crovalimab at a glance
Medicine class
Monoclonal antibody and terminal complement C5 inhibitor
Usual use
PNH with symptomatic active haemolysis, or stable PNH previously controlled with a C5 inhibitor
Administration
Intravenous infusion or subcutaneous injection; trained patients or caregivers may give subcutaneous injections with physician approval
Important precaution
Meningococcal vaccination and continued vigilance for infection are essential
What is crovalimab used for?
Crovalimab is licensed as monotherapy for PNH in adults and adolescents aged 12 years or older who weigh at least 40 kg.
PNH with haemolysis and clinical symptoms indicating high disease activity
PNH that is clinically stable after previous treatment with a C5 inhibitor
How does crovalimab work?
Crovalimab binds complement protein C5 and prevents it being split into C5a and C5b. This blocks formation of the membrane attack complex, reducing complement-driven destruction of red blood cells within blood vessels.
crovalimab preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 340 mg
How to take crovalimab
Crovalimab may be given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion or as an undiluted subcutaneous injection. Self-injection is appropriate only after training and approval from the treating physician.
For subcutaneous use, inject into the abdomen and rotate injection sites.
Do not inject into moles, scars, broken skin, or areas that are tender, bruised, red or hard.
Follow the supplied instructions and do not use solution that is cloudy, discoloured or contains particles.
crovalimab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Fever
- Headache
- Infusion-related reaction
- Abdominal pain or diarrhoea
- Rash or joint pain
- Tiredness or weakness
- Injection-related reaction
Get urgent medical advice
- Possible meningococcal infection or sepsis
- Severe allergic or administration-related reaction
- Pneumonia or another serious systemic infection
- Immune-complex symptoms after switching C5 inhibitors
- Return or worsening of haemolysis, including dark urine, severe fatigue, abdominal pain, breathlessness or symptoms of thrombosis
crovalimab in pregnancy
There are no human pregnancy data. Crovalimab may cross the placenta and could inhibit complement in the fetus. Specialist use may be considered when the woman's clinical condition requires treatment.
crovalimab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether crovalimab passes into human milk, and risk to the infant cannot be excluded. The specialist and patient should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and treatment.
crovalimab interactions
Dedicated interaction studies have not been performed.
Other C5 inhibitors, including eculizumab and ravulizumab
Switching between C5 inhibitors can form immune complexes and cause temporary Type III immune-complex reactions, requiring planned transition and close monitoring.
Medicines metabolised through cytochrome P450 enzymes
Pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected because monoclonal antibodies are cleared differently from small-molecule medicines.
Common questions about crovalimab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is crovalimab used to treat?
Eligible adults and adolescents with PNH, a condition in which complement damages red blood cells.
Is crovalimab an immunosuppressant?
It is classified as a complement inhibitor. Blocking terminal complement increases susceptibility to meningococcal and some other encapsulated bacterial infections.
Can infection occur despite meningococcal vaccination?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.