Radicava

Generic name: edaravone
Drug class: Miscellaneous central nervous system agents

Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.

What is Radicava used for?

Radicava is a prescription medicine that is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Description

The active ingredient in RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS is edaravone, which is a member of the substituted 2-pyrazolin-5-one class. The chemical name of edaravone is [3-methyl-1-phenyl-2-pyrazolin-5-one]. The molecular formula is C10H10N2O and the molecular weight is 174.20.

The chemical structure is:

Edaravone is a white crystalline powder with a melting point of 129.7°C. It is freely soluble in acetic acid, methanol, or ethanol and slightly soluble in water or diethyl ether.

RADICAVA injection is a clear, colorless liquid provided as a sterile solution.

RADICAVA injection is supplied for intravenous infusion in a polypropylene bag containing 30 mg edaravone in 100 mL isotonic, sterile, aqueous solution, which is further overwrapped with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) secondary packaging. The overwrapped package also contains an oxygen absorber and oxygen indicator to minimize oxidation. Each bag contains the following inactive ingredients: L-cysteine hydrochloride hydrate (10 mg), sodium bisulfite (20 mg). Sodium chloride is added for isotonicity and phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide are added to adjust to pH 4.

RADICAVA ORS (edaravone) oral suspension is a white to off-white color, opaque, homogenous suspension containing 105 mg of edaravone per 5 mL of suspension.

RADICAVA ORS contains the following inactive ingredients: L-cysteine hydrochloride hydrate, polyvinyl alcohol, simethicone emulsion, sodium bisulfite, sorbitol, and xanthan gum. Phosphoric acid and sodium hydroxide are added to adjust to pH 4.

Mechanism of Action

The mechanism by which RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS exert their therapeutic effect in patients with ALS is unknown.

Before taking Radicava, tell your doctor:

If you are allergic to Radicava; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Radicava with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Radicava?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take Radicava. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Unsafe allergic effects may rarely happen.
If you are allergic to sulfites, talk with your doctor. Some products have sulfites.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Radicava while you are pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Radicava best taken?

Use Radicava as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of Radicava that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Very bad dizziness or passing out.
Shortness of breath.
Bruising.
Trouble walking.
Change in balance.

What are some other side effects of Radicava?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

Headache.
Skin irritation.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.