Edaravone is a prescription medicine. The sections below reproduce one FDA label for it, named under "Label". Products in other forms, strengths or from other makers have their own labels, which can differ.
- Type
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Brand names
- Radicava Ors
- Label
- Shionogi Inc., revised May 5, 2026 · full label on DailyMed
- Generic
- FDA-approved (4 companies) · details
What it is used for
RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS are indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ( 1 )
Forms and strengths
RADICAVA is supplied for intravenous infusion in a single-dose polypropylene bag containing 30 mg of edaravone in 100 mL of clear, colorless aqueous solution. RADICAVA ORS is supplied as an oral suspension in a multi-dose amber glass bottle 105 mg/5 mL of white to off-white color. Injection: 30 mg/100 mL in a single-dose polypropylene bag ( 3 ) Oral suspension: 105 mg/5 mL in a multi-dose amber glass bottle ( 3 )
Who should not take it (contraindications)
RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to edaravone or any of the inactive ingredients in this product. Hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylactic reactions have occurred [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ]. Patients with a history of hypersensitivity to edaravone or any of the inactive ingredients in RADICAVA and/or RADICAVA ORS ( 4 )
Warnings and precautions
Hypersensitivity Reactions: Advise patients to seek immediate medical care ( 5.1 ) Sulfite Allergic Reactions: RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS contain sodium bisulfite, which may cause allergic type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and asthmatic episodes in susceptible people ( 5.2 )
5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Hypersensitivity reactions (redness, wheals, and erythema multiforme) and cases of anaphylaxis (urticaria, decreased blood pressure, and dyspnea) have been reported in spontaneous postmarketing reports with RADICAVA. Patients should be monitored carefully for hypersensitivity reactions. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue RADICAVA and/or RADICAVA ORS, treat per standard of care, and monitor until the condition resolves [see Contraindications (4) ].
5.2 Sulfite Allergic Reactions RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS contain sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic type reactions, including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown. Sulfite sensitivity occurs more frequently in asthmatic than non-asthmatic people.
Side effects (adverse reactions)
The following serious adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Sulfite Allergic Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Most common adverse reactions (at least 10% of patients treated with RADICAVA and greater than placebo) are contusion, gait disturbance, and headache ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Shionogi Inc. at 1-888-292-0058 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. In randomized, placebo-controlled trials, 184 patients with ALS were administered RADICAVA 60 mg in treatment cycles for 6 months. The population consisted of Japanese patients who had a median age of 60 years (range 29-75) and were 59% male. Most (93%) of these patients were living independently at the time of screening. Most Common Adverse Reactions Observed During Clinical Studies Table 2 lists the adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of patients in the RADICAVA-treated group and that occurred at least 2% more frequently than in the placebo-treated group in randomized placebo-controlled ALS trials. The most common adverse reactions that occurred in ≥10% of RADICAVA-treated patients were contusion, gait disturbance, and headache. Table 2: Adverse Reactions from Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials Pooled placebo-controlled studies include two additional studies with 231 additional patients, all using the same treatment regimen [see Clinical Studies (14) ]. that Occurred in ≥2% of RADICAVA -Treated Patients and ≥2% More Frequently than in Placebo Patients Adverse Reaction RADICAVA (N=184) % Placebo (N=184) % Contusion 15 9 Gait disturbance 13 9 Headache 10 6 Dermatitis 8 5 Eczema 7 4 Respiratory failure, respiratory disorder, hypoxia 6 4 Glycosuria 4 2 Tinea infection 4 2 Additional Adverse Reactions with RADICAVA ORS In an open-label study in patients with ALS (n=185) treated with RADICAVA ORS for 6 months, fatigue was observed in 7.6% of patients.
6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of RADICAVA. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions and anaphylaxis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) ].
