This page contains drug information on Rilutek.
The information provided includes the following:
what is Rilutek
the possible side effects of Rilutek
what happens if you miss a dose of Rilutek
what happens if you overdose with Rilutek
the most important information about Rilutek
how to use Rilutek
other drugs that may affect Rilutek
what to avoid while using Rilutek

Generic Name: riluzole (RILL you zole)
Brand Names: Rilutek
 
What is the most important information I should know about rilutek?
 •  Rarely, rilutek may cause serious blood problems. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop a fever, chills or other signs of infection which may be an early sign of potential blood problems.
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. rilutek may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
 •  Use alcohol with caution while taking rilutek. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems caused by rilutek.

What is rilutek?
 •  rilutek affects muscles and nerves in the body. The exact way that it works is unknown.
 •  rilutek is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS and Lou Gehrigs disease.
 •  rilutek may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rilutek?
 •  Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
      · have liver disease or
      · have kidney disease.
 •  You may not be able to take rilutek, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
 •  rilutek is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether rilutek will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take rilutek without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
 •  It is not known whether rilutek passes into breast milk. Do not take rilutek without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take rilutek?
 •  Take rilutek exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
 •  Take each dose with a full glass of water.
 •  rilutek should be taken at least an hour before or two hours after a meal.
 •  rilutek is usually taken twice a day, every twelve hours. It should be taken at the same time each day.
 •  Your doctor may want you to have blood tests during treatment with rilutek. It is important for your doctor to know how much rilutek is in the blood and how well the liver is working.
 •  Store rilutek at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and bright light.

What happens if I miss a dose?
 •  If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?
 •  Seek emergency medical treatment.
 •  Symptoms of a rilutek overdose have not been reported.

What should I avoid while taking rilutek?
 •  Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. rilutek may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
 •  Use alcohol cautiously while taking rilutek. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems caused by rilutek.

What are the possible side effects of rilutek?
 •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention:
      · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing closing of the throat swelling of the lips, tongue, or face or hives)
      · a fever, chills or other signs of infection or
      · liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, severe fatigue).
 •  Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take rilutek and talk to your doctor if you experience
      · weakness
      · drowsiness
      · dizziness or
      · nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation or decreased appetite.
 •  Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect rilutek?
 •  Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
      · theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid, Elixophyllin, Bronkodyl, Aerolate, Slo-Phyllin, Theovent, Theoclear, Uniphyl, Uni-Dur, Respbid,), and many others
      · allopurinol (Lopurin, Zyloprim)
      · methyldopa (Aldomet)
      · sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
      · omeprazole (Prilosec)
      · amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep, others)
      · caffeine-containing products
      · fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), ofloxacin (Floxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), or norfloxacin (Norflex) or
      · rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane).
 •  Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with rilutek. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.