The impact of sickle cell disease (SCD) on the wellbeing of patients1–5*
Every aspect of patients’ lives can be affected by SCD and VOCs1–5*
Physical and emotional impact

People with SCD experienced pain on
17% (n=1019/5982) of days1†

69% (n=~209/299) of UK patients with SCD
a high impact on emotional wellbeing2,3‡
Work impact
In addition to the physical and emotional impact, SCD can negatively affect the working lives of patients5*
56% of UK patients with SCD (n=~135/241) had to take time off work and around half reported that their SCD has stopped them finding suitable work or progressing in their career (49% n=~118/241 and 51% n=123/241, respectively)6‡
Personal and social impact
SCD also has an adverse effect on relationships and everyday living2
The more VOCs experienced per annum, the greater the emotional impact2‡
ADAKVEO® is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions. Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of ADAKVEO® is important to understand the safety profile of the treatment for SCD patients.
Indication: ADAKVEO® (crizanlizumab) is indicated for the prevention of recurrent VOCs in patients with SCD who are aged 16 years and over. It can be given as an add-on therapy to hydroxyurea/hydroxycarbamide (HU/HC) or as monotherapy in patients for whom HU/HC is inappropriate or inadequate.7
ADAKVEO® has a conditional marketing authorisation and further evidence is awaited.
*Data accessed via literature review accomplished by PubMed search of ‘sickle cell disease’ in combination with other key terms: pain, vision, hearing, education, cognition, school performance, language, employment, depression, mobility, emotional problems, or behavioural problems. No restriction was placed on year of publication, no articles older than 1986 were used.5
†Results of study evaluating 55 patients with a total of 6,358 diary days with a median follow up of 126 days per patient.1
‡Results from the 299 UK patients that contributed to the International Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey (SWAY).6
Abbreviations: HC, hydroxycarbamide; HU, hydroxyurea; SCD, sickle cell disease; SWAY, Sickle Cell World Assessment Survey, VOCs; vaso-occlusive crises.
References
- Van Tuijn CFJ, et al. Am J Hematol. 2017;92(2):179–186.
- Inusa B, et al. UK Patient Perceptions on the Symptomatic and Emotional Burden of Vaso-Occlusive Crises Resulting From Sickle Cell Disease. Poster at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society for Haematology 2020; Nov 09–14: Virtual Event.
- Brandow AM, et al. Br J Haematol. 2009;144(5):782–788.
- Osunkwo I, et al. Poster presented at the American Society of Haematology Annual Meeting; December 7–10, 2019; Orlando, Florida.
- Swanson ME, et al. Am J Prev Med. 2011;41(6 Suppl 4):S390–S397.
- Inusa B, et al. Patients with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) Experience Work Impairment and Decreased Productivity. Presentation at the Annual Scientific Meeting of the British Society for Haematology 2020; Nov 09–14: Virtual Event.
- ADAKVEO® Summary of Product Characteristics.