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and older adults
Pregnancy: Based on animal data, may cause fetal harm. ( 8.1 )
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary There are no adequate data on the developmental risk associated with the use of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS in pregnant women. In animal studies, administration of edaravone to pregnant rats and rabbits resulted in adverse developmental effects (increased mortality, decreased growth, delayed sexual development, and altered behavior) at clinically relevant doses. Most of these effects occurred at doses that were also associated with maternal toxicity (see Animal Data ). In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. The background risk for major birth defects and miscarriage in patients with ALS is unknown. Data Animal Data In rats, intravenous administration of edaravone (0, 3, 30, or 300 mg/kg/day) throughout the period of organogenesis resulted in reduced fetal weight at all doses. In dams allowed to deliver naturally, offspring weight was reduced at the highest dose tested. Maternal toxicity was also observed at the highest dose tested. There were no adverse effects on reproductive function in the offspring. A no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity was not identified; the low dose is less than the recommended human dose of 60 mg for RADICAVA on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis. In rabbits, intravenous administration of edaravone (0, 3, 20, or 100 mg/kg/day) throughout the period of organogenesis resulted in embryofetal death at the highest dose tested, which was associated with maternal toxicity. The higher no-effect dose for embryofetal developmental toxicity is approximately 6 times the recommended human dose (RHD) for RADICAVA on a body surface area (mg/m 2 ) basis. The effects on offspring of edaravone (0, 3, 20, or 200 mg/kg/day), administered by intravenous injection to rats from GD 17 throughout lactation, were assessed in two studies. In the first study, offspring mortality was observed at the high dose and increased activity was observed at the mid and high doses. In the second study, there was an increase in stillbirths, offspring mortality, and delayed physical development (vaginal opening) at the highest dose tested. Reproduction function in offspring was not affected in either study. Maternal toxicity was evident in both studies at all but the lowest dose tested. The no-effect dose for developmental toxicity (3 mg/kg/day) is less than the RHD on a mg/m 2 basis. Reproductive and developmental toxicology studies of edaravone using the oral route have not been conducted.
8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of edaravone in human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. Edaravone and its metabolites are excreted in the milk of lactating rats. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS or from the underlying maternal condition.
8.4 Pediatric Use Safety and effectiveness of RADICAVA or RADICAVA ORS in pediatric patients have not been established.
8.5 Geriatric Use Of the 184 patients with ALS who received RADICAVA in 3 placebo-controlled clinical trials, a total of 53 patients were 65 years of age and older, including 2 patients 75 years of age and older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these patients and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
How it works
The mechanism by which RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS exert their therapeutic effect in patients with ALS is unknown.
Is there a generic Edaravone?
Yes. The FDA has approved generic Edaravone from 4 companies whose approvals are active. The earliest of these was approved in 2024.
An FDA approval does not always mean the generic is already in pharmacies: patent disputes and settlements can delay a launch for years. Your pharmacist can tell you whether a generic is actually available and covered by your plan.
The FDA rates these generics as therapeutically equivalent to the brand ("A" rating): same active ingredient, strength, dosage form and effect. Pharmacists can usually substitute them unless the prescriber says otherwise.
Companies with an approved generic
Gland, Hikma, Sandoz, Zydus Pharms
Brand-name versions
- Radicava Shionogi, approved 2017 Discontinued
- Radicava Ors Shionogi, approved 2022
Source: Drugs@FDA (via openFDA), checked October 29, 2026. Marketing status is what companies report to the FDA; whether a pharmacy stocks a product, and what your insurance covers, can differ.
Dosage:
we do not reproduce dosing instructions. The right dose depends on the person and the condition and is set by the prescriber or pharmacist. Dosage section of the full label.
Edaravone in the news
We have not covered this medicine yet. Latest news
Recalls
No recalls matched to this medicine in FDA enforcement reports from the last 3 years (or older ones still open). Search all recalls
Get alerts for Edaravone
We will email you if the FDA reports a recall, if its shortage status changes, or when we publish news about it — at most one email a day. No account needed.
Source: FDA structured product labeling, retrieved through openFDA. Label text is shown as published by the FDA, without editing; long sections are shortened, marked […]. openFDA data are not validated for clinical use — always check the current label and ask a doctor or pharmacist about your own treatment. Set ID 0ce2c1c4-2a40-485c-b7cb-96a9b85d9d11.