Crizanlizumab
Crizanlizumab is a monoclonal antibody medication used to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease. It works by binding to P-selectin, a protein involved in cell adhesion, thereby preventing sickled red blood cells and white blood cells from clumping together and blocking blood vessels. This medication is administered intravenously and is indicated for both adults and pediatric patients aged 16 years and older.
Crizanlizumab reduces pain crises in sickle cell disease by blocking the adhesion protein P-selectin to prevent blood cell clumping in vessels.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- B06AX01
- RxNorm
- 2262279
- Generic
- Crizanlizumab
- Class
- atc-b06
- Brands
- Adakveo
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and uterine blood flow assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
consider risks versus benefits, discuss delivery planning with healthcare team
close fetal monitoring, assessment of fetal well-being
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno specific adjustment
decision to breastfeed during treatment should involve careful risk-benefit assessment
monitor infant for any unusual symptoms
pediatric_age
adolescents 16 years and olderno adjustment needed
approved for patients 16 years and older for sickle cell disease prevention of vaso-occlusive crises
regular monitoring of efficacy and adverse effects
geriatric
elderly 65 years and olderno specific adjustment
use with caution, start at standard dose and monitor closely for adverse reactions
closely monitor renal function and for infusion-related reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno specific adjustment established
use with caution, limited clinical data in severe renal impairment
enhanced monitoring recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment needed
use with caution, no clinical data specifically in mild hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severenot established
use only if benefits outweigh risks, limited data available
close monitoring of liver function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
FDA approval for sickle cell disease indication
Drug class
Classification as biologic therapy
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indication
Mechanism of action
Pharmacologic mechanism of action
Reduction of vaso-occlusive crisis frequency in patients 16 years and older with sickle cell disease, including both hemoglobin SS (HbSS) and other sickle cell disease genotypes.
As a humanized IgG2 kappa monoclonal antibody, crizanlizumab binds to P-selectin on activated endothelial cells and platelets, blocking its interaction with ligands such as P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (PSGL-1). It also dissociates preformed P-selectin/PSGL-1 complexes, reducing cell adhesion, inflammation, and vaso-occlusion.
Administered as an intravenous infusion over 30 minutes once every 4 weeks. Common adverse effects include infusion-related reactions, arthralgia, pyrexia, and chest pain. Patients should be monitored for potential hypersensitivity reactions. The medication should not be discontinued abruptly and requires appropriate patient counseling regarding administration schedule.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy