Edaravone is an antioxidant introduced for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It has the properties of nootropic (enrichment of nerves) and neuroprotective. The edaravone 1.5 mg works in order to slow down the nerve damage caused by harmful chemicals (free radicals). This helps delay the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) symptoms by decreasing the oxidative stress (an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants) in the brain.
Approval: Edaravone has been marketed in Japan by Mitsubishi Pharma for the treatment of stroke since 2001 and is now generic.In the month of May 2017, edaravone was approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the United States.
Dosage Form: Edaravone comes in the form of injection generically and under the brand name Radicava and Radicut. The standard dose of edaravone injection is an intravenous infusion of 60 mg administered over one hour period according to the following schedule:
An initial treatment cycle with daily dosing for 14 days, followed by a two weeks drug free period.
Subsequent treatment cycles with daily dosing for 10 days out of 14 day periods, followed by a two week drug free period.
Side Effects: Side effects of Edaravone are usually mild and not life threatening. The commonly reported side effects may include skin inflammation, bruising, gait disturbances, headache, eczema, problems breathing, excess sugar in urine, and fungal skin infections.
Cost: The edaravone injection price in India may vary depending on the wholesaler or pharmacy and of course the brand you choose. The cost of edaravone is around Rs. 689 for a supply of a vial of 20mL injection.