adakveo-crizanlizumab-100mg-injection-packaging

Product Name:

Adakveo (crizanlizumab)

Categories: Hematology, Pediatric Genetics, Rare Diseases

Discover Savings on Your Medication Access

Trusted concierge service, secure process, and real savings for patients in the U.S.

Table of Contents

Adakveo (crizanlizumab)

Product Category

Hematology / Rare Diseases

Brand Name

Adakveo

Generic Name or Biosimilar

No

Active Ingredient

Crizanlizumab

Prescription Status

Prescription-only in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Targeted Conditions

  • Sickle Cell Disease: Used to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (pain crises).
  • Helps patients with recurrent painful episodes that require medical care or hospitalization.

Off-Label Usage

  • Research is ongoing for potential use in reducing other vascular complications of sickle cell disease.
  • Not widely prescribed for off-label conditions outside of clinical studies.

Drug Classification Overview

Adakveo is a monoclonal antibody that works by binding to P-selectin, a molecule involved in the adhesion of sickled red blood cells and white blood cells to blood vessel walls. By blocking this pathway, it reduces the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises.

Manufacturer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada

  • 1
    United States: Novartis Pharmaceuticals
  • 2
    Canada: Novartis Pharma Canada Inc.
  • 3
    Mexico: Novartis México S.A. de C.V.

Available Strengths and Dosage Forms – United States, Mexico, and Canada

Country Comparison – United States vs Mexico and Canada

  • In all three countries, Adakveo is used for the management of sickle cell disease.
  • Labeling, brand presentation, and approved treatment guidelines may vary slightly depending on local regulatory authority.

Average Retail Price (Monthly Treatment) USA vs Mexico vs Canada

  • 1
    Canada: Typically 20–30% savings compared to U.S. pricing.
  • 2
    Mexico: Typically 25–35% savings compared to U.S. pricing.

Savings are approximate, based on 2025 price data. They may vary depending on availability, prescription requirements, supply chain, and whether cold-chain handling is required.

Where to Buy USA

  • Costco
  • CVS
  • Rite Aid
  • Walgreens
  • Walmart
  • Kroger
  • Albertsons
  • Sam’s Club
  • Publix
  • Target (via CVS Pharmacy)
  • Online mail-order specialty care pharmacies

Availability may vary depending on insurance coverage, specialty pharmacy networks, and prior authorization requirements.

Storage Requirements

  • Store in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C / 36°F–46°F).
  • Protect from light.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Keep in the original carton until use.

Shipping from Canada

This medication is accessed through fully licensed Canadian pharmacies regulated by Health Canada. All pharmacies included in the MedicalMex network undergo a rigorous review and verification process to ensure compliance with national standards, patient safety, and medication authenticity.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Prescription verification and fulfillment coordination
  • Secure, compliant medication logistics
  • Access to licensed Canadian pharmacists
  • Access to our network of certified physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Case management, payment handling, and personalized boutique-level support
  • Cold chain shipping with next-generation temperature-monitored coolers, when required
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence programs

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that helps eligible patients safely access affordable medications from Canada — with compliance and full-service concierge support at every step.

________________________________________

Buying from Mexico

This medication is also available through certified pharmacies in Mexico regulated by COFEPRIS (Mexico’s national health authority). All partners in the MedicalMex network must pass a rigorous review and certification process before being approved for patient access.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Transportation support to our affiliate clinic in Tijuana, Mexico
  • Prescription handling through licensed physicians within our certified network
  • Access to our network of accredited physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Travel coordination, including flights and/or hotel reservations when required
  • Travel insurance
  • Cold chain shipping with advanced temperature-monitored coolers, when applicable
  • Personalized, boutique-level service
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence support

You are working directly with MedicalMex Inc., a U.S.-based company that manages every detail — from medical and travel logistics to prescription compliance — providing secure, affordable access to life-saving medications from Mexico.

Key Benefits

  • Reduces the frequency of sickle cell-related pain crises.
  • Helps prevent hospitalizations related to vaso-occlusive episodes.
  • First targeted P-selectin inhibitor approved for sickle cell disease.
  • Can improve patient quality of life by lowering the burden of painful episodes.

Side Effects

Common side effects:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Joint pain
  • Back pain

Serious but less common side effects:

  • Infusion-related reactions (fever, chills, hives, shortness of breath)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Potential immune system effects

Patients should report severe or unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.

Warnings and Precautions

  • Must be administered under medical supervision (IV infusion).
  • Risk of infusion-related and hypersensitivity reactions.
  • Not recommended for patients with known allergies to crizanlizumab or its components.
  • Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established.
  • Regular monitoring by a hematologist is advised.

Alternative Medications (by Indication)

  • Hydroxyurea: Commonly used for sickle cell disease management.
  • Endari (L-glutamine): Reduces the frequency of pain crises in sickle cell disease.
  • Voxelotor (Oxbryta): Helps improve anemia and hemoglobin in sickle cell patients.
  • Blood transfusions and stem cell transplantation: Alternative or adjunctive treatments in certain patients.

Medication FAQs

Adakveo is prescribed to reduce the frequency of painful vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease.

It is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional, usually every 4 weeks after the initial loading dose schedule.

No. It helps manage symptoms and reduce pain crises but does not cure the disease.

Some patients notice fewer pain crises within the first few months of treatment. Full benefits are typically seen after regular use under physician supervision.

Yes, Adakveo is approved for use in patients 16 years and older with sickle cell disease.

You should contact your healthcare provider immediately to reschedule the infusion. Maintaining the schedule is important for best results.

No. Since it is administered in a clinic or hospital setting, patients typically do not need to store it at home.

Yes. Many patients take Adakveo alongside hydroxyurea, and clinical studies support the safety of this combination.

Yes. Some patient assistance programs may be available in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. MedicalMex can also support patients in exploring affordable access options.

Inform your doctor about all existing health conditions, allergies, and medications you are taking to ensure Adakveo is safe for you.