Crizanlizumab Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Crizanlizumab

Generic name: crizanlizumab [ KRIZ-an-LIZ-ue-mab ]
Brand name: Adakveo
Dosage form: intravenous solution (tmca 10 mg/mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 30, 2022. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is crizanlizumab?

Crizanlizumab is used in people with sickle cell disease to reduce how often certain episodes (vaso-occlusive crises) occur.

Crizanlizumab is for use in adults and children at least 16 years old.

Crizanlizumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Some side effects may occur within 24 hours after you receive crizanlizumab. Tell your caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, tired, itchy, chilled, sweaty, or have a fever, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

## Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Having sickle cell disease during pregnancy may increase the risk of premature birth or low birth weight. The benefit of treating sickle cell disease may outweigh any risks to the baby.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.

## How is crizanlizumab given?

Crizanlizumab is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

crizanlizumab must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 30 minutes to complete.

Your doctor may prescribe other treatments while using crizanlizumab.

Crizanlizumab is usually given once every 2 to 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not stop using this medicine without your doctor´s advice.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using crizanlizumab.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your crizanlizumab injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Since crizanlizumab is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

## What should I avoid while receiving crizanlizumab?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

## Crizanlizumab side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur within 24 hours after you receive crizanlizumab. Call your doctor if you feel dizzy, nauseated, tired, itchy, chilled, sweaty, or have a fever, wheezing, or shortness of breath.

Common side effects of crizanlizumab may include:

- stomach pain or tenderness;

- nausea;

- fever;

- joint pain; or

- back pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Crizanlizumab side effects (more detail)

## Crizanlizumab dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Sickle Cell Anemia:

Initial dose: 5 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks for 2 doses, then
Maintenance dose: 5 mg/kg via IV infusion every 4 weeks
Comments:
-This drug may be given with or without hydroxyurea.
-Use patient's actual body weight for dose calculation.
Use: To reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises in patients 16 years or older with sickle cell disease.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Sickle Cell Anemia:

16 years or older:
Initial dose: 5 mg/kg via IV infusion every 2 weeks for 2 doses, then
Maintenance dose: 5 mg/kg via IV infusion every 4 weeks
Comments:
-This drug may be given with or without hydroxyurea.
-Use patient's actual body weight for dose calculation.
Use: To reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises in patients 16 years or older with sickle cell disease.

Detailed Crizanlizumab dosage information

## What other drugs will affect crizanlizumab?

Other drugs may affect crizanlizumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Crizanlizumab drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Popular FAQ

What type of drug is Adakveo and how does it work?

Adakveo injection is a targeted biologic P-selectin inhibitor that blocks interactions between certain blood cells and blood vessels to make them less “sticky”. This helps to reduce how often painful crises occur in patients with sickle cell disease. Continue reading

How is Adakveo administered?

Adakveo is administered by an intravenous (IV) infusion over 30 minutes. The correct dose of Adakveo for you will be mixed in a sterile IV bag containing 0.9% Sodium Chloride for injection or 5% Dextrose for injection and given directly into your vein via a small, hollow, plastic tube called a cannula. Adakveo cannot be self-administered at home, it must be prepared and administered by a health professional. Continue reading

## More about crizanlizumab

- Check interactions
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous uncategorized agents
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Adakveo

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Anemia, Sickle Cell

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 3.01.