Rilutek (Riluzole) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) »

What is amyotrophic lateral sclerosis?

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons. Motor neurons are nerve cells located in the brain, brainstem, and spinal cord that serve as controlling units and vital communication links between the nervous system and the voluntary muscles of the body. Messages from motor neurons in the brain (called upper motor neurons) are transmitted to motor neurons in the spinal cord (called lower motor neurons) and from them to particular muscles. In ALS, both the upper motor neurons and the lower motor neurons degenerate or die, ceasing to send messages to muscles. Unable to function, the muscles gradually weake...

Read the Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) article »

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Rilutek Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking riluzole (Rilutek)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to it.

If you have liver or kidney disease, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether riluzole is harmful to an unborn baby. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether riluzole passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take riluzole (Rilutek)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medicine with a full glass of water.

Take riluzole on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Riluzole is usually taken twice a day, every 12 hours. Follow your doctor's instructions. It is important to take your medicine at the same times each day.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver function will need to be checked with blood tests every month during the first 3 months of treatment, and less often as treatment continues. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

Store riluzole at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and bright light.

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