Riluzole affects muscles and nerves in the body. The exact way that it works is unknown.
Riluzole is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS and Lou Gehrig's
disease.
Riluzole may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking riluzole?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you
have liver disease; or
have kidney disease.
You may not be able to take riluzole, or you may require a dosage
adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Riluzole is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether
riluzole will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take riluzole without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether riluzole passes into breast milk. Do not take riluzole without first
talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take riluzole?
Take riluzole 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.
Riluzole should be taken at least an hour before or two hours after a meal.
Riluzole 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 riluzole. It is important for
your doctor to know how much riluzole is in the blood and how well the liver is working.
Store riluzole at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and bright light.
What happens if I miss a dose of riluzole?
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.
Where can I get more information about riluzole?
Your pharmacist has information about riluzole written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of riluzole?
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 riluzole 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. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about riluzole?
Rarely, riluzole 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.
Riluzole may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities.
Use alcohol with caution while taking riluzole. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver
problems caused by riluzole.
What should I avoid while taking riluzole?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities.
Riluzole may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these
activities.
Use alcohol cautiously while taking riluzole. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems
caused by riluzole.
What other drugs will affect riluzole?
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 riluzole. Talk to
your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including
herbal products.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate,
up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum
information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not
warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does
not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist
licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not
a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or
drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any
given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information
Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug
interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse
or pharmacist.
Content provided by Multum - Last Updated 11/10/2009