Rilutek

Rilutek Drug Information

• Rilutek Overview

  Rilutek is used to treat a certain type of nerve disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease). Riluzole helps to slow down the worsening of this disease and prolong survival. However, it is not a cure for ALS, and it does not reverse nerve damage or muscle weakness. Riluzole is thought to work by protecting the nerves in the brain and spinal cord from too much of a natural substance called glutamate that may be part of the cause of nerve damage.

• How to Use Rilutek

  Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking riluzole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Rilutek by mouth on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal) as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours. If you are using the liquid form of Rilutek, gently shake the bottle for at least 30 seconds before use. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Use Rilutek regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or take Rilutek more often or for longer than prescribed because your risk of side effects will increase. Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.

• Rilutek Precautions

  Before taking riluzole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Rilutek may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Rilutek, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,liver disease, kidney disease. Rilutek may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Smoking may affect the level of Rilutek in your blood. Tell your doctor if you smoke or use nicotine or if you stop smoking. Liquid products may contain sugar and/or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Rilutek safely. During pregnancy, Rilutek should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Rilutek passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Rilutek Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Rilutek, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Rilutek Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

• Rilutek Side Effects

  What are Rilutek side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Rilutek may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Rilutek as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Rilutek

  The side effects of Rilutek may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Rilutek. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Rilutek may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Rilutek, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Rilutek.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Rilutek, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Rilutek and the side effects associated with Rilutek are described in the following:

  Common Rilutek Side Effects

  Severe

  • general weakness
  • tremor
  • respiratory depression
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea

  Less Severe

  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • paresthesia
  • acute abdominal pain
  • anorexia
  • flatulence
  • oral hypoesthesia

  Less Frequent Rilutek Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypertension
  • pneumonia
  • respiration changes
  • dyspnea
  • cough
  • apnea
  • increased alanine transaminase

  Less Severe

  • rhinitis
  • stomatitis
  • constipation
  • eczema
  • pruritus of skin
  • alopecia
  • back pain
  • insomnia
  • peripheral edema
  • headache disorder
  • vertigo
  • bronchitis

  Rare or Very Rare Rilutek Side Effects

  Severe

  • hyponatremia
  • hypokalemia
  • neutropenic disorder
  • depression
  • phlebitis
  • urinary tract infection
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • anaphylaxis
  • seizure disorder
  • angioedema
  • facial edema
  • dysphagia
  • dysuria
  • increased urinary frequency
  • hypersensitivity pneumonitis
  • hepatitis
  • interstitial lung disease
  • tachycardia

  Less Severe

  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • tooth disorder
  • malaise
  • hostility
  • candidiasis

• Rilutek Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. If you are using the liquid form of Rilutek, store the bottle upright. Keep bottle tightly closed between each use. Do not freeze. Use/discard within 15 days after opening. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Rilutek when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.