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Home > Drug Category > Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis(ALS) Medication > Rilutek and Equivalent

Rilutek Information

Rilutek (Riluzole) is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal motor neuron disease characterized by the progressive degeneration of spinal cord and brain nerve cells. ALS affects the voluntary control of the arms and legs and leads to breathing difficulties. This condition does not affect intelligence, thinking, seeing, or hearing. There is no known cure for ALS. Too much glutamate (a chemical messenger) in the brain and spinal cord causes the degeneration of nerve cells. Benzothiazoles, like Riluzole, work by changing the activity of glutamate in the body. The drug is not a cure for ALS but may delay the disease's progression and prolong life.

Rilutek Side Effects

The most common side effects of Rilutek may include increased blood pressure; breathing problems; stomach pain; dizziness; numbness around your mouth; Call your doctor right away if you have any of the serious side effects such as:
• Dry cough;
• Signs of liver problems, e.g., nausea, appetite loss, stomach pain, itching, dark urine, tiredness;
• Signs of low white blood cell counts, e.g., fever, mouth sores, sore throat, skin sores;
• Sudden chest pain

Rilutek Precautions

Do not use Rilutek if you are allergic to Riluzole or any other ingredients in this medication. Before you start taking this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, including if you have liver disease; have kidney problems; have any fever; are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan to become pregnant; are breastfeeding, or are planning to breastfeed. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be a drug interaction between Rilutek and other medications. Do not use Rilutek if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if this medication will harm your unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy when using Riluzole. Do not use Rilutek while breastfeeding without talking to your doctor. It is not known if Riluzole passes into your breast milk. Do not give this drug to children less than 18 years old. It may harm them. Use your medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop or change the dose of this medicine without talking to your doctor. Take Rilutek on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Take the medicine at the same time every day to help you remember to take it. Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Rilutek?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Rilutek.