5 mins read

Overview: Radicava ORS 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. Radicava ORS is taken by mouth or given through a feeding tube. 

Uses

What is Radicava ORS used for?

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

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

Edaravone is also available in an injectable form. See Edaravone for more information.

How does Radicava ORS work (mechanism of action)?

Radicava ORS 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 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

How is Radicava ORS supplied (dosage forms)?

Radicava ORS is available as a 105 mg/5 mL oral suspension that is taken by mouth or given through a feeding tube.

How should I store Radicava ORS?

Radicava ORS should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Store upright in a cool, dry place. Protect it from light. Throw away any medicine that is not used within 15 days after opening the bottle or within 30 days from the date of shipment shown on the carton pharmacy label, whichever happens first.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Radicava ORS?

The most common side effects of Radicava ORS 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 Radicava ORS 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 Radicava ORS?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Radicava ORS may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Radicava ORS 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 or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Radicava ORS?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Radicava ORS.

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

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Radicava ORS.

What should I know about Radicava ORS before using it?

Do not take Radicava ORS unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Radicava ORS with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Radicava ORS out of the reach of children.

You will take Radicava ORS by mouth or through a feeding tube. You will need to take your dose in the morning on an empty stomach, so you should stop eating at bedtime. Depending on what you last ate, you may need to wait up to eight hours before taking Radicava ORS. Taking Radicava ORS on an empty stomach helps the medicine get into your body.

Before measuring your dose, turn the bottle upside down and shake well for at least 30 seconds. Look at the medicine to make sure it is mixed well. If you see any small pieces at the bottom of the bottle, repeat the process until you can no longer see the pieces at the bottom of the bottle.

Use the provided bottle adapter and a reusable 5 mL oral syringe to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions.

If you are receiving Radicava ORS through your feeding tube, flush the tube with at least 1 oz (30 mL) of water before and after your dose. 

Note the date when you open the bottle. Radicava ORS is good for 15 days once you open the bottle and must be thrown away once you reach this date, even if there is medicine leftover in the bottle. 

If you see a white crust forming on the neck or on the side of the bottle, keep using the medicine as prescribed. This is normal and does not mean the medicine has gone bad. Tightly close the bottle after each use.

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

What should I tell my health care provider before using Radicava ORS?

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 know if Radicava ORS 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 Radicava ORS 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 take Radicava ORS while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Radicava ORS 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 Radicava ORS.

How can I get more information about Radicava ORS?

For more information about Radicava ORS, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.radicava.com or call them at 888-292-0058.

Interactions

Does Radicava ORS interact with foods or drinks?

Take Radicava ORS with water on an empty stomach after overnight fasting. Wait at least one hour after taking your medicine before eating or drinking anything except water. 

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Radicava ORS.

Does Radicava ORS interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Radicava ORS and other 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 Radicava ORS?

If you or someone else has used too much Radicava ORS, 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 Radicava ORS?

If you miss a dose and have not yet eaten that day, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses the next day to make up for a missed dose.