Embracing the Present During My Journey With ALS

His ALS diagnosis made Air Force Veteran Michael focus on what matters most to him—strengthening his relationships with his children. Hear more about how he generates hope for others with ALS so they can stay in the fight.

This content is sponsored by Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. (MTPA) and is intended for US audiences only. Any other present or future content posted by the contributor, not expressly designated as “Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. – sponsored content” is not associated with MTPA. Michael is an actual patient who is taking RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone).

The information provided here is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.

Individual results may vary. Please see Important Safety Information below, and full Prescribing Information, and Patient Information on Radicava.com.

Watch Michael share his story about ALS and RADICAVA ORS^®.

A Love for Serving His Country

I loved serving in the military. In 1980 I joined the Air Force and spent 5 years in active duty. At first, I was based in Arkansas working on B52 planes and was stationed in Korea. The culture and food were great.

After 5 years of active duty, I decided to pursue a degree. While attending college, I enlisted in the Air National Guard. I went on to serve in Kentucky, Texas, and Colorado. I graduated with an engineering degree. Twenty-two years later, I retired from the military, and I’m now very involved with Veteran’s Affairs (VA).

Getting Diagnosed With ALS

I began experiencing muscle weakness and twitching in my hand and arm, so I went to my doctor. In 2022, almost a year after these symptoms started, I was diagnosed with ALS. At the time, I didn’t know much about the condition but have obviously learned a lot since my diagnosis.

How Michael Strengthened the Bond With His Children 

Within three months of getting diagnosed with ALS, I lost my wife of 33 years unexpectedly. I was devastated but knew I needed to help my three children work through this great loss.

One of the biggest goals I had after being diagnosed with ALS and losing my wife was to improve my relationship with my children. It’s very important to me to extend my functionality as long as possible so that I can spend more time with my children and provide as much emotional support as I can.

My oldest daughter moved in with me, and we enjoy preparing meals and eating together. While I can’t physically help her, I share my knowledge of grilling, pan searing meat, and our favorite family recipes. We talk about what we like about our meals and how we can make them better in the future.

Starting Treatment With RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone)

Three months after my diagnosis I was lucky enough to get in an ALS clinic where I learned about medicines, physical therapy, and pulmonary testing. During my first visit, my neurologist suggested RADICAVA ORS^® after explaining the benefits and risks of treatment. I immediately accepted the prescription and have been on RADICAVA ORS^® for about 22 months. The nice thing for me about RADICAVA ORS^® is that I just swallow it. On treatment days, I use the 5-mL syringe that comes with the medication and take it in the morning on an empty stomach. So, I’m able to just work it into my routine.

In the clinical study, RADICAVA^® slowed the loss of physical function as measured by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) by 33% versus placebo. At 24 weeks (about 6 months), patients who did not receive RADICAVA^® (66 patients) declined more rapidly in physical function, having lost an average of 2.49 points more than those who received RADICAVA^® (68 patients). The most common side effects of RADICAVA^® include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache. Fatigue was also reported in 7.6% of patients taking RADICAVA ORS^®. Talk to your doctor about all the benefits and risks associated with treatment. This is Michael’s experience and does not necessarily represent the experience of others.

Embracing the Present

Living in the moment takes a lot of practice. ALS makes the past a place to visit for short periods of time, but dwelling on the future for too long can create an unbearable fear. That’s why it’s so important to stay in the present and focus on what you can do today.

In addition to spending time with my children, I’m still working as an engineer for a semiconductor company and continue being involved in the VA. I advocate for other veterans by spreading awareness of ALS and encourage those who were recently diagnosed to visit a clinic.

That’s why I’m sharing my story—to generate hope for others so they can stay in the fight. 

Learn more about ALS and how RADICAVA ORS^® may help you.

Learn more about participating in the Share Your Story program at ShareYourALSStory.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not receive RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone) if you are allergic to edaravone or any of the ingredients in RADICAVA ORS.

Before you take RADICAVA ORS, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have asthma.
• are allergic to other medicines.
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RADICAVA ORS will harm your unborn baby.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RADICAVA ORS passes into your breastmilk. You and your healthcare provider should decide if you will receive RADICAVA ORS or breastfeed.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What are the possible side effects of RADICAVA ORS?

RADICAVA ORS may cause serious side effects, including hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions and sulfite allergic reactions.

• Hypersensitivity reactions have happened in people taking RADICAVA ORS and can happen after your medicine has been taken.
• RADICAVA ORS contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfite that may cause a type of allergic reaction that can be serious and life-threatening. Sodium bisulfite can also cause less severe asthma episodes in certain people. Sulfite sensitivity can happen more often in people who have asthma than in people who do not have asthma.
• Tell your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following symptoms: hives; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; fainting; breathing problems; wheezing; trouble swallowing; dizziness; itching; or an asthma attack (in people with asthma).

Your healthcare provider will monitor you during treatment to watch for signs and symptoms of all the serious side effects and allergic reactions.

The most common side effects of RADICAVA^® (edaravone) and RADICAVA ORS include bruising (contusion), problems walking (gait disturbance), and headache.

These are not all the possible side effects of RADICAVA and RADICAVA ORS. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to www.fda.gov/medwatch or Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America, Inc. at 1-888-292-0058.

INDICATION

RADICAVA ORS^® (edaravone) is indicated for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information, also available at www.radicavaors.com.

RADICAVA, RADICAVA ORS, the RADICAVA ORS logo, and the corporate symbol of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma America are registered trademarks of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma Corporation.

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CP-OE-US-1075   05/25