When your doctor tells you or someone in your family has ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), we know it can be a big burden. When living with this condition, doctors prescribe various treatments. Edaravone is one such special medication that helps control the course of this disease. So, in this article, we will try to answer your questions about this medication simply and clearly.
What is Edaravone?
Simply put, Edaravone is a liquid medication used to treat a disease called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) , also known by some as "Lou Gehrig's disease."
What does this drug actually do? Think of our bodies as controlled by messages sent from the brain through nerves. In ALS, these nerve cells are damaged. Edaravone helps keep these nerve cells in your body healthy. Therefore, it can help slow down the loss of muscle control that occurs over time.
The important thing is that this is not a cure for ALS, but it does help control symptoms and slow down the progression of the disease.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing Edaravone to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about these things in particular.
- If you have asthma or other lung diseases.
- If you have an allergic reaction to this medicine, edaravone, a chemical called sulfites , other medicines, foods, artificial colours or preservatives.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother.
This information is very important for your safety. So talk to your doctor without hiding anything.
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this comes as a liquid, you need to be a little careful when using it.
- Follow medical advice: Always take your medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the prescribed times.
- Shake well: Shake the medicine bottle well before using.
- Correct measurement: Use a special medicine measuring syringe, cup, or spoon that comes with the medicine to measure the medicine. Do not use regular teaspoons at home , as they are not accurate.
- Take on an empty stomach: It is best to take this medicine on an empty stomach, which means one hour before or two hours after a meal.
- "Cycles" method: This medicine is usually given in "cycles". This means that you have days when you take the medicine and days when you don't. For example, you may be given a schedule of taking the medicine for 14 days and then stopping for 14 days. It is very important to follow this schedule exactly. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor to make sure you understand. Do not take more than the prescribed amount, as this can cause serious side effects.
What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What if I take too much by mistake?
If you think you have accidentally taken more medicine than prescribed, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, edaravone can cause side effects in some people, but not everyone gets them. It is important to be aware of these.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Things to report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Low blood pressure | Dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision. |
| Difficulty breathing | Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing. |
| Things to inform the doctor if they persist | |
| Headache | Common headache. |
| Loss of body balance | Feeling unsteady when walking or standing. |
| Unusual bruising | Bruising of the skin due to even the slightest thing. |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, please inform your doctor about them as well.
How to protect and remove the medicine?
- Storage: Always keep the medicine out of reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect it from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Most importantly, discard any remaining medicine after 15 days of opening the bottle. Otherwise, discard it when the expiration date has passed.
- Disposal: The best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications is to ask your hospital or pharmacy about their program. If that is not possible, empty the medication from the container, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, and place it in a tightly sealed bag or container and dispose of it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, do not share it with anyone else for any reason. The doctor will prescribe this medicine based on your medical condition and health history.
Take-Home Message
- Edaravone is not a cure for ALS, but it helps control the rate at which the disease worsens.
- Follow the "cycles" schedule given by your doctor exactly. Don't skip a single dose of medication, and don't take too much.
- If you experience severe allergic symptoms such as swelling of the face, lips, or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
- Be sure to tell your doctor about any other illnesses (especially asthma) and allergies you have.
- Open the medicine bottle and discard any remaining contents after 15 days.
- Feel free to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have.
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