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Overview: Edaravone is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It helps reduce harmful molecules in the body called free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and may play a role in the development and progression of ALS. Common side effects may include bruising, problems walking, or headache. Edaravone will be injected into your vein. 

Uses

What is edaravone used for?

Edaravone is commonly used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

Edaravone may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Edaravone is also available as a liquid that is swallowed or given through a feeding tube. See Radicava ORS for more information.

How does edaravone work (mechanism of action)?

Edaravone helps reduce harmful molecules in the body called free radicals. Free radicals can damage cells and may play a role in the development and progression of ALS.

How is edaravone supplied (dosage forms)?

Radicava is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store edaravone?

Edaravone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of edaravone?

The most common side effects of edaravone are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Bruising
  • Problems walking
  • Headache 

There may be other side effects of edaravone that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of edaravone?

While less common, the most serious side effects of edaravone are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Edaravone may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using edaravone and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use edaravone?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use edaravone.

  • Edaravone 
  • Radicava
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific edaravone products they stock.

What should I know about edaravone before using it?

Edaravone is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. The medicine will be injected into your vein. It will take about one hour to get the full dose of edaravone.

Use a calendar or an app to help you keep track of your dosing schedule. Some days you may not use this medicine. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before using edaravone?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if edaravone is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Asthma
  • Allergy or sensitivity to sulfites

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how edaravone could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use edaravone while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if edaravone passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should stop breastfeeding or stop edaravone.

Interactions

Does edaravone interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between edaravone and foods or drinks. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect edaravone.

Does edaravone interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Edaravone may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much edaravone?

If you or someone else has used too much edaravone, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of edaravone?

If you miss an appointment to get your dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.