Why is this medication prescribed?

Crizanlizumab-tmca injection (brand name Adakveo) is prescribed for the treatment of sickle cell disease in adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older. Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become rigid and sticky, causing them to form a crescent or sickle shape. This can lead to blockages in blood flow, resulting in severe pain and organ damage.

Crizanlizumab-tmca is specifically used to help prevent vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in individuals with sickle cell disease. VOCs are episodes of severe pain that occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow to organs and tissues.

How should this medicine be used?

How Crizanlizumab-tmca Injection should be used:

• Dosage: The recommended dosage of Crizanlizumab-tmca is 5 mg/kg body weight, administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion over a period of 30 minutes. This infusion is typically given once every month.
• Administration: The injection should be administered by a healthcare provider who is experienced in the management of sickle cell disease.
• Monitoring: Patients should be monitored during and after the infusion for any signs of allergic reactions or other adverse effects.
• Additional Treatments: Crizanlizumab-tmca should be used in conjunction with other therapies for sickle cell disease as recommended by healthcare providers.

It’s essential to follow the prescribed dosage and administration schedule as directed by healthcare professionals to effectively manage sickle cell disease and reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises.

Other uses for this medicine

Crizanlizumab-tmca injection (Adakveo) is specifically approved and indicated for the treatment of sickle cell disease to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs). As of last update, there are no other approved uses for Crizanlizumab-tmca.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Crizanlizumab-tmca Injection:

• Allergic Reactions: Patients should be monitored for signs of allergic reactions during and after the infusion. If an allergic reaction occurs, appropriate medical treatment should be administered promptly.
• Infusion Reactions: Infusion reactions such as fever, chills, nausea, and dizziness have been reported. Healthcare providers should monitor patients closely during the infusion and manage any reactions accordingly.
• Infections: Patients should be monitored for signs of infection. If a serious infection occurs, appropriate treatment should be initiated promptly.
• Immunizations: It is recommended to administer all recommended vaccinations prior to starting treatment with Crizanlizumab-tmca, as patients with sickle cell disease are at increased risk of infections.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Crizanlizumab-tmca during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Healthcare providers should weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks when considering use in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
• Liver Function: Monitoring of liver function tests is recommended, as elevated liver enzymes have been reported in some patients receiving Crizanlizumab-tmca.
• Pediatric Use: The safety and efficacy of Crizanlizumab-tmca have not been established in pediatric patients under 16 years of age.
• Renal Function: There are no specific renal dosing recommendations for Crizanlizumab-tmca, but caution should be exercised in patients with severe renal impairment.
• Drug Interactions: There are no known drug interactions with Crizanlizumab-tmca based on available data, but healthcare providers should always review a patient’s medication regimen for potential interactions.

Patients should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions closely regarding the use of Crizanlizumab-tmca and report any new symptoms or concerns promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary instructions associated with Crizanlizumab-tmca injection. However, maintaining a healthy and balanced diet is generally advisable for overall well-being, especially for individuals managing chronic conditions like sickle cell disease.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget to take a scheduled dose of Crizanlizumab-tmca, you should contact your healthcare provider or infusion center as soon as possible. They will provide guidance on when to schedule the missed dose and how to adjust subsequent doses if necessary. It’s important not to double the dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Crizanlizumab-tmca (Adakveo) can cause several potential side effects. It’s important to note that not all people will experience these side effects, and some may be more common or severe than others. Here are some of the known side effects associated with Crizanlizumab-tmca injection:

• Infusion reactions: These can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, itching, and rash. These reactions typically occur during or shortly after the infusion and may require medical attention.
• Allergic reactions: Serious allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) are possible but rare. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and severe itching or rash. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these symptoms occur.
• Liver enzyme elevations: Some patients may experience elevated liver enzymes (ALT and AST) as detected by blood tests. Monitoring of liver function during treatment is recommended.
• Infections: There is an increased risk of infections with Crizanlizumab-tmca. Common infections reported include upper respiratory tract infections and urinary tract infections.
• Pain in extremities: Pain in the hands or feet may occur as a side effect.
• Arthralgia (joint pain) and myalgia (muscle pain): These have been reported in some patients.
• Nausea: Mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea have been noted in clinical trials.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak may occur.
• Headache: Some patients may experience headaches as a side effect.
• Dizziness: Feeling dizzy or lightheaded has been reported.

It’s important for patients to report any unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare provider promptly. Healthcare providers will monitor patients for these potential side effects during treatment with Crizanlizumab-tmca and take appropriate measures if they occur.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage of Crizanlizumab-tmca Injection:

• Refrigeration: Store Crizanlizumab-tmca vials in the refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• Protection from Light: Keep the vials in their original carton to protect from light.
• Do Not Freeze: Do not freeze Crizanlizumab-tmca. If frozen, do not use and consult your healthcare provider.
• Handling: Handle with care to prevent damage to the vial and avoid shaking.
• Expiration Date: Check the expiration date on the vial label. Do not use Crizanlizumab-tmca beyond the expiration date.

Disposal of Crizanlizumab-tmca Injection:

• Unused Vials: Dispose of any unused or expired Crizanlizumab-tmca vials according to local regulations and guidelines.
• Disposal Instructions: Follow specific disposal instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This typically involves returning unused vials to a healthcare provider or pharmacist for proper disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Contact emergency medical services (911) or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Symptom Management: There is no specific antidote for Crizanlizumab-tmca overdose. Management would focus on supportive care and treating any symptoms or complications that arise.

What other information should I know?

• Monitoring: Regular monitoring by healthcare providers is essential during treatment with Crizanlizumab-tmca to assess its effectiveness and monitor for any side effects.
• Patient Education: Understand and follow the dosing schedule and administration instructions provided by your healthcare provider or infusion center.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Crizanlizumab-tmca.
• Effectiveness: Crizanlizumab-tmca is intended to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease but may not eliminate them entirely.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits of Crizanlizumab-tmca with your healthcare provider.
• Storage and Handling: Keep Crizanlizumab-tmca out of reach of children and pets. Store it securely to prevent unauthorized use.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and guidelines regarding the use, storage, disposal, and management of Crizanlizumab-tmca to ensure safe and effective treatment for sickle cell disease.