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Adakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help reduce how often vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs), or painful crises caused by blocked blood flow, happen in people ages 16 and older with sickle cell disease.
Adakveo is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. It binds to and blocks P-selectin, a protein involved in interactions between blood vessel lining cells, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
Doctors prescribe Adakveo when someone ages 16 and older with sickle cell disease needs treatment to reduce how often painful crises happen.
Adakveo is given through a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion. A healthcare professional prepares and gives the medicine.
The recommended dose of Adakveo is 5 milligrams per kilogram of actual body weight. Each dose is given through a vein over 30 minutes.
The first infusion is given at week 0. The second infusion is given two weeks later. After that, an infusion is given every four weeks.
Doctors should review treatment at least once a year to see how well Adakveo is working. They may consider stopping treatment if there is no clear benefit.
This information is based on prescribing information, but your healthcare provider may tailor your treatment plan. Always follow their guidance.
In clinical trials of Adakveo used to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in people ages 16 and older with sickle cell disease, the most common side effects occurred in 10 percent to 25 percent of people. These side effects were reported in studies comparing Adakveo with a placebo (an inactive treatment).
Adakveo can cause serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
Novartis, the manufacturer of Adakveo, offers the Universal Co-Pay Program. Eligible people with commercial insurance may pay as little as $0 per month for Adakveo treatment, with copay support of up to $15,000 per calendar year.
To learn more, visit the Adakveo website or call 877-577-7756.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to crizanlizumab-tmca or any ingredients in Adakveo.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
If you miss an Adakveo infusion, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. If you receive the missed dose within two weeks, you can continue on your original schedule. If you receive it more than two weeks late, you will continue treatment every four weeks from then on.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Adakveo may cause fetal harm. Talk with your healthcare provider about the possible risks during pregnancy.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether Adakveo passes into breast milk. You and your healthcare provider should decide the best way to feed your baby during treatment.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Adakveo for sickle cell disease?
In a 52-week study of people with sickle cell disease, those who received Adakveo 5 milligrams per kilogram had a median of 1.63 vaso-occlusive crises per year. People who received placebo had a median of 2.98 crises per year.
Thirty-six percent of people receiving Adakveo had no vaso-occlusive crises during the study, compared with 17 percent of people receiving placebo. The median time to the first vaso-occlusive crisis was 4.1 months with Adakveo and 1.4 months with placebo.
In another study, Adakveo did not show a statistically significant benefit over placebo in reducing vaso-occlusive crises during the first year.
How long does Adakveo take to work for sickle cell disease?
The clinical study does not say exactly how long Adakveo takes to start working.
In the 52-week study, the median time to the first vaso-occlusive crisis was 4.1 months with Adakveo, compared with 1.4 months with placebo. This study result does not tell us exactly when the medicine starts working.
What tests or monitoring are needed with Adakveo for sickle cell disease?
Your healthcare provider should monitor you for signs and symptoms of an infusion-related reaction. These reactions may happen during an Adakveo infusion or within 24 hours after it.
Adakveo can also interfere with a blood test used to count platelets, especially when the blood is collected in a tube containing EDTA. To help get an accurate result, the blood sample may be tested within four hours of collection or collected in a citrate tube. When needed, the platelet count may be checked using a peripheral blood smear.
On MySickleCellTeam, people share their experiences with sickle cell disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
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