Riluzole tablets
What are riluzole tablets?
RILUZOLE (Rilutek®) slows down the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease). Riluzole helps to delay the loss of muscle strength and limb function for several months; it is not a cure. It can slow the loss of respiratory function. Generic riluzole tablets are approved, but are not yet marketed in the US.
What should my health care professional know before I take riluzole?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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heart disease or high blood pressure
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kidney disease
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liver disease
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lung disease
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tobacco smoker
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an unusual or allergic reaction to riluzole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
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pregnant or trying to get pregnant
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breast-feeding
How should I take this medicine?
Take riluzole tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. It is best to take riluzole on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
What drug(s) may interact with riluzole?
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking riluzole?
Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your prescriber or health care professional if your symptoms get worse. Tell your prescriber or health care professional if you have a fever, chills, or other signs of infection; do not treat yourself.
Avoid alcohol and tobacco smoking while you are taking riluzole. Alcohol can increase the risk of getting liver damage. Tobacco smoking can affect how riluzole is handled by your body. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for ways to help you stop smoking or drinking.
You may get dizzy or lose your balance. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how riluzole affects you.
What side effects may I notice from taking riluzole?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
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fever, chills or infection
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breathing difficulty, or shortness of breath
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yellowing of the skin or eyes
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
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back pain
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cough
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diarrhea
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dizziness
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drowsiness
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increased blood pressure
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loss of appetite
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loss of balance from giddiness or dizziness
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nausea, vomiting
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stomach pain
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tingling, pricking, or burning sensation around the mouth
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weakness and tiredness
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68—77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.