Riluzole, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: neuroprotective

Generic and brand names: riluzole, oral; Rilutek

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. This medicine is not a cure, but it slows the progression of the disease.

It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• a blood disorder
• kidney disease
• liver disease

Tell your healthcare provider if you use tobacco products. Nicotine may change the way this drug works.

Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.

How do I take it?

Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine every 12 hours at the same time each day. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

Food, especially charcoal-broiled food and high-fat food, can reduce the effectiveness of this medicine. Also, do not drink or eat a lot of caffeine-containing products such as coffee, tea, cola or chocolate while taking this medicine.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.

What if I overdose?

Symptoms of an acute overdose have not been reported.

What should I watch out for?

You will need to have blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and know how this medicine will affect you.

This medicine can affect your body's ability to fight infection. If you have any illness, especially one with a fever, call your healthcare provider.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble breathing, yellowing of skin or eyes.

Other: Weakness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, drowsiness, headache, dizziness, tingling around your mouth and lips, mild stomach pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• amitriptyline
• antiseizure medicines such as primidone (Mysoline), carbamazepine (Tegretol), and phenobarbital
• caffeine
• cimetidine (Tagamet)
• heart medicines such as amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone) diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiamate, Tiazac), and mexiletine (Mexitil)
• nicotine
• omeprazole (Prilosec)
• quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro), levofloxacin (Levaquin), (Penetrex), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), norfloxacin (Noroxin), and ofloxacin (Floxin)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• tacrine (Cognex)
• theophylline
• ticlopidine (Ticlid)

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

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This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.

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