Treating ALS
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.
ALS symptom relief
There are treatments available that can help relieve ALS symptoms, such as:
- Muscle pain, muscle weakness (asthenia), and muscle cramps
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Speech problems
- Constipation
Your doctor can also prescribe additional medications that can help reduce fatigue, alleviate some spasticity, and reduce saliva and phlegm. Medications are available to ease the pain, depression, and sleep disturbances that can sometimes accompany ALS. Always discuss all medications you are taking with your doctor to avoid any unwanted drug interactions.
Your health care team
You may have the support of a group of trained health care providers, including a neurologist. You may also be referred to other members of the group, including doctors, nurses, physical therapists, dieticians, and home care specialists who can help you participate in treatment options to meet the challenges of ALS.
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.
