Rilutek (Riluzole)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Rilutek Used For?
Rilutek contains riluzole, which works on how nerve cells in your central nervous system communicate with each other.
Primary Uses
Rilutek is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of motor neurone disease that can cause muscle degeneration and muscle weakness.
How It Works
Rilutek works by affecting how nerve cells in your central nervous system communicate with each other.
Good to know: You may not feel any different when taking Rilutek. The benefits may not be noticeable to you, but it’s important to keep taking it as prescribed.
How to Take Rilutek
Take your prescribed dose at about the same time each day. Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not chew them.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is usually one tablet two times a day. Take Rilutek away from meals, especially high-fat meals, as it may not work as well if taken with food. Do not take immediately before or after eating.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose when scheduled. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, then return to your normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Important: Never take more than the recommended dose and do not stop taking Rilutek without checking with your doctor first.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- weakness or loss of strength
- stomach ache
- nausea
- vomiting
- skin rash
- flaking skin
- joint stiffness
- headache
- dizziness
- sleepiness
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- severe upper stomach pain with nausea and vomiting
- swelling of hands, feet or legs
- itching or yellowing of the skin
- bruising more easily
- shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- irregular or fast heartbeat
- frequent infections with fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers
- tingling sensations around the mouth
Important Warnings
There are several important conditions and situations where Rilutek should not be used or requires special caution.
Who Should Not Take Rilutek
Do not use Rilutek if you are allergic to riluzole or any ingredients, have liver disease, are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, or if the medication is expired or damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, lung disease, or any other medical conditions. Also inform them if you plan to have surgery.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Rilutek should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking this medication.
Children and Adolescents: Do not use Rilutek in children or adolescents – there is no experience with use in this age group.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Rilutek and affect how it works, while Rilutek may affect other medicines.
Cigarettes and Caffeine: Tell your doctor if you smoke cigarettes or consume caffeine, as these may affect the amount of Rilutek in your body.
- amitriptyline (depression medicine) – may increase Rilutek effect
- clomipramine (depression medicine) – may increase Rilutek effect
- diazepam (sedation medicine) – may increase Rilutek effect
- diclofenac (pain/inflammation medicine) – may increase Rilutek effect
- fluvoxamine (depression medicine) – may increase Rilutek effect
- imipramine (depression medicine) – may increase Rilutek effect
- quinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin) – may increase Rilutek effect
- theophylline (asthma medicine) – may increase Rilutek effect
- omeprazole (gastric ulcer medicine) – may reduce Rilutek effect
- rifampicin (antibiotic) – may reduce Rilutek effect
Alcohol & Driving
Rilutek may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, and you should discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Alcohol
Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking Rilutek.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Make sure you know how Rilutek affects you before driving or using machines. Rilutek may cause drowsiness or dizziness in some people. If this occurs, do not drive or operate machinery.
Storage
Keep Rilutek tablets in the blister pack until it’s time to take them. Store in a cool, dry place protected from light, where the temperature stays below 25°C. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Store in a locked cupboard at least 1.5 meters above ground, away from children.
Overdose Information
If you think you have taken too much Rilutek, seek urgent medical attention immediately. Call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may not feel any different when taking Rilutek, and the benefits may not be noticeable to you. It’s important to continue taking it as prescribed even if you don’t notice immediate effects.
No, Rilutek should not be taken immediately before or after meals, especially meals high in fat. It may not work as well if taken with food.
If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember and return to your normal schedule. Never take a double dose.
No, do not stop taking Rilutek or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first.
You should tell your doctor if you drink alcohol while taking Rilutek.
Yes, your doctor will do blood tests from time to time to check for any possible signs of liver damage during treatment.
Tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Rilutek if you plan to have surgery that requires general anesthesia.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.