Adakveo

Indicated For

Sickle cell disease, vaso-occlusive crises

About This Medication

# Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation Patient Guide: How to Get Adakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca) at Low or No Cost Adakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca) is a prescription medication used to reduce the frequency of vaso-occlusive crises (painful episodes) in adults and children aged 16 years and older with sickle cell disease. The **Novartis Patient Assistance Foundation (NPAF)** offers this important drug at low or no cost to eligible patients who meet specific income, residency, and insurance criteria[1][2][3]. ## Who Qualifies for the Program? To qualify for free or low-cost **Adakveo** through NPAF, you must meet these key requirements: - **Reside in the United States or a U.S. territory**. - **Have limited or no prescription insurance coverage**, including being uninsured, underinsured, or denied coverage for the medication. - **Meet income guidelines** specific to your household size (detailed below). - **Have a valid prescription** from a licensed U.S. healthcare provider. - **Be treated on an outpatient basis**. The program is designed for patients facing financial hardship who cannot afford their Novartis medications otherwise. It's not available for those with full prescription coverage that pays for the drug[2][6][7]. ## About Adakveo (crizanlizumab-tmca) **Adakveo** is an injectable monoclonal antibody that targets P-selectin, a protein involved in the clumping of blood cells that leads to vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell disease. Administered by a healthcare professional every four weeks after an initial loading dose, it helps prevent these painful blockages in blood vessels. Common side effects include pain at the injection site, nausea, joint pain, back pain, and fever. Always consult your doctor for personalized advice on using Adakveo alongside other sickle cell treatments like hydroxyurea. This program ensures access for those who qualify, potentially providing up to a year's supply of medication shipped directly to your home[3][6]. ## Income Eligibility Breakdown NPAF uses household income guidelines, often based on federal poverty levels (FPL), adjusted for household size as reported on your tax return (Form 1040). Income limits can increase for larger families, up to **$200,000 per year**. You must submit proof, such as the first two pages of your most recent tax return[1][2][6]. Here's a breakdown based on provided thresholds (check www.PAP.Novartis.com for the latest, drug-specific limits): | Household Size | Annual Income Threshold | |----------------|-------------------------| | 1 (Individual) | $50,000 | | 2 (Couple) | $70,000 | | 4 | $200,000 | *Notes: Thresholds may scale for other sizes (e.g., family of 3). Contact NPAF at 1-800-277-2254 if you don't file taxes. Guidelines are subject to change[1][6].* ## Insurance Requirements The program targets those with **uninsured, underinsured, or denied coverage** status: - **Uninsured**: No prescription coverage at all. - **Underinsured**: Insurance doesn't cover Adakveo fully (e.g., high copays or denials). - Submit copies of **all insurance cards (front and back)**—primary, secondary, and prescription. If insured, include **prior authorization (PA) or appeal denial letters**. Patients with active coverage that pays for the drug typically don't qualify. Medicare patients may be eligible if denied or if coverage is insufficient[1][2][4]. ## Step-by-Step Application Process Applying is straightforward but requires completeness to avoid delays or denial. Both you and your healthcare provider (HCP) must participate[3][6]. 1. **Check Eligibility**: Visit www.PAP.Novartis.com to confirm Adakveo qualifies and review your income/insurance fit[2][3]. 2. **Download the Application**: Get the form from the website or call 1-800-277-2254[1][6]. 3. **Complete Patient Section**: Fill in personal info, household size, income details, insurance, and sign authorizations. Attach: - First 2 pages of recent tax return (or contact NPAF if not filing). - Insurance cards (front/back). - PA/denial letters if applicable[1][2][6]. 4. **HCP Completes Their Section**: Your doctor fills out prescription details, medical info, and signs. Include a valid Adakveo prescription[4][6]. 5. **Submit**: Fax to **1-855-817-2711** or mail to **NPAF, PO Box 2529, Columbus, OH 43216** (or current address on form). Applications can be submitted separately (patient and HCP sections)[1][4][8]. **Tip**: Double-check for completeness—missing info causes delays[2][4]. Opt in for text updates if available[3]. ## Timeline and Delivery - **Processing**: Expect a decision letter within **4 weeks**. Incomplete apps get a 'next steps' letter[3][6]. - **Delivery**: If approved, **Adakveo is shipped directly to your home** (or doctor's office in some cases). One-year supply typical, with refill processes[3]. - Follow up at 1-800-277-2254 (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm EST) if no response[4]. ## Alternatives if Denied If denied (e.g., income too high, sufficient insurance): - **Appeal**: Review denial letter and resubmit missing info. - **Other Novartis Programs**: Check www.PAP.Novartis.com for copay cards or bridge programs. - **External Help**: Explore Simplefill (877-386-0206), RxHope, or state programs[5][10]. - **Manufacturer Contact**: Call Novartis for Adakveo-specific support. No biosimilars for Adakveo are currently listed[6]. ## Important Disclaimer This guide is for informational purposes only and based on publicly available data as of recent updates. Eligibility, income limits, and processes can change—always verify at www.PAP.Novartis.com or by calling 1-800-277-2254. NPAF decisions are final. This is not medical or legal advice; consult your healthcare provider. Novartis disclaims liability for application outcomes. Word count: 1028.

Program information last verified: March 30, 2026