What is Radicava?
Radicava treats adults with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. (ALS is Lou Gehrig's disease, the condition where the nerves controlling muscle movement slowly die, causing muscles to weaken and shrink.)Radicava is a medication that belongs to the class of drugs called antioxidants. Edaravone relieves the effects of oxidative stresses, which are related to the death of motor neurons (nerve cells) in those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Maintaining healthy motor neurons may help preserve muscle function.Radicava is a liquid that is administered intravenously over a period of 60 minutes. Radicava oral suspension is an oral suspension taken by mouth or through a feeding tube.
Side effects of Radicava
Radicava may cause severe reactions. Some side effects can occur before or after the injection. You should tell your doctor if you experience nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, sweating, or a headache.If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue, seek emergency medical attention.
Edaravone may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Bronchospasm is a condition that causes chest pain, difficulty breathing, and wheezing.
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
Common Radicava Side Effects
- Bruising;
- Headache
- Problems with walking or balance.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to potential side effects is easy; simply dial 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
riluzole, Relyvrio, edaravone, Rilutek, Tiglutik, Taurursodiol, and sodium phenylbutyrate
Warnings
Radicava may cause severe allergic reactions. If you experience hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or neck, or feel lightheaded, you should seek emergency medical attention.Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Before you take this drug
Radicava should not be used if you have an allergy to edaravone.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that this medicine will be safe for you:
- Asthma, or sulfite allergies.
The effects of edaravone on an unborn child are unknown.Notify your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed while taking this medication.
How to take Radicava?
Radicava should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all the instructions on the prescription label.Radicava is usually given in treatment cycles. The medicine may only be needed during the first two weeks of each treatment cycle. Your doctor will decide how long you should take this medication.Radicava is infused into the vein by a healthcare professional. The IV infusion must be completed within 60 minutes.Follow the instructions on when you should stop eating and take your medicine. Stop eating the night before bedtime.Take the oral suspension first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach. After each dose, do not eat anything for at least an hour.Oral suspensions can be administered through a feeding device.If you do not understand the instructions, consult with a pharmacist or doctor immediately.
Before preparing the first dose, read and follow all instructions on how to set up and use the medicine.Shake the oral suspension for 30 seconds by turning the bottle upside-down. Use the measuring device provided to measure a dose (not a spoon). Discard unused medicines 15 days after they are opened.Store the oral suspension upright at room temperature and away from any light. Do not keep any medicine that hasn't been opened for 30 days.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:
Initial Treatment Cycle: 60 mg once daily as an IV infusion, followed by 14 days of drug-free time.
Subsequent treatment cycles: 60 mg IV once daily for 10 out of 14-day periods, followed by 14 days without drugs.
Comments:
-Administer the 60 mg dose in 2 30 mg bags of IV infusion over 60 minutes. (Infusion rate: approximately 1 mg/minute [3.33 mL/min]).
At the first sign or symptom of hypersensitivity, discontinue the infusion immediately.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take your medicine or miss an appointment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.Call 911 if the victim is unconscious, collapsed, seizure-prone, having trouble breathing, or cannot be awakened.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal products, may interact with edaravone. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
