Crovalimab

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Piasky

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat a blood disease called paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH).

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child did not get a meningococcal vaccine.
• If your child has a meningococcal infection.
• If your child is being or has been treated with another drug like this one. If you are not sure, ask the doctor or pharmacist.

If your child is breast-feeding a baby:

• Be sure your child does not breast-feed a baby while taking this drug and for 9 months after the last dose.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• This drug may raise the risk of other severe infections. This includes infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, and Haemophilus influenzae. Vaccines can help lower the risk of some of these infections. Talk with the doctor if you have questions.
• Have your child wash hands often. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or flu.
• Make sure your child is up to date with all vaccines before treatment with this drug.
• Have a patient safety card with your child at all times and for 11 months after the last dose.
• Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• Some health problems may happen after this drug is stopped. Your child will need to be watched closely for several weeks to months after stopping this drug. Follow up with the doctor. Call the doctor right away if your child has a change in how much urine is passed; dark urine; swelling, warmth, or pain in the leg or arm; chest pain or pressure; coughing up blood; trouble breathing or swallowing; any unexplained bruising or bleeding; seizures; stomach pain; severe dizziness; or passing out. Call the doctor right away if your child feels confused, very tired or weak, or has weakness on 1 side of the body, trouble speaking or thinking, change in balance, drooping on one side of the face, or change in eyesight. Call the doctor right away if your child is not able to get or keep an erection.
• If your child’s weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.

If your child is pregnant:

• Tell the doctor if your child is pregnant or becomes pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of your child using this drug while pregnant.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
• Chest pain.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Swelling.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Immune system reactions may happen when switching to this drug after treatment with a similar drug or when switching from this drug to a similar drug. These reactions can be severe. If your child switches drugs, the doctor will watch your child closely for 30 days after switching. Call the doctor right away if your child has joint, muscle, or bone pain; rash or other skin problems; itching; fever, headache; numbness or tingling, especially in the hands or feet; stomach pain; or signs of kidney problems like trouble passing urine, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain. Call the doctor right away if your child feels weak, tired, or has less energy.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Pain, redness, or other reaction where this drug was given; headache; or muscle pain during or after infusion or injection.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Diarrhea.
• Upset stomach.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It may be given as an injection into the fatty part of the skin or as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Call your child’s doctor to find out what to do.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-06-28

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