Crizanlizumab

What is crizanlizumab?

Crizanlizumab (also called Adakveo^®) is a medicine given to help decrease the number of pain episodes known as vaso-occlusive crises (VOC).

How is crizanlizumab given?

• Crizanlizumab is given at the hospital as a 30-minute infusion into a vein.
• Your first 2 doses will be 2 weeks apart from each other. Then, you will receive an infusion every 4 weeks.
• If you miss an infusion appointment, call your care team as soon as you can to reschedule.

Possible side effects of crizanlizumab

• Nausea or vomiting
• Joint pain
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Itching

These are the most common side effects, but there may be more. Report all side effects to your medical team.

• Rarely, severe reactions may happen within 24 hours of receiving a crizanlizumab infusion. The medical team will monitor you for any infusion reaction symptoms.
• Call the doctor or seek medical help if you have any of these side effects:
  • Short of breath or wheezing
  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face, lips or tongue
  • Fever, chills or shivering
  • Excessive sweating

In case of a severe side effect or reaction, call the doctor, nurse or pharmacist at 901-595-3300. If you are outside the Memphis area, dial toll-free 1-866-2STJUDE (1-866-278-5833).

Special instructions for crizanlizumab

Before receiving crizanlizumab, tell your care team about all your medical conditions including:

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if crizanlizumab may cause harm during pregnancy.
• If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You and medical team should decide the best way to feed your baby during crizanlizumab treatment.