Injection, Edaravone, 1 mg (J1301)

Name of the Procedure:

• Common Names: Edaravone Injection, Radicava Injection
• Medical Term: Intravenous (IV) Injection of Edaravone

Summary

Edaravone injection involves administering a drug called edaravone directly into a patient's vein. It is primarily used to help manage symptoms of certain neurological conditions by reducing oxidative stress in the body.

Purpose

• Medical Conditions Addressed: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease.
• Goals: To slow the progression of ALS by protecting the nerve cells from damage caused by oxidative stress.

Indications

• Symptoms/Conditions: Patients diagnosed with ALS.
• Criteria: Generally, patients with the early stages of ALS who exhibit functional independence and meet specific clinical criteria set by their healthcare provider.

Preparation

• Instructions: No specific fasting required. Patients are advised to maintain adequate hydration and inform their doctor of any medications or supplements they are taking.
• Diagnostic Tests: Liver and kidney function tests may be performed to ensure the patient's body can safely process the drug.

Procedure Description

1. Setup: The patient arrives at the clinic or hospital.
2. Preparation: A healthcare professional will prepare and sterilize the injection site on the patient's arm.
3. Injection: Edaravone is administered through an intravenous (IV) line over the course of one hour.
4. Monitoring: During the injection, the patient is monitored for any adverse reactions.
   • Tools/Equipment: IV line, infusion pump.
   • Anesthesia/Sedation: Not applicable; the procedure is typically painless.

Duration

• Time: Approximately 1 hour for the infusion.

Setting

• Location: Outpatient clinic or hospital.

Personnel

• Involved Professionals: Nurse or trained healthcare professional to administer the injection. Doctor to oversee and monitor the patient's progress.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Mild headache, bruising at the injection site, nausea.
• Rare Risks: Allergic reaction, signs of anaphylaxis, significant changes in blood pressure.
• Management: Immediate medical intervention for severe reactions; routine monitoring for common side effects.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Slowing the progression of ALS symptoms.
• Realization Time: Benefits can be seen over ongoing treatments and assessments, typically requiring several cycles of administration.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Monitoring for any immediate side effects post-injection.
• Recovery Time: Minimal; most patients can resume normal activities shortly after the procedure.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up appointments to monitor the disease's progression and treatment efficacy.

Alternatives

• Other Options: Riluzole (another ALS medication), supportive therapies like physical therapy, or palliative care.
• Pros and Cons: Edaravone specifically targets oxidative stress while alternatives may work via different mechanisms and come with their own benefits and side effects.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: Minimal discomfort, primarily from the IV insertion.
• After the Procedure: Most patients feel back to normal shortly after the infusion, though some may experience mild side effects such as headaches or nausea, which can be managed with routine care.