What is ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease)?

ALS stands for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and it is a disease of the nervous system that affects a person’s ability to move certain muscles.

The central nervous system is a complex network that sends the messages from the brain, like muscle movements, to the rest of the body. These messages are carried by nerve cells called motor neurons.

The motor neurons not only carry the messages, they do the “talking” for the brain and tell the muscles what to do.

ALS makes it difficult for messages to get through to the muscles.

The incidence of ALS is 2 per 100,000 people, and it is estimated that as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time.

In the US, ALS is also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, after the New York Yankee and National Baseball Hall of Fame first baseman, who was one of the first famous people to become ill with ALS in the early 1940s.

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.