Riluzole (By Mouth)

Riluzole (RIL-yoo-zole)

Used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease).BRAND NAME: Rilutek®

Brand Name(s):

Rilutek
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to riluzole.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use and how often.
• Take your medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals and at the same time each day.
• If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, crush the tablet and mix it with one-half cup (4 oz) of applesauce or pudding, and take it within 15 minutes.

If a dose is missed:

• Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at your regular time.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store your tablets in cool place, away from heat, direct light, or moisture.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Avoid drinking large amounts of alcohol.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using sulfasalazine, methyldopa, allopurinol, theophylline, amitriptyline, rifampin, omeprazole (Prilosec®), tacrine (Cognex®), or medicines called quinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin, lomefloxacin, ofloxacin, or norfloxacin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant talk to your doctor before using this medicine. Do not breastfeed while using this medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before using riluzole if you have liver or kidney disease.
• You may need to have blood tests done while you are using riluzole. These tests are to make sure the medicine is not causing harmful side effects. Keep all appointments your doctor makes for you.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving or using machinery until you know how the medicine will affect you.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Trouble breathing
• Irregular heartbeat
• Unexplained fever, chills, or sore throat
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Increase in your ALS symptoms (such as more muscle weakness or stiffness)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Headache, dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Mild stomach pain
• Loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting
• Numbness or tingling around your mouth

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.