What is Riluzole?
Riluzole treats amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease.Although Riluzole does not cure ALS, it can delay the progression of the disease and extend your life.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Riluzole.
Side effects of Riluzole
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.
Riluzole may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- 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 individuals tend to be more vulnerable than their American counterparts when it comes to side effects of medication and medical treatments.
Riluzole can cause a variety of 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. Need advice regarding side effects? For medical assistance on such concerns, speak to your physician. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Relyvrio, edaravone, Radicava, Rilutek, 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
If you have an allergy to riluzole, it is best not to use it.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Liver disease.
Riluzole can harm an unborn child. Use an effective contraceptive to avoid pregnancy, and inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Ask your doctor if you can safely breastfeed while taking riluzole. No one under the age of 18 is allowed to use this product.
How to take Riluzole?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Take riluzole with an empty stomach at least one hour before or two hours after eating. Riluzole 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.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis:
Take 50 mg every 12 hours.
Comments:
This drug should only be taken with an empty stomach. It is best to take it 1 hour before eating or 2 hours afterwards.
This drug can be taken through a PEG tube (percutaneous endoscopic gastroenterology tube).
Use: To treat amyotrophic laminar sclerosis.
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?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include drowsiness and confusion.
What should be avoided?
Avoid tobacco. Riluzole 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, which can increase side effects and make them less effective. Riluzole may harm your liver if you are also taking certain medications for infection, birth control, or high cholesterol. It can also cause liver damage if taken with Advil. Riluzole may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
