What are the side effects of Radicava?

Common Side Effects of Radicava

Radicava, also known as edaravone, is a medication used to treat patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). While generally well-tolerated, patients may experience certain side effects when taking Radicava.

Infusion-Related Side Effects

Radicava is administered intravenously over a 60-minute period. Some patients may experience infusion-related side effects, including headache, [1] fatigue, and swelling of the face, arms, and legs. [2]

Nausea and Diarrhea

About 10% to 20% of patients may experience nausea during or after treatment with Radicava. Diarrhea is also a common side effect, affecting approximately 15% of patients on the medication. [3]

Other Side Effects

Other reported side effects of Radicava include:

- Increased risk of infections, such as pneumonia
- Changes in blood pressure
- Edema (swelling in the legs or face)
- Abnormal results on liver or kidney function tests

Why Are Patients and Healthcare Providers Concerned?

While patients may initially respond to treatment with reduced symptoms, some patients have shown adverse effects in their clinical trial data. Edaravone (Radicava) is known to have a risk of exacerbating muscle weakness, a common symptom of ALS.

What Steps Can Patients Take?

To minimize the risk of side effects, patients should inform their healthcare providers of any pre-existing medical conditions and current medications. Monitoring vital signs and lab tests during and after treatment is essential.

Sources:

[1] https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/edaravone

[2] ClinicalTrials.gov: Edaravone for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

[3] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/208557Orig1s000lbl.pdf

https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drug/edaravone