Edaravone Suspension: Shall we talk about this drug for ALS?

If you or a loved one has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), we know how challenging it can be. Living with it as your body's muscles gradually weaken day by day is not easy. In such a difficult journey, it is very important to be aware of treatments that can slow down the progression of the disease and bring hope. Edaravone is one such treatment. Perhaps your doctor has told you about this drug, or you may have heard about it somewhere. So today, we will talk in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand, everything about this drug Edaravone.

Simply put, what is Edaravone?

Edaravone is a drug used to treat a condition called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) . It usually comes as an oral suspension. In Sri Lanka, you may find it under the brand name Radicava ORS. Now let's see how it works. Imagine that ALS is a disease that gradually damages the nerve cells that control the muscles in our body. This damage makes it difficult to speak, walk, and swallow. Edaravone works by protecting these nerve cells from damage. That is, it acts like a protective shield around those cells and controls or delays the rate at which symptoms worsen.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes Edaravone, it is extremely important that you give him a complete description of your health condition. Because that information will determine whether this medication is right for you or not. Be sure to tell him these things in particular.

• If you have asthma : People with respiratory conditions like asthma may be allergic to some of the ingredients in this medicine, such as sulfites . Therefore, it is important to be aware of this in advance.
• If you have other allergies : Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to Edaravone, sulfites, or any other medications, foods, or dyes.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant:The safety of this medication during pregnancy has not yet been fully established, so it is essential to talk to your doctor about this.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: It is not clear whether this medicine passes into breast milk . Therefore, if you are taking this medicine while breastfeeding, discuss this with your doctor.

How to use the medicine correctly?

To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly. Even a small mistake can affect its results.

Step-by-step instructions

1. Take it on time: Make it a habit to take your medicine at the same time every day. This is a liquid that you take by mouth. 2. Take it on an empty stomach: For best results, take this medicine on an empty stomach. Usually, it is said that you should take it 8 hours after dinner and 1 hour after taking your morning medicine. But follow the instructions given by your doctor. 3. Shake well: Before taking the medicine, shake the bottle well for about 30 seconds. 4. Take the correct measure: Measure the medicine using only the special syringe (oral syringe) that comes with it. Never use teaspoons or tablespoons that you have at home. They cannot be used to measure accurately, so the dosage can be wrong. 5. Understand the 'cycles' system: This is where many people get a little confused. Edaravone is not a medicine that you take continuously every day. It is used as 'cycles' .

• That means: there are days when you take the medicine, and days when you don't.
• For example, in the first cycle, you may take the pill for 14 days straight, then not take the pill for the next 14 days (a rest period). In subsequent cycles, you may take the pill for 10 days out of 14 days, then not take the pill for 14 days.
• Your doctor will tailor this schedule to your specific condition. It is extremely important to follow these instructions exactly. Set a reminder on your calendar or phone and stick to it.

Let's also be aware of the side effects.

Like any medication, Edaravone can cause some side effects. Being aware of these in advance will help you take action quickly if a problem arises. This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience any unusual symptoms, please tell your doctor.

What if I miss a dose or increase the dose?

If you miss the deadline...

With the busyness of life, sometimes you may miss a dose of medicine. If that happens, don't worry.

• Take that time as soon as you remember.
• However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and just take your next dose at the scheduled time.
• Do not take two doses at once for any reason.

If the dose increases...

If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than prescribed, don't take it lightly.

• The immediate thing to do is to call the National Poison Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital .
• Otherwise, go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

The quality of a medicine depends on how it is stored properly.

• Storage:
• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat and extreme cold.
• Protect from direct sunlight.
• The most important thing: You should throw away any remaining medicine after 15 days of opening the bottle, or after the expiration date on the bottle has passed . Whichever comes first is the one you should consider.

• Disposal:
• The best way to dispose of expired, unused medications is to hand them over to a 'medication take-back program' available at government hospitals or some pharmacies.
• If that's not possible, check the instructions on the medicine bottle. If it says it's okay to throw in the trash, put the medicine in a separate container, mix it with used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and put it in a tightly sealed bag and throw it in the trash. Never pour the medicine directly into the sink or toilet.

In conclusion, Edaravone is an important treatment for those battling ALS. If you have any further questions about this medication, don't hold anything back, just talk openly with your doctor. He or she will explain everything to you. Edaravone Suspension, Edaravone Sinhala, Radicava ORS, ALS in Sri Lanka, ALS medicine, Neurological diseases, Edaravone side effects, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis