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.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
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.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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)
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease
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