Community services
A wide range of home and community-based services are available to patients with ALS, their families, and caregivers. To determine which services are available locally, contact the:
- Local health department
- Local hospitals
- Local United Way Agency
- Local ALS Association chapter or support group www.alsa.org/community/chapters
- Local MDA office or clinic www.mdausa.org/locate
- County office
Services that may be offered include:
- Transportation services by volunteer drivers or by bus, taxi, or specially equipped vans
- Legal assistance
- Financial advice
- Assistance with filing insurance claims
- Respite care
- Hospice and home care services
Home Health Services
This may include Meals on Wheels, visiting homemaker, electronic emergency response systems, financial assistance, legal aid, and transportation.
For Mental Health Services, contact:
- State Department of Social Services
- State Department of Health
- State Department on Aging and Insurance
- Area Agencies on the Aging (if over 65)
Transportation Services
In many areas, various organizations provide transportation for those unable to obtain transportation on their own.MDA (Muscular Dystrophy Association) clinics/ALSA care centers
Some ALSA clinical care centers and MDA clinics offer a transportation service to patients or may be able to put individuals in touch with other transportation providers. These centers provide information about services, policies, and procedures.
Community-based Services
Transportation services may be available to ALS patients through city or county agencies, local hospitals, or volunteer organizations. Senior citizens may be able to find transportation services through community-based programs for the aging. For example, Eldercare locator, a service of the Area Agencies on the Aging, can help ALS patients over the age of 65 find transportation assistance. Other examples of transportation service providers are county Para-Transit programs, First Call for Help, Red Cross Wheels, Life Line, and Dial-A-Ride.
Private Services
Private transportation services are available to assist individuals with special needs. Check the Yellow Pages for local providers and adaptations for special needs.
Pharmacy
Your local pharmacy can provide:
- Information about medications
- Medication delivery
- Assistive devices
- Referrals
- Reimbursement information
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 (not associated with a reduction in vital capacity), 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.
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 (not associated with a reduction in vital capacity), 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 click here for Full Prescribing Information.
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.
