Radicava (Edaravone)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Radicava Used For?
Radicava is a specialized medication designed to help patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of motor neurone disease.
Primary Uses
Radicava is indicated for adults with a diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) who are independent in activities of daily living with normal respiratory function and where treatment is initiated within two years of disease onset. ALS is a form of motor neurone disease where attacks of the nerve cells responsible for sending instructions to the muscles leads to muscle weakness, muscle wasting and paralysis.
How It Works
Radicava contains edaravone, which is understood to protect nerve cells from damage by removing harmful substances called free radicals.
Important: Efficacy has not been demonstrated in patients outside of the defined population (adults with ALS who are independent in daily activities with normal respiratory function, treated within two years of disease onset).
How to Take Radicava
Radicava is given as an intravenous infusion by healthcare professionals in a medical setting. It cannot be taken at home.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dosage is 60 mg of edaravone (two ampoules) diluted with 100 mL of 0.9% sodium chloride for infusion and administered as an intravenous infusion over a 60-minute period. Initial treatment cycle: daily dosing for 14 days, followed by a 14-day drug-free period. Subsequent treatment cycles: daily dosing for 10 days out of 14-day periods, followed by 14-day drug-free periods.
Important: Radicava is a concentrated solution that must be diluted before use and will be prepared by a healthcare professional. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you don’t feel well during the infusion.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Bruising
- Walking problems or unsteadiness
- Headache
- Fungal infections such as tinea
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Skin rash, itchy skin, or skin inflammation
- Sugar in the urine in test results
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Symptoms of hypersensitivity/allergic reactions
- Asthma attack (in people with asthma)
- Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, wheezing
- Dizziness, fainting
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
- Rash, itching or hives on the skin
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before starting Radicava treatment.
Who Should Not Take Radicava
Do not use Radicava if you are allergic to edaravone, any of the ingredients in Radicava, or sulfites. Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you are susceptible to hypersensitivity reactions (such as skin rash or reddening), have ever suffered from symptoms of anaphylaxis (such as itchy skin or hives, low blood pressure or shortness of breath), are asthmatic, or have severe kidney problems. Radicava contains sodium bisulfite, which may cause allergic reactions in susceptible people, especially those with asthma.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. It is not known if Radicava will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Sulfite Sensitivity: Radicava contains sodium bisulfite, which may cause allergic reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening asthmatic episodes. Sensitivity to sulfite is more common in people with asthma.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including medicines, vitamins or supplements bought without a prescription.
- Some medicines may interfere with Radicava and affect how it works – check with your doctor or pharmacist about all medications you are taking
Alcohol & Driving
Radicava is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Radicava is not expected to affect your ability to drive, cycle or use tools or machines.
Storage
Radicava will be stored by healthcare professionals in the pharmacy or on the ward. The injection is kept in a cool, dry place, protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C. Healthcare professionals ensure the concentrated injection is not used after the expiry date and is given as soon as the concentrated solution is diluted.
Overdose Information
Radicava is given under the supervision of a doctor or nurse, so it is unlikely you will receive too much. However, if you think you have been given too much Radicava, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. You may need urgent medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Treatment follows specific cycles: an initial 14-day daily treatment period followed by 14 drug-free days, then subsequent cycles of 10 days of treatment out of every 14-day period, followed by 14-day drug-free periods.
No, Radicava must be given by healthcare professionals as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes in a medical setting. It cannot be self-administered at home.
Radicava is indicated for adults with ALS who are independent in daily activities, have normal respiratory function, and begin treatment within two years of disease onset. It should not be used in children under 18 years.
Tell your doctor about any history of allergic reactions, asthma, kidney problems, pregnancy or breastfeeding plans, and all medications you’re taking including vitamins and supplements.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you don’t feel well during the infusion. They will want to stop treatment if you’re having an allergic reaction. Watch for symptoms like breathing difficulties, swelling, rash, or itching.
Each ampoule contains 135 mg sodium chloride (6.75 mg/mL), which should be considered if you’re on a controlled sodium diet. Discuss this with your doctor.
Report any side effects to your doctor first. You can also report them directly to the Therapeutic Goods Administration online at www.tga.gov.au/reporting-problems to help provide safety information about this medicine.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.