Treating ALS

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While no cure has been found yet for ALS, treatments and support are available. Treatment can provide survival benefits and supportive therapies can help relieve symptoms.

RILUTEK can help extend survival time

RILUTEK is the only medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for ALS. There may be benefits to starting RILUTEK treatment as soon as possible. While it is not a cure, RILUTEK has been shown to significantly extend the time before invasive breathing assistance is needed and/or survival time (an average of 2 to 3 months longer than people that took a placebo). After 18 months of treatment, there was no difference between those who took RILUTEK and those who took a placebo. What this means is that, in clinical trials, RILUTEK offered a survival benefit early in ALS treatment.

RILUTEK tablets are white, film coated and capsule shaped. The recommended dose of RILUTEK is 50 mg twice a day, taken at the same times every day. Patients may not notice an improvement in their condition while taking RILUTEK, however clinical studies show that people who took RILUTEK survived longer without needing help with breathing than those who took a sugar pill.

To ensure that you are receiving the full benefit of treatment, take RILUTEK exactly as your doctor tells you to. Remember, you should not stop taking any medication without first talking to your doctor.

Click here to learn more about RILUTEK

Symptom Relief

There are treatments available that can help relieve ALS symptoms, such as:

Additional Support

ALS center support: An ALS center or clinic provides specialized and coordinated medical care and therapy for ALS patients. There are ALS centers all over the country. Each one is staffed by healthcare professionals dedicated to treating people with ALS and supporting their caregivers.

ALS centers offer healthcare services from a team of people who are specially trained to meet the needs of ALS patients and their caregivers. Services at ALS centers can include physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, nursing, registered dietician services, psychology or psychiatry, as well as speech and language pathology. Most ALS centers offer a full range of these types of services, called a multidisciplinary approach, some offer only a few. A multi-disciplinary clinic allows for multiple specialists and therapists to see a patient in one visit, creating a more comprehensive and personalized treatment plan. It is best to check with individual ALS centers to find out what is offered.

Click here to find an ALS center near you.

Rehabilitation support: As muscles weaken, people with ALS may need rehabilitation services. These services enhance independence and maintain safety.

  • Physical therapy — to strengthen your muscles, keep your heart healthy, and fight fatigue
  • Occupational therapy — to help you keep doing daily activities
  • Speech therapy — to help you communicate because ALS affects the muscles you use to speak and swallow, and to help you learn to talk with communication devices
  • Assistive devices — to help you move with devices such as braces, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
  • Nutritional support — to give you advice on foods that are nutritious and easy to swallow
  • Emotional support — to help you with depression through medication and counseling
  • Respiratory support — to help you breathe through either non-invasive or invasive ventilation
How is ALS treated?

How is ALS treated?

If you’ve recently been diagnosed with ALS, you may have questions.

Find out more
Is RILUTEK right for me?

Is RILUTEK right for me?

Find out what you need to know if you’re considering RILUTEK.

Get informed
Current RILUTEK Patients

Current RILUTEK Patients

Get information on safety, efficacy, and what you should discuss with your doctor.

Learn more

Indication

RILUTEK (riluzole) is indicated for the treatment of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Rilutek extends survival and/or time to invasive breathing assistance.

Important Safety Information

  • You should not take RILUTEK if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.

  • Your doctor should do blood tests to check your liver function before and during your treatment.

  • 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 that occurred during medical studies were weakness, nausea, lung function decrease*, headache, nasal symptoms, muscle tightness, abdominal pain, and high blood pressure. 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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