After an ALS diagnosis, you may have many questions.
What exactly is ALS? What causes this condition? What can I expect now?
ALS stands for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis–a disease of the central nervous system that affects the ability of a person to move certain muscles.
In the United States, ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, named after the famous New York Yankee first baseman who was one of the first famous people known to become afflicted with the disease in the 1940s.
ALS attacks nerve cells in the central nervous system (which is a medical term for the brain and the spinal cord). This disrupts the way the brain sends messages to certain muscles. As ALS progresses, nerve cells die and messages from the brain do not get through to the muscles. The muscles become weak and cannot function properly. As the disease progresses, ALS makes it difficult, and often impossible, to move these muscles.
It is not known how or why someone gets ALS, but it is not contagious.
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.
Facts about ALS:
- About 5,600 people in the US are
diagnosed with ALS each year - Today, as many as 30,000 Americans
have ALS - Out of every 100 people with ALS:
- 20 will live for 5 years or more
- 10 will live for 10 years to 5 will live
for 20 years
- While ALS is not completely understood and there is no cure yet, it is being actively researched. Medical experts are looking at the causes of ALS and new ways to stop it
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.
