What are Rilutek Tablets?

Rilutek is the first effective treatment for people with ALS, extending survival and/or time to tracheostomy.¹ One of several theories researchers have is that in people with ALS, vulnerable motor neurons are injured by glutamate. ¹

Glutamate buildup has been seen early in the progression of ALS. Laboratory studies suggest that Rilutek is neuroprotective, inhibiting the release of glutamate.¹

Researchers also believe that this activity could explain the effect Rilutek has on the survival of people with ALS.

Patient Benefits

Important Treatment Considerations

Evaluate serum ALT levels every month during the first 3 months of treatment, and every 3 months during the remainder of the first year. Thereafter, serum ALT levels should be periodically evaluated more frequently in patients who develop elevations. Rilutek should be discontinued if ALT levels increase to 5 times ULN or if clinical jaundice develops.
Advise patients about the potential for dizziness, vertigo, or somnolence and not to drive or operate machinery until they have sufficient experience on Rilutek.
Advise patients to report any febrile illness; measure WBCs.
Use Rilutek with caution in patients with concomitant liver insufficiency; caution should be exercised when prescribing Rilutek to patients taking drugs that are potentially hepatotoxic or highly protein bound:
- Interactions may also occur when riluzole is given concurrently with agents that affect hepatic CYP 1A2 activity.^*

*CYP 1A2 is the principal isoenzyme involved in the initial oxidative metabolism of riluzole. CYP 1A2 inhibitors, such as amitriptyline, caffeine, phenacetin, theophylline, or quinolones, may potentially decrease the rate of riluzole elimination. CYP 1A2 inducers, such as cigarette smoke, charcoal-broiled food, rifampicin, or omeprazole, may potentially increase the rate of elimination.

The health information contained herein is provided for general educational purposes only. As a healthcare professional, you are the single best source of information regarding healthcare for your patients with ALS. Please contact sanofi-aventis if you have any questions or need more information about treating ALS.

References

Rilutek Prescribing Information.