Edaravone
Introduction To Edaravone
Edaravone is used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a nervous system disease that weakens the muscles and impairs physical functions). It is an antioxidant that slows down nerve damage and prevents further progression of the disease.
Edaravone is administered as an injection under the supervision of a healthcare professional and should not be self-administered. It is given in cases where oral administration is not possible. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor and if you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember.
The most common side effects of this medicine are headache, bruising, and walking difficulties (gait disturbance). You may also notice some injection site reactions such as pain, redness, or swelling. However, these are temporary and usually resolve on their own. Please consult your doctor if these do not subside or bother you. You should inform the doctor if you develop any allergic reactions like itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, after taking the medication as these require immediate medical attention.
Uses of Edaravone
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Benefits of Edaravone
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease of the nerves that restricts
muscle movements and hence affects the physical functions of the affected
person. Edaravone improves nerve activity and muscle strength. This helps the
person to carry out the daily activities like walking, talking, chewing, etc,
more conveniently. Hence, the person becomes more confident.
Side effects of Edaravone
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Dravon
- Bruise
- Walking difficulties
- Headache
- Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness)
How to use Edaravone
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Edaravone works
Edaravone is an antioxidant. It has nootropic (enrichment of nerves) and neuroprotective properties. It works by slowing the nerve damage caused by harmful chemicals (free radicals). This delays the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms by reducing the oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) in the brain.
Quick tips
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Edaravone slows decline of physical function and helps relieve symptoms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) such as muscle cramps and fatigue.
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It is given through a needle into a vein by your healthcare provider.
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It takes about 60 minutes to receive a full dose of Edaravone.
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Wear relaxed, loose-fitting clothing and keep yourself hydrated when treated with this medicine.
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Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Inform your doctor immediately if you experience itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, breathing problems or have trouble swallowing after receiving this medicine.
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Inform your doctor if you have a known allergy to sulfa drugs.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Edaravone if I’m pregnant?
Edaravone may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Edaravone if I’m breastfeeding?
Information regarding the use of Edaravone during breastfeeding is not available. Please consult your doctor.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Edaravone safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Edaravone. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Edaravone?
It is not known whether Edaravone alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Edaravone if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Edaravone in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Edaravone if I have/had liver diseases?
Edaravone should be used with caution in patients with severe liver disease. Dose adjustment of Edaravone may be needed. Please consult your doctor. Limited information is available on the use of Edaravone in these patients. No dose adjustment is recommended in patients with mild to moderate liver disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the side effects of Edaravone?
The most common side effects of Edaravone include confusion, headache, and difficulty in walking. Other uncommon side effects are skin allergy (rash and itching), breathing difficulty, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing (especially in people with asthma), and fungal infections.
Q. How is Edaravone given?
Edaravone injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 60 minutes by a health care professional in a doctor's office or medical facility. During the initial stage of treatment, Edaravone is usually given once a day for the first 14 days of a 28-day cycle. After the first cycle, it is given once a day for the first 10 days of a 28-day cycle. Your doctor will decide how often you are to receive Edaravone based on your body's response to this medication.
Q. Can amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) be cured by Edaravone?
Edaravone injection is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a condition in which the nerves that control muscle movement slowly die, causing the muscles to shrink and weaken. Edaravone works by slowing the nerve damage associated with the worsening of ALS symptoms.
Q. What should I tell my doctor before taking Edaravone?
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to edaravone, any other medications, sodium bisulfite, or any of the ingredients in Edaravone injection. If you are taking or planning to take any other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements inform your doctor beforehand. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or if you are pregnant or planning to conceive, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving edaravone, call your doctor.
Q. Can ALS be prevented?
There are no studies to support if ALS can be prevented or not. However, one can reduce the possibility of acquiring the disease by knowing various risk factors. The risk factors associated with ALS include smoking and exposure to pesticides and insecticides. In addition to that, another report suggests that people who have served in the military can also have high risks of developing ALS.
Q. Who is more likely to get affected by ALS?
Is it age or gender specific? Caucasians and non-Hispanics are most likely to develop the disease. About 5 to 10 percent of all ALS cases are familial, which means that an individual inherits the disease from his or her parents. ALS can strike at any age, symptoms most commonly develop between the ages of 55 and 75. It is slightly more likely to develop in men than in women. However, as we age the difference between men and women disappears. Furthermore, some studies suggest that military veterans are about 1.5 to 2 times more likely to develop ALS because of toxin exposure during warfare.
Q. Why so many veterans and athletes get ALS?
Researchers have suggested that exposure to toxins during warfare, or strenuous physical activity, are possible reasons for why some veterans and athletes may be at increased risk of developing ALS.
Q. What are the early symptoms of ALS?
The early symptoms of ALS include muscle twitches in the arm, leg, shoulder, or tongue, muscle cramps, tight and stiff muscles (spasticity), muscle weakness affecting an arm, a leg, neck or diaphragm, slurred and nasal speech and difficulty in chewing or swallowing. For many individuals the first sign of ALS may appear in the hand or arm as they experience difficulty with simple tasks such as buttoning a shirt, writing, or turning a key in a lock. In other cases, symptoms initially affect one of the legs, and people experience awkwardness when walking or running or they notice that they are tripping or stumbling more often.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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