AND PRECAUTIONS Infusion-Related Reactions: Monitor for and advise patients of signs and symptoms. Discontinue ADAKVEO infusion for severe reactions and manage medically. Temporarily interrupt or slow the rate of infusion for mild or moderate infusion-related reactions and initiate symptomatic treatment. Exercise caution with corticosteroids in patients with sickle cell disease unless clinically indicated (e.g., treatment of anaphylaxis). ( 5.1 )
Interference With Automated Platelet
Counts (platelet clumping): Run test as soon as possible or use citrate tubes. ( 5.2 )
5.1 Infusion-Related Reactions In the SUSTAIN clinical trial, infusion-related reactions (IRRs) (defined as occurring during/within 24 hours of infusion) were observed in 2 (3%) patients treated with ADAKVEO 5 mg/kg. In the STAND clinical trial, IRRs were observed in 6 (7%) patients treated with ADAKVEO 5 mg/kg. IRRs presented most frequently as pain, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dizziness, pruritis, diarrhea, and pyrexia. Some IRRs have required hospitalizations. The majority of these IRRs occurred during the first and second infusions. Monitor for and advise patients to report signs and symptoms of IRRs. Discontinue ADAKVEO infusion for severe IRRs and institute appropriate medical care. Consider permanent discontinuation of ADAKVEO treatment in case of severe IRRs. Manage mild to moderate infusion-related reactions with temporary interruption of infusion, slowing the rate of infusion, symptomatic treatment (e.g., acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), opioids, antihistamines, intravenous fluids, and/or oxygen therapy). For subsequent infusions, consider premedication and/or infusion rate reduction. Exercise caution with corticosteroids in patients with sickle cell disease unless clinically indicated (e.g., treatment of anaphylaxis). Use of corticosteroids may increase the risk of complications such as acute chest syndrome and fat embolism. Infusion-Related Reactions and Vaso-occlusive Crises Infusion-related reactions are sometimes indistinguishable from vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) events. IRRs and VOCs may occur concomitantly and/or VOCs may occur as a consequence of an IRR.
5.2 Laboratory Test Interference Interference with automated platelet counts (platelet clumping) has been observed following administration of ADAKVEO, in particular, when blood samples were collected in tubes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Mitigation strategies are recommended <span class="opacity-50 text-xs">[see Drug Interactions (7.1)]</span> .