving Adakveo.

Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about Adakveo.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Brand names

• Adakveo^®

Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.