From the Research
The recommended dose of edaravone for ALS treatment is 60 mg administered intravenously over 60 minutes once daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by a 14-day drug-free period, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1.
Key Considerations
- Edaravone should be administered as soon as possible after ALS diagnosis, as it works by reducing oxidative stress that contributes to motor neuron death.
- The medication must be diluted in normal saline before administration and should be given through a dedicated IV line.
- Patients should be monitored for hypersensitivity reactions, particularly during early infusions, as these can occur.
- The treatment is intended to slow the decline in physical function in ALS patients rather than reverse symptoms.
- Liver and kidney function should be assessed before starting treatment, as dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with significant hepatic or renal impairment.
Administration Details
- The 28-day cycle is then repeated with subsequent treatment periods consisting of daily dosing for 10 out of 14 days, followed by the 14-day drug-free period.
- Infusions can be administered at clinic sites, infusion centers, or at home, with the majority of patients receiving infusions at home or in a clinician's office 2.
Safety and Efficacy
- Edaravone has been shown to slow down the loss of physical function in ALS patients by 33% as compared to placebo, as demonstrated in clinical trials 3.
- The most commonly reported adverse events include drug ineffective, death, therapeutic response unexpected, asthenia, fatigue, gait disturbance, disease progression, muscular weakness, fall, and dyspnea 2.
Recent Developments
- A recent study in 2023 investigated the pharmacokinetics of edaravone oral suspension in patients with ALS, showing that it is well absorbed and mainly eliminated in urine as the glucuronide conjugate 4.
- However, the current recommended dose and administration route remain intravenous, as supported by the highest quality study 1.