Rilutek: What it is, How it Works, and How it Benefits Patients with ALS

Rilutek is the first effective treatment for people with ALS. Although researchers don’t fully understand how Rilutek works, one explanation is that Rilutek may protect nerve cells from overexposure to a substance called glutamate.

This protection could explain the effect of Rilutek on the survival of people with ALS. Glutamate is a substance the body naturally makes that carries signals to the motor neurons. This is one link in the chain of how the brain tells the muscles what to do. Too much glutamate may cause dysfunction and death of motor neurons so that they can’t carry the brain’s messages to the muscles, resulting in weakness.

Over 1,100 patients have participated in clinical trials for Rilutek. During the first year of treatment, patients who took Rilutek had a better chance of survival compared to patients who took a placebo (sugar pill).

However, by the end of 18 months, there was no difference between the Rilutek group and those on placebo. Rilutek is not a cure for ALS, and it cannot give back physical function that is already lost.

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 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.