What is Rilutek/Riluzole used for?

This medicine is indicated for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

If you have any questions about your medicine, please talk with your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider. This medicine is only to be used by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not give it to others. This information is advisory only. It does not contain all information about this medicine. If you have any questions about your medicine, ask your Health care provider, pharmacist, or health care provider.

How should Rilutek/Riluzole be stored?

Store at controlled room temperature (between 59 to 86 degrees F) in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children and pets. Protect from excessive heat and moisture.

General drug information:

When should Rilutek/Riluzole not be taken?

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to similar medications

What precautions should I follow when taking Rilutek/Riluzole?

Before using this medicine, tell your health care provider about any of the following: if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding if you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement if you have any other medical condition like liver, kidney, lung or heart disease.

What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Rilutek/Riluzole?

This medicine is prescribed with care in patients with current evidence or history of abnormal liver function

What are the side effects of Rilutek/Riluzole?

Most severe: Accidental injury, apnea, bronchitis, constipation, death, dysphagia, dyspnea, flu syndrome, heart arrest, increased sputum, pneumonia, and respiratory disorder.

Most common: Asthenia, headache, abdominal pain, back pain, aggravation reaction, malaise, nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, anorexia, diarrhea, flatulence, stomatitis, tooth disorders, oral thrush, pruritus, eczema, alopecia, exfoliative dermatitis, decreased lung function, rhinitis, increased cough, sinusitis, cardiovascular, hypertension, tachycardia, phlebitis, palpitation, postural hypotension

Other: Weight loss, peripheral edema, musculoskeletal system, arthralgia, urinary tract infection, dysuria

How should I take Rilutek/Riluzole?

How much medicine you take and how often you take it depends on many factors, including the condition being treated and the age and weight of the patient. If you have any questions about the amount and/or frequency of the medicine you are taking, talk with your health care provider. This medicine should only be given by a health care provider who is experienced in the use of this medicine. If severe diarrhea, stomach pain/cramps, or bloody stools occur, contact your health care provider at once. This could be a symptom of a serious side effect requiring instant medical attention. Do not treat diarrhea without talking with your health care provider. Patients with previous medical conditions should talk with their health care provider before taking this medicine. Do not take any other over-the-counter or prescription medicines without talking with your health care provider.