edaravone

Pronunciation: e DAR a vone

Brand: Radicava

What is the most important information I should know about edaravone?

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.

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.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving edaravone?

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 this medicine 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 this medicine 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.

What are the possible side effects of edaravone?

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.

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about edaravone.

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