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Overview: Adakveo is used to help reduce how often pain crises happen in people with sickle cell disease. It is injected into a vein (IV) by a health care provider. Common side effects include headache, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea. Tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms such as fever or chills, dizziness, or pain in any part of your body. These may be signs of a serious side effect of Adakveo.

Uses

What is Adakveo used for?

Adakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca) is commonly used to help reduce the frequency of pain crises in people with sickle cell disease.

Adakveo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Adakveo work (mechanism of action)?

People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that are shaped like a sickle. These red blood cells can stick together and block blood flow in different parts of the body, causing serious health problems such as a pain crisis. 

Adakveo works by blocking a protein called P-selectin, which plays a role in blood cell stickiness. By blocking this protein, Adakveo helps prevent blood cells from sticking together, which reduces the frequency of pain crises in people with sickle cell disease.

How is Adakveo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Adakveo

Dosage forms and strengths

Adakveo is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Adakveo?

Adakveo is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Adakveo?

The most common side effects of Adakveo are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Back, joint, stomach, or throat pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Fever
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Adakveo that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Adakveo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Adakveo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Adakveo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Adakveo can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion or within 24 hours of your dose.

  • Joint, muscle, or other body pain
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Dizziness
  • Hives or itching
  • Fever or chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Trouble breathing or wheezing

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Adakveo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Adakveo.

  • Adakveo
  • Crizanlizumab-tmca 
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Adakveo.

What should I know about Adakveo before using it?

Adakveo is usually given into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Adakveo may affect a blood test that checks the number of platelets in your blood. Before you have any blood tests, tell all of your health care providers that you are using Adakveo.

Your health care provider may prescribe other medicines for you to take before each dose of Adakveo. Make sure to take these medicines as directed. They are meant to reduce your risk of side effects from Adakveo.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Adakveo?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Adakveo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Adakveo may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Adakveo, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Adakveo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Adakveo while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Adakveo?

For more information about Adakveo, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.us.adakveo.com or call them at 888-669-6682.

Interactions

Does Adakveo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Adakveo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Adakveo.

Does Adakveo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Adakveo may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Adakveo. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Adakveo?

If you or someone else has used too much Adakveo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Adakveo?

Adakveo will be given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your Adakveo dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.