What is edaravone?
Edaravone works by relieving the effects of oxidative stress, which may be related to the death of motor neurons (nerve cells) in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Keeping motor neurons healthy may help to preserve muscle function.
Edaravone is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Edaravone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
Edaravone can cause serious allergic reactions. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat, or if you feel light-headed.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with edaravone if you are allergic to it.
To make sure edaravone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
asthma or a sulfite allergy.
It is not known whether edaravone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether edaravone passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How is edaravone given?
Edaravone is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Edaravone is usually given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You may need to use the medicine only during the first 2 weeks of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with edaravone.
This medicine must be given slowly and the IV infusion can take at least 60 minutes to complete.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your edaravone injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since edaravone is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving edaravone?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Edaravone side effects
Edaravone can cause serious allergic reactions. The symptoms may not appear until after your IV infusion is finished.
Treatment Options
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Edaravone
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Edaravone
Generic Name: edaravone (e DAR a vone)
Brand Name: Radicava
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jun 30, 2020 – Written by Cerner Multum
Overview
Side Effects
Dosage
Professional
Pregnancy
More
What is edaravone?
Edaravone works by relieving the effects of oxidative stress, which may be related to the death of motor neurons (nerve cells) in people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Keeping motor neurons healthy may help to preserve muscle function.
Edaravone is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Edaravone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Important Information
Edaravone can cause serious allergic reactions. Get emergency medical help if you have hives, itching, trouble breathing, swelling in your face or throat, or if you feel light-headed.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with edaravone if you are allergic to it.
To make sure edaravone is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
asthma or a sulfite allergy.
It is not known whether edaravone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It is not known whether edaravone passes into breast milk or if it could affect the nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding.
How is edaravone given?
Edaravone is injected into a vein through an IV. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Edaravone is usually given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You may need to use the medicine only during the first 2 weeks of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with edaravone.
This medicine must be given slowly and the IV infusion can take at least 60 minutes to complete.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your edaravone injection.
What happens if I overdose?
Since edaravone is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving edaravone?
Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Edaravone side effects
Edaravone can cause serious allergic reactions. The symptoms may not appear until after your IV infusion is finished.
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching; wheezing, difficult breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
bronchospasm (wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing); or
a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out.
Common side effects may include:
bruising;
headache; or
trouble walking.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
See also:
Edaravone side effects (in more detail)
Edaravone dosing information
Usual Adult Dose for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:
-Initial Treatment Cycle: 60 mg once a day as IV infusion for 14 days followed by a 14-day drug-free period.
-Subsequent Treatment Cycles: 60 mg once a day as IV infusion for 10 days out of 14-day periods, followed by 14-day drug-free periods.
Comments:
-Administer each 60 mg dose as 2 consecutive 30 mg IV infusion bags over a total of 60 minutes (infusion rate approximately 1 mg per minute [3.33 mL per minute]).
-Upon the first observation of any signs or symptoms of a hypersensitivity reaction, promptly discontinue the infusion.
Use: Treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
What other drugs will affect edaravone?
Other drugs may interact with edaravone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
Along with its needed effects, edaravone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking edaravone:
More common
Blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
blue lips, fingernails, or skin
chest pain or tightness
change in walking and balance
clumsiness or unsteadiness
cough
confusion
cracked, dry, scaly skin
difficult or troubled breathing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
hives, itching, rash, or swelling
irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing
unusual bruising
weakness
Less common
Sugar in the urine
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
Some side effects of edaravone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Headache
itching in genital or other skin areas