RYVERNA 10 mg/ml
CRIZANLIZUMAB
What it does
Crizanlizumab is a medication used to help reduce the frequency of painful episodes in people with sickle cell disease.
Commonly used for: sickle cell disease
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Source: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority · fetched 2026-04-15 21:20:38 · updated 2026-10-21 04:01:20
About this medicine
Crizanlizumab is a medication used to help reduce the frequency of painful episodes in people with sickle cell disease.
What it treats
- sickle cell disease
How it works
Crizanlizumab works by blocking a specific protein that contributes to the sickle cell disease process, helping to prevent painful sickle cell crises.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults and children with sickle cell disease who experience frequent pain episodes.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Crizanlizumab
BNF-referencedCrizanlizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits P-selectin, a cell adhesion molecule. It is utilized primarily in the prevention of recurrent vaso-occlusive crises in patients with sickle cell disease. By blocking the interaction between endothelial cells, leukocytes, platelets, and red blood cells, Crizanlizumab helps to reduce the incidence of painful crises associated with sickle cell disease.
Indications
- Prevention of recurrent vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for specific dosing information.
Adults: The initial dose is 5 mg/kg administered as a single intravenous infusion, followed by a second dose of 5 mg/kg after two weeks. The maintenance dose is 5 mg/kg every four weeks. If the maintenance dose is delayed, it should be administered as soon as possible within two weeks of the scheduled time; if more than two weeks late, resume the original schedule.
Mechanism of action
Crizanlizumab binds to P-selectin, preventing its interaction with its ligands on leukocytes and platelets. This action inhibits the adhesion of these cells to the endothelium, thereby reducing the risk of vaso-occlusion, which is a critical event in the pathophysiology of sickle cell crises.
Pharmacodynamics
The primary pharmacodynamic effect of Crizanlizumab is the reduction of vaso-occlusive events in sickle cell disease, leading to decreased pain crises and improved quality of life. The binding of Crizanlizumab to P-selectin interrupts critical pathways involved in inflammatory responses and cell adhesion, which are central to the complications observed in sickle cell disease.
Pharmacokinetics
After intravenous administration, Crizanlizumab exhibits a volume of distribution that suggests extensive tissue distribution. Its elimination half-life allows for dosing every four weeks. The pharmacokinetics may be influenced by factors such as patient weight and overall health status, necessitating careful monitoring and dose adjustments in specific populations, including those with hepatic impairment.
Adverse effects
- Arthralgia
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Infusion-related reaction
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Oropharyngeal pain
- Pain
- Pruritus
- Vomiting
- Vulvovaginal pruritus
Precautions
- Patients and carers should be counselled on the effects on driving and performance of skilled tasks due to the increased risk of dizziness, fatigue, or severe impairment.
Pregnancy
Avoid-limited information available.
Breast-feeding
Specialist sources indicate to avoid during treatment and for at least 2 weeks after the last dose-present in milk in animal studies.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2°C–8°C) and protect from light.
Formulations
- Solution for infusion (Crizanlizumab 100 mg/10 mL concentrate for solution for infusion)
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.