Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

For U.S. Residents Only

Prescribing Information | Important Safety Information

Healthcare Professionals

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ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis—a disease of the central nervous system system that affects the ability of a person to move certain muscles.

ALS attacks nerve cells in the central nervous system. This disrupts the brain’s messages to certain muscles. In ALS, nerve cells die and messages from the brain do not get through to the muscles. The muscles then become weak and cannot function properly. As the disease progresses, ALS makes it difficult, and often impossible, to move these muscles.

It is not known how or why someone gets ALS, but it is not contagious.

Facts About ALS:

About 5,600 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with ALS each year
Today, as many as 30,000 Americans have ALS
The life expectancy of an ALS patient averages about two to five years from the time of diagnosis. However, out of every 100 people with ALS:
- 20 will live for 5 years or more
- 10 will live more than 10 years
- 5 will live for 20 years
In some rare cases:
- ALS stops getting worse
- A few people see some improvement
While ALS is not completely understood and there is no cure yet, it is being actively researched. Medical experts are looking at the causes of ALS and new ways to stop it
There is only one medicine proven to treat ALS. It’s called RILUTEK

Important to know

ALS also became known as "Lou Gehrig’s disease" when Lou Gehrig —a famous New York Yankees first baseman who played in the 1930s—developed ALS.

ALS Association
The leading ALS non-profit, voluntary health agency.
www.alsa.org

Muscular Dystrophy Association
An organization that works with scientists and the public to fight neuromuscular diseases.
www.mda.org

For the ALS portion of the MDA website, go to:
www.als-mda.org

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
A group of voluntary health agencies for people with rare diseases.
www.rarediseases.org

National Institute of Neurologic Disorders and Stroke
A government organization dedicated to researching diseases of the brain and central nervous system.
www.ninds.nih.gov

Project ALS
A science-based organization that focuses on improving ALS treatment and finding a cure.
www.projectals.org

Rilutek is indicated for the treatment of patients with ALS*

* amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Important Safety Information

You should not take Rilutek if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
Call your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or difficulty in breathing while taking Rilutek.
Rilutek may cause you to feel dizzy, light-headed, or sleepy. If you experience any of these, you should NOT drive a vehicle or use machinery.
If you miss or skip a dose of Rilutek, do not take any extra tablets to make up for those you missed, but take your prescribed dose at the next regularly scheduled time.
When taking Rilutek, avoid drinking excessive amounts of alcohol; alcohol may contribute to compromising liver function and may be associated with an increased risk of liver problems.
The most common side effects of Rilutek are weakness, nausea, lung function decrease*, a mild liver disorder that is typically temporary, runny nose and headache. If any side effects become troublesome, contact your doctor.
Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription products and vitamins. If you have questions, please talk to your doctor.

Please refer to the full prescribing information using the link at the top of the page.

*Not associated with a reduction in vital capacity

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. Your healthcare professional is the single best source of information regarding your health.
Please consult your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your health or treatment.

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