Crizanlizumab
About Crizanlizumab
Crizanlizumab belongs to the group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies, which is indicated to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older with sickle cell disease. A vaso-occlusive crisis, or VOC, occurs when sickled red blood cells obstruct blood flow to the point where tissues are deprived of oxygen. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory reaction. The outcome is severe pain, which can affect any part of the body but is most typically felt in the back, chest, or extremities.
Crizanlizumab contains Crizanlizumab-tmca, which works by blocking certain blood cells from interacting.
Crizanlizumab will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on your medical condition. In some cases, Crizanlizumab may cause Infusion site reactions, nausea, arthralgia (pain in a joint), back pain, and pyrexia (fever). Most of these side effects do not require medical treatment and fade away with time. However, consult your doctor if the side effects persist or worsen.
Before taking the Crizanlizumab, let your doctor know about all your medical conditions, sensitivities, and medications you are using. Crizanlizumab may cause fetal harm. So, inform your doctor if you are pregnant and planning to become pregnant. Do not breastfeed while on medication unless recommended by the doctor. Crizanlizumab is not recommended for children below 16 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Consumption of alcohol is not recommended while on therapy.
Uses of Crizanlizumab
Medicinal Benefits
Crizanlizumab contains Crizanlizumab-tmca, which belongs to the group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies and is indicated to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) in adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older with sickle cell disease. Crizanlizumab-tmca which works by binding to the protein P-selectin in the blood. This protein is responsible for the adhesion of blood cells. By inhibiting P-selectin, blood cell limitations are avoided, and blood supply throughout the body is improved.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Crizanlizumab
- Infusion site reactions
- Nausea
- Arthralgia (pain in a joint)
- Back pain
- Pyrexia (fever)
Drug Warnings
Before using the Crizanlizumab, inform your doctor about your medical conditions (e.g., pregnancy, nursing, any scheduled surgery, etc.), sensitivities (allergic reactions to foods and medicines), and medications you are taking. Other drugs (especially corticosteroids) or supplements should not be taken with Crizanlizumab unless prescribed by a doctor. Do not miss any doses and finish the entire course of medicine. Stopping the drug too soon may cause the infection to reoccur or worsen.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Crizanlizumab may interact with a medication used to treat a certain form of myasthenia gravis (Efgartigimod alfa, Rozanolixizumab) and corticosteroid medications.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid the consumption of alcohol while taking Crizanlizumab.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Caution is advised if used Crizanlizumab in patients with renal or hepatic impairment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionYou are recommended to avoid alcohol consumption while taking Crizanlizumab. It could lead to unpleasant side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionCrizanlizumab may cause fetal harm. Therefore, please inform your doctor if you are pregnant; your doctor will weigh the benefits and potential risks before prescribing this medicine.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is not known if this medicine passes into your breast milk. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your doctor decides the best way to feed your baby during treatment with Crizanlizumab.
Driving
cautionCrizanlizumab does not impact your ability to drive or use machinery.
Liver
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Crizanlizumab in patients with liver disease. So, inform your doctor before receiving the Crizanlizumab if you have a history of liver diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionCaution should be exercised while using Crizanlizumab in patients with kidney disease. So, inform your doctor before receiving the Crizanlizumab if you have a history of kidney diseases/conditions. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeCrizanlizumab is not recommended for children below 16 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- A healthy diet is good for everyone, but it's especially crucial for those with sickle cell disease (SCD). Low levels of important nutrients such as proteins, minerals, and vitamins have been related to SCD.
- Adopting a diet that is high in protein and other nutrients can help lessen discomfort and other SCD consequences.
- Sickle cell disease patients should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day and eat nutritious foods. Try to stay cool, chilly, and energized.
- A healthy diet high in zinc, folate, and water may assist in reducing the condition's consequences.
Special Advise
- Platelet Counts should be evaluated on a regular basis throughout Crizanlizumab treatment and until full recovery is achieved.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
A vaso-occlusive crisis, or VOC, occurs when sickled red blood cells obstruct blood flow to the point where tissues are deprived of oxygen. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory reaction. The outcome is severe pain, which can affect any body part but is most typically felt in the back, chest, or extremities.
FAQs
Crizanlizumab is used to treat Vaso-Occlusive Crises (VOCs).
Crizanlizumab contains Crizanlizumab-tmca which works by binding to the protein P-selectin in the blood. This protein is responsible for the adhesion of blood cells. By inhibiting P-selectin, blood cell limitations are avoided, and blood supply throughout the body is improved.
Infusion-related reactions may develop in some circumstances. If you experience any signs and symptoms, your doctor will discontinue the infusion and take necessary action accordingly.
Sickle cell disease is caused by a gene that alters the development of red blood cells.
No, it is indicated to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (VOCs) with sickle cell disease.
The only cure for sickle cell disease is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, which is rarely performed due to the complications involved.
