RILUZOLE - ORAL

RILUZOLE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (RIL-ue-zole)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Rilutek

GENERIC NAME(S): riluzole

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain type of nerve disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also commonly called Lou Gehrig's disease). Riluzole helps to slow down the worsening of this disease and prolong survival. However, it is not a cure for ALS, and it does not reverse nerve damage or muscle weakness. Riluzole is thought to work by protecting the nerves in the brain and spinal cord from too much of a natural substance called glutamate that may be part of the cause of nerve damage.


How to use RILUZOLE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking riluzole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually every 12 hours on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not increase your dose or take this drug more often or for longer than prescribed because your risk of side effects will increase. Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, or numbness/tingling around the mouth may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, such as: signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, such as: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, yellowing eyes/skin, severe stomach/abdominal pain, dark urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking riluzole, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Smoking may affect the level of this drug in your blood. Tell your doctor if you smoke or use nicotine or if you stop smoking. Kidney and liver function decline as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys and liver. Therefore, the elderly may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (such as prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug are: other drugs that may cause liver problems (such as allopurinol, methyldopa, sulfasalazine), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove riluzole from your body (such as amitriptyline, caffeine, omeprazole, rifampin, tacrine, quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin).

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for RILUZOLE - ORAL

Riluzole is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It slows down the progression of the disease and may improve survival.

The exact mechanism of action of Riluzole is not fully understood. However, it is believed to work by reducing the release of glutamate in the brain, which helps prevent damage to nerve cells and delays the progression of ALS.

Riluzole is taken orally, usually twice a day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. It is recommended to take it on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals.

The common side effects of Riluzole include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, headache, and changes in taste. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, it is important to notify your doctor.

Riluzole may interact with other medications, including certain antidepressants and antifungal drugs. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.

Riluzole may take several weeks or months to show its full effect in slowing down the progression of ALS. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you do not see immediate improvement.

Riluzole is not a cure for ALS. It helps in slowing down the progression of the disease and may improve survival. It is important to discuss your treatment goals and expectations with your doctor.

Riluzole should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to it or have a history of liver disease. It may also interact with certain medications, so it is important to inform your doctor about your medical history and current medications before starting Riluzole.

Alcohol may worsen the side effects of Riluzole, such as dizziness and drowsiness. It is generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking Riluzole.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.