Article

Daily Medication Pearl: Crizanlizumab (Adakveo) for Sickle Cell Disease

Crizanlizumab is a humanized IgG2 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds to P-selectin and blocks interactions with its ligands.

Medication Pearl of the Day: Crizanlizumab (Adakveo)

Crizanlizumab is a selectin blocker indicated to reduce the frequency of vasoocclusive crises in adults and pediatric patients 16 years of age and older with sickle cell disease.

Explanations:

  • Dosing: Administer 5 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over a period of 30 minutes on week 0, week 2, and every 4 weeks thereafter.
  • Dosage forms: Injection: 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial.
  • Adverse events: Most common adverse reactions (incidence > 10%) are nausea, arthralgia, back pain, abdominal pain, and pyrexia.
  • Special population: Pregnancy—may cause fetal harm.
  • Mechanism of action: Crizanlizumab is a humanized IgG2 kappa monoclonal antibody that binds to P-selectin and blocks interactions with its ligands, including P-selectin glycoprotein ligand 1 (PSGL-1). Crizanlizumab can also dissociate preformed Pselectin/PSGL-1 complex. Binding P-selectin on the surface of the activated endothelium and platelets blocks interactions between endothelial cells, platelets, red blood cells, and leukocytes.
  • Manufacturer: Novartis

Sources:

Newsletter

Stay informed on drug updates, treatment guidelines, and pharmacy practice trends—subscribe to Pharmacy Times for weekly clinical insights.

Related Videos
Asthma COPD Breath Nebulizer And Mask Given By Doctor Or Nurse - Image credit: Angelov | stock.adobe.com
Hematology -- Image credit: DIgilife | stock.adobe.com