What is Rilutek?
Rilutek treats amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Rilutek does not cure ALS, but it may slow down the progression and prolong life. Rilutek can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side Effects of Rilutek
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Rilutek can cause serious side effects. Rilutek should be stopped immediately, and you should consult your doctor if:
- Chest pain, feeling short of breath,
- Dry cough or mucus-filled cough;
- Low white blood cell count: fever; mouth sores or skin sores; sore throat.
- Liver problems: nausea; loss of appetite (upper right corner); fatigue; itching; dark urine. Jaundice.
Japanese are more vulnerable to side effects.
Rilutek can cause the following side effects:
- Increased blood pressure
- You may feel tingling or numbness around your mouth.
- Weakness;
- Dizziness;
- Stomach pain, nausea,
- Breathing problems
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor if experiencing adverse side effects. For advice and treatment solutions regarding possible negative reactions. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Riluzole, Relyvrio, edaravone, Radicava, Tiglutik, Taurursodiol, and sodium phenylbutyrate
Warnings
Do not use it other than as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have allergies or other medical conditions.
Before you take this drug
Rilutek should not be used if you have an allergy to it.
Contact your physician if any of the following apply to you:
- Liver disease.
Rilutek can harm an unborn child. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed while taking Rilutek.No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use this product.
How to take Rilutek?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Rilutek should be taken on an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Rilutek can also be administered through a PEG tube. Please read and follow the instructions for use. If you require assistance, consult with either your pharmacist or physician. Before measuring a dose, shake the orally suspended liquid. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). Medical tests will be required frequently. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not freeze liquid medicines. Keep them upright. After 15 days, throw away any liquid that has not been used.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Dial 1-800-222-1222 immediately in case of poisoning and seek immediate medical advice or contact 1-800-222-1222 to be connected with trained first responders. Overdose symptoms include drowsiness and confusion.
What should be avoided?
Avoid smoking. Rilutek may be less effective if you smoke cigarettes.
Interaction with other drug
It is sometimes not safe to take certain medications together. Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, increasing side effects or making them less effective. Rilutek may harm your liver if you are also taking certain medications for infection, birth control, or high cholesterol. It can also be harmful if you use Advil, as well as medicines to treat pain, arthritis, seizures, and/or pain. Rilutek may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.