Crovalimab is used to treat a certain blood disorder
(paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria). This disorder causes your body's
immune system to break down red blood cells, which results in anemia.
Crovalimab works by helping to block the body's breakdown of red blood
cells. This effect helps lessen symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness,
shortness of breath) and may reduce the need for blood
transfusions.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the
Instructions for Use Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start
using crovalimab and each time you get an injection. Carry the Patient
Safety Card with you at all times during treatment and for 11 months after
your last dose of crovalimab. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional or by injection under the skin. The dosage is
based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. On day
1, the first dose is given by a slow injection into a vein, usually over 60
to 90 minutes as directed by your doctor.
Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of
this drug on day 1. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of
infusion reactions such as headache, pain at the infusion site, swelling,
bruising/bleeding, skin redness, itching, or rash. Your doctor may slow
down or stop your treatment for some time.
Starting on day 2, all other doses are given by
injection under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once weekly
for 5 doses, then once every 4 weeks. The injection under the skin is given
in the abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly
button).
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and
the product package. Do not shake the medication. Before using, check this
product for cloudiness, particles, or discoloration. If you see any of
these things, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the
skin you are going to inject into (the injection site) with rubbing
alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the
skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender, bruised, red, hard, or
damaged or into moles or scars. To lessen bruising, do not rub the
injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Do not stop using this medication without consulting
your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is stopped. If
you do stop using this medication, your doctor will monitor you for at
least 20 weeks to make sure your condition does not get worse. Consult your
doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning and How to Use sections.
Headache, diarrhea, pain at the injection site, or
swelling hands/ankles/feet may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills).
If you have used a similar medication recently (C5
inhibitors such as eculizumab, ravulizumab), you may be at increased risk
for other immune system problems. Tell your doctor right away if you have
symptoms such as:
- joint/muscle/bone pain
- numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
- unusual tiredness/weakness
- stomach/abdominal pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using crovalimab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Crovalimab can make you more likely to get certain
infections (such as flu, colds, meningitis). Talk to your doctor for more
details.
Tell your doctor your vaccine history and ask if you
need to get any vaccines before starting treatment with this medication.
Tell your health care professional that you are using crovalimab before
having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have
recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the
nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 9 months after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as LDH level, complete
blood count) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all
medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. This medication
may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is
stored at room temperature, different brands of this medication have
different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how
to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).