Edaravone (Radicava) is a free radical scavenger, considered as a novel neuroprotective drug that is used to slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Edaravone (radicava) Uses:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:

  • It is prescribed for ALS treatment (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

Edaravone (Radicava) Dose in Adults

Edaravone (Radicava) Injection Dose in the treatment of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS):

• Initial cycle:

  • 60 mg injection once daily for 14 days, then 14 days without using any drugs.

• Subsequent cycles:

  • 60 mg injection once daily for 10 days inside of a 14-day window, then 14 days of no medication.

Use in children:

Not indicated for use in children.

Edaravone Pregnancy Risk Category: N (Not assigned)

• Animal reproduction studies have shown that adverse events can be observed.

Use of Edaravone while breastfeeding

• It is unknown if the drug will be excreted into breastmilk.
• Manufacturers recommend weighing the risks to the infant from drug exposure and the benefits for the mother.

Edaravone Dose in Kidney Disease:

Adjustment in the dose is not necessary. Renal impairment is not expected to affect the drug exposure.

Edaravone Dose in Liver disease:

• Mild to moderate impairment:

  • Adjustments in the dose is not necesary.

• Severe impairment:

  • The drug has not been studied in severe liver disease. Dose adjustments have not been recommended by the manufacturer.

Common Side Effects of Edaravone (Radicava):

• Central nervous system:

  • Abnormal gait

• Hematologic & oncologic:

  • Bruise

Less Common Side Effects of Edaravone (Radicava):

• Central nervous system:

  • Headache

• Dermatologic:

  • Dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Tinea

• Endocrine & metabolic:

  • Glycosuria

• Respiratory:

  • Dyspnea
  • Hypoxia
  • Respiratory failure

Contraindications to Edaravone (Radicava):

Allergy to edaravone and any component of this formulation

Warnings and precautions

• Hypersensitivity

  • Allergy reactions can occur, which may manifest as a rash or urticaria, wheels and erythema multiflora.
  • Reports of severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have been made.
  • If you notice signs of allergy, stop taking any medication immediately.

Monitoring parameters:

Monitor for allergic reactions.

How to administer Edaravone (radicava)?

• This medication is intended for intravenous administration only.
• One hour, 60 minutes should be allowed for the administration of 60 mg.
• Two 30 mg infusion bags each should be used. You should not mix the drug with any other medication. 
• Do not open the bag if the oxygen indicator changes to blue or purple.
• The patient must stop receiving treatment immediately if they develop symptoms that indicate allergic reactions.

Mechanism of action of Edaravone (Radicava):

• Its exact mechanism for slowing ALS patients' disease progression is uncertain (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).
• It is peroxynitrite, a free radical scavenger.
• This prevents cellular damage from free radicals.

Protein binding:

• 92% mainly to albumin.

Metabolism:

• It undergoes inactive sulphate and glucuronide conjugation, which is carried out by the liver and kidney enzymes UGT1A6, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, and UGT2B17.

Half-life elimination:

• 4.5 to 6 hours

Time to peak plasma concentration:

• One hour

Excretion:

• Urine
  • 70% to 90% as glucuronide conjugate;
  • 5% to 10% as sulfate conjugate;
  • ≤1% unchanged.

International Brands of Edaravone:

• Radicava
• Aravon
• Bi Cun
• Edavon
• Edvo
• Nuravon
• Radicut
• Yi Da Sheng
• Youmin

Edaravone Brand Names in Pakistan:

No Brands Available in Pakistan.