Edaravone
About
Edaravone belongs to a class of medication known as 'neuro-protective', primarily indicated in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This medicine prevents and treats the further progression of this neurological (specialized cells responsible for sending signals to the brain) disease. ALS is a progressive neurological disease that damages the nerve cells responsible for walking, chewing, talking especially the brain and spinal cord. As this disease is progressive so its symptoms get worse over time if the right treatment is not provided.
Edaravone contains 'Edaravone' that helps to slow down the worsening of the neurological disease. It is an antioxidant that prevents the death of nerve cells and preserves the functioning of muscles. Edaravone helps to keep nerve cells healthy so that an individual can perform normal activities like walking, eating during the day.
Edaravone will be administered by a healthcare professional; do not self-administer. In some cases, you may experience walking, bruising and headache. Most of these side effects of Edaravone do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, reach out to your doctor.
Do not take Edaravone if you are allergic to Edaravone or any of its ingredients. Edaravone injection or infusion should be done under the supervision of a doctor only. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should ask their doctor before taking Edaravone as it is not known whether the drug affects the nourishing baby or not. Safety and efficacy of Edaravone in children have not been established so better to consult with the doctor. Although Edaravone is safe for old patients still it should only be injected in older persons after asking a doctor as older individuals are more sensitive to the negative effects of the medicine.
Uses of Edaravone
Medicinal Benefits
Edaravone is used to treat certain nerve diseases like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It is used to slow down the worsening of this disease. This medicine has antioxidant properties that slow down the process that kills and damages the neurons (oxidative). When Edaravone is injected it relieves the effects of oxidative stress and preserves healthy nerves and muscle function. By doing so, it helps a person to carry out their daily activities like walking, maintaining good posture, speaking and chewing. However, Edaravone does not permanently cure this disease and also it does not reverse the nerve damage that already happened.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Edaravone
- Bruising (contusion)
- Problems walking (gait disturbance)
- Headache
- Wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Light-headed feeling
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor before taking Edaravone if you have or had heart, kidney, or liver problems, nervous system disorders, respiratory disorders or muscle weakness. Do not take Edaravone if you have asthma or a sulfite allergy. Edaravone contains sodium bisulfite, which may cause a hypersensitive reaction that can be serious or life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite if given to asthmatic patients may cause asthmatic episodes so Edaravone is not recommended to use in asthma patients. Asthmatic persons are more sensitive to sulfite sensitivity. Edaravone should be administered at a doctor's office or hospital however a patient should consult with their doctor to know which action is right for them. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Edaravone does not have any serious interaction with other medicines.
Drug-Food Interactions: Ask your doctor for instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages or activity.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Edaravone may have interactions with disease conditions such as asthma.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is unknown whether it is safe to consume alcohol while taking Edaravone or not. It is better to ask your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionWomen who are pregnant should ask their doctor before taking Edaravone as it is not known whether the drug affects the baby or not.
Breast Feeding
cautionWomen who are breastfeeding should ask their doctor before taking Edaravone as it is not known whether the drug affects the nourishing baby or not.
Driving
unsafePersons dealing with ASL face difficulty in driving with disease progression. Thus one should avoid driving while taking Edaravone.
Liver
cautionEdaravone is safe to be injected in persons with mild liver disease, usually, but caution is advice in patients with severe liver disease and should be used only if prescribed by a doctor.
Kidney
cautionEdaravone should be used with caution in patients with severe renal function disorder and should be used only if prescribed by a doctor.
Children
cautionSafety and efficacy of Edaravone in children have not been established so better to consult with the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Include food rich in vitamin B and D in your diet.
- Exercising regularly helps in improving overall health and combating pain.
- Rest well, get plenty of sleep.
- Try taking a warm bath as it can be soothing.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Meditation and yoga can help lower stress, decrease pain sensitivity and improves coping skills.
- Acupuncture can be helpful by stimulating pressure points.
- Using essential oils for massages can help increase circulation.
Special Advise
Do not take Edaravone if you have asthma or a sulfite allergy.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: It is a neurological disorder that affects the action of nerves to control muscle movements. Due to this muscle weakens and the body starts working differently. If not diagnosed and treated at right time, it may also affect the nerves that control breathing which can be life-threatening. This disease usually affects the nerve cells in the body and spinal cord that causes muscle weakness, breathing issues. As ALS is a progressive disease, symptoms get worsen with time and in some time, a person is no longer able to control their legs, face and arms. Common symptoms of ALS are trouble in doing regular activities, weakness in the legs and ankles, trouble in maintaining good posture, outbursts of laughing orc, trying and problem breathing in later stages.
FAQs
Edaravone contains sodium bisulfite, which may cause a hypersensitive reaction that can be serious or life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite if giving to asthmatic patients may cause asthmatic episodes so Edaravone is not recommended to use in asthma patients. Asthmatic persons are more sensitive to sulfite sensitivity.
It is advised to tell the person who is going to perform the medical procedure that you are already taking Edaravone so that they can decide if you can undergo the medical procedure or not.
Oxidative stress happens when there is an imbalance between the production and accumulation of oxygen in the cells and tissues that causes the death of nerve cells. Edaravone relieves the action of oxidative stress and keeps nerve cells healthy for proper muscle functioning.
Edaravone should be administered at doctor's office or hospital however a patient should consult with their doctor to know which action is right for them.
ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) usually starts in the hands, feet or limbs and then spread to other parts of the body. As this disease affects and destroys the nerve cells of the body, so it weakens the muscles and causes trouble in speaking, breathing and chewing.
Edaravone contains 'Edaravone' that helps to slow down the worsening of the neurological disease. It is an antioxidant that prevents the death of nerve cells and preserves the functioning of muscles. Edaravone helps to keep nerve cells healthy so that an individual can perform normal activities like walking, eating of the day.
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