Coram cares about our shared patients and is committed to bringing innovative therapies like Radicava into their homes, offering renewed hope for those living with ALS. We’re committed to quickly starting patients on Radicava to aid in the success of this important treatment.
Following are some FAQs about Radicava and how to work with Coram to get your patients started in the home.
About Radicava
Q1: What is Radicava?
A1: Radicava (edaravone) is an intravenous (IV) infusion treatment option that is U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to treat people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In clinical trials, people given Radicava showed significantly less decline in physical function compared to placebo as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R).
Edaravone was discovered and developed by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation and was commercialized in the U.S. by MT Pharma America (MTPA). Edaravone was approved for use as a treatment for ALS in Japan and South Korea in 2015.
Q2: How is Radicava administered?
A2: Radicava is administered by IV infusion. It takes 60 minutes to receive each 60 mg dose. For the initial cycle, the treatment is infused daily for 14 consecutive days, followed by a two-week drug-free period. All cycles thereafter are infused daily for 10 days within a 14-day period, followed by a two-week drug-free period.
Q3: What are the possible side effects of Radicava?
A3: The most common side effects of Radicava include bruising, problems walking and headaches. Radicava may cause serious side effects, including allergic reactions. Please read the full prescribing information at www.radicava.com/assets/dist/pdfs/radicava-prescribing-information.pdf for a list of all possible side effects.
Specialty Pharmacy and Infusion Service Providers
Q4: Who can dispense Radicava?
A4: Coram® CVS Specialty® Infusion Services (Coram) has been dispensing Radicava since August 2017.
Insurance Coverage
Q5: Will insurance cover home infusion?
A5: A patient’s insurance coverage may determine whether Radicava is administered at an outpatient center, in the patient’s home or someplace else.
For the Ordering Physician
Q6: How do I request an initial benefits review for my patients?
A6: For an initial benefits review, fax the following documents to the Coram central intake team at 1‑866-843-3221:
- Patient's demographics sheet, including insurance carrier and ID number
- Clinical progress notes
- Physician's orders for Radicava, nursing, flushing and acute infusion reaction
Q7: How will Coram communicate with me?
A7: Coram will communicate regular updates to you via fax, phone or in person about your patient’s insurance coverage status, response to therapy and clinical notes from home visits and assessment calls.
For the Patient
Q8: What will Coram provide to patients on Radicava?
Q8: Coram will help support every patient receiving Radicava at home by providing:
- Benefits support. Coram will work directly with patients’ insurance company to obtain approvals for therapy, including prior authorization and appeals.
- Financial assistance. Coram will proactively work with patients to help them obtain financial assistance available through MTPA, commercial insurance or independent nonprofit organizations for their out-of-pocket expenses.
- Home delivery. Coram will ensure that Radicava and all necessary infusion supplies are delivered to patients’ homes on time for each treatment cycle.
- Home nursing visits. A local Coram registered nurse will go to patients’ homes to administer the first dose or Radicava. The nurse will also educate the patient/caregiver on the medication side effects, how to infuse subsequent doses and care for the patient’s catheter line.
- Clinical assessment and monitoring. The Coram local care team will monitor the patient carefully and assess how they are responding to therapy.
- Coordination of care. The patient’s home infusion nurse will send home visit reports to the physician and will work with the physician to adjust treatment plans, as necessary.
- Additional therapies, as needed. Coram can provide additional clinical care services as ordered by the physician, including enteral and parenteral nutrition, IV antibiotics and pain medication.
Q9: What if a patient doesn’t have insurance?
A9: MTPA has created a program that provides Radicava at no charge to patients who do not have insurance and meet income and certain other requirements.
About Searchlight Support
Q10: What is Searchlight Support product access program?
A10: Searchlight Support offers programs for health care providers and people who receive Radicava. Caregivers may also seek support on behalf of a loved one who receives Radicava. To learn more about the services available for your patients and your practice, call Searchlight Support at 1-844-SRCHLGT (1-844-772-4548) or visit https://www.radicavahcp.com/product-access-program/
Coram will work closely with the Searchlight Support team to coordinate patient referrals and support services to help get patients started with Radicava quickly and efficiently.
About Coram
Q11: Does Coram provide other services?
A11: Coram provides comprehensive home infusion services to patients requiring Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) augmentation, anti-infectives, immunoglobulins, immunosuppressives, infusions for multiple sclerosis (MS), enteral and parenteral nutrition, and many other therapies.
Every patient referred to Coram is thoroughly on-boarded, provided with a local care team, patient education resources, travel support, ongoing clinical monitoring and -robust quality and safety standards.