Radicava
Radicava (edaravone) is one of only a few available treatment options for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It's either given as a liquid suspension taken by mouth or as an injection into your veins. It's available as a brand-name medication only, which can be expensive.
What is Radicava (edaravone)?
What is Radicava (edaravone) used for?
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
How Radicava (edaravone) works
It's not exactly known how Radicava (edaravone) works to treat ALS. But it's thought to have antioxidant properties that help protect against damage to the nerves in your brain and spinal cord.
Drug facts
Side effects of Radicava (edaravone)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Bruise at injection site (15%)
- Abnormal walking (13%)
- Headache (10%)
- Skin irritation (8%)
- Red and itchy skin (7%)
- Breathing problems (6%)
*Side effects reported with IV infusion. Side effects for the oral suspension might differ.
Less Common Side Effects
- Fungal skin infection
- Tiredness (for Radicava ORS oral suspension)
Radicava (edaravone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: chest pain, fast heart rate, headache, fever, rash, hives, flushing, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea
The following Radicava (edaravone) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Headache
- Trouble walking
Pros and cons of Radicava (edaravone)
Pros
- Works well to treat ALS and slow the decline of physical function
- Can be used in adults 65 years of age and older
- Can be taken with riluzole (Rilutek)
- Oral suspension can be taken at home (may be possible with IV in some cases)
Cons
- Brand name only, which can be expensive
- Needs to be taken lifelong, as long as it's helping with symptoms
- Might be hard to tell if it's working since it slows the progression of ALS
- Oral suspension must be taken on an empty stomach
Pharmacist tips for Radicava (edaravone)
For the IV infusion (Radicava)
- On the day of your infusion, your provider will check your vital signs and then give you the infusion. The infusion takes about 1 hour to complete.
- There are no restrictions on what you can eat or drink on the day of your infusion. In fact, it's recommended you do eat and drink before your infusion so you can stay hydrated.
For the oral suspension (Radicava ORS)
- Carefully read the instructions for use for how to prepare your dose of Radicava ORS correctly.
- Take Radicava (edaravone) in the morning on an empty stomach. Make sure you're able to fast for at least 8 hours between your last evening meal and the next morning for your dose. Fasting means that you don't eat or drink anything (except water) for the instructed time period. Talk to your provider if you have any dietary requirements or aren't able to fast for 8 hours.
- When you use a bottle of the oral suspension for the first time, write the date you opened it on the bottle label. After opening the bottle, use it within 15 days.
- Throw away any medication remaining in the bottle after 15 days of opening or after 30 days from the date of shipment written on the medication label from the pharmacy, whichever is first. If there's leftover medication in your bottle at the end of your treatment cycle, throw it away and don't save it to use for the next treatment cycle.
- Radicava (edaravone) comes with a medication dosing syringe. Be sure to use this syringe to measure your dose. Don't use household spoons to measure, because they might not be accurate and cause you to take the wrong dose.
- Store the oral suspension bottles at room temperature and away from light.
Common questions about Radicava (edaravone)
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a nervous system condition that destroys your nerves that control your muscle movements. This causes your muscles to not work as well, which can affect how you speak, eat, move, and breathe. The average age of people who get diagnosed with ALS is 55 years old, but younger people in their 40's (sometimes even in their 20's or 30's) can also develop this condition. Radicava (edaravone) is one of only a few available treatment options for ALS.
Yes. Radicava (edaravone) was studied in a clinical trial where over 90% of people were also taking riluzole (Rilutek) to slow down the worsening of their symptoms. The study showed that this combination is safe.
No, Radicava (edaravone) doesn't cure ALS and won't bring back any motor function that you've already lost. However, it helps by slowing down the progression of ALS. This means Radicava (edaravone) keeps your nerves and muscles stronger for a longer period of time than if you didn't take this medication.
The Radicava (edaravone) IV infusion is given to you by a healthcare provider at an infusion center, provider's office, or in a hospital. Use the ALS Care Locator to find a place where you can receive the medication. Additionally, it's possible for you to receive the infusion at home. Ask your provider for more information.
There isn't enough information to know if Radicava (edaravone) is safe to take during pregnancy. In some animal studies, this medication caused severe harm to babies. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about the risks and benefits of using this medication during pregnancy.
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Risks and warnings for Radicava (edaravone)
Radicava (edaravone) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Sulfite allergy
It's possible for you to have severe allergic reactions to Radicava (edaravone). These reactions include redness, swollen marks on your skin, and anaphylaxis. Your risk is higher if you have a sulfite allergy, because Radicava (edaravone) contains sulfite. Your provider might monitor you after your infusion to see if you have an allergic reaction. If you have any symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., chest pain, fast heart rate, headache, fever, rash, hives, flushing, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea), call 911 right away.
Radicava (edaravone) dosage
Typical dosage for Radicava (edaravone)
- Intravenous infusion (Radicava): The typical dose is 60 mg injected into the veins once per day.
- Oral suspension (Radicava ORS): The typical dose is 105 mg (5 mL) by mouth or by feeding tube in the morning on an empty stomach once per day.
The dosing schedule for the intravenous (IV) infusion and oral suspension are the same. Each treatment cycle lasts 4 weeks.
- First treatment cycle: Take Radicava (edaravone) every day for 2 weeks, and then a 2-week break before your next cycle.
- The rest of your treatment cycles: Take Radicava (edaravone) for 10 days within a 2-week period, and then a 2-week break before your next cycle.
