Rilutek
(riluzole)
Slows down progression of Lou Gehrig's disease or ALS.
Our bottom line
Rilutek (riluzole) doesn't cure the symptoms of ALS, but people do live longer on the medicine.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (riluzole)
Upsides
- Rilutek (riluzole) might prolong survival of people with ALS by 3 months.
- One of two drugs FDA approved to slow progression of ALS, however, Rilutek (riluzole) is available as a pill and not injection.
- It might delay the need for tracheostomy in people with ALS.
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What to expect from Rilutek, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- There is no cure for ALS. Rilutek (riluzole) doesn't treat or improve ALS symptoms.
- Without insurance, Rilutek (riluzole) can be costly.
- Rilutek (riluzole) causes liver injury in half the people taking it.
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What to expect from Rilutek, on one page
Download Fact SheetRilutek (riluzole) stops the body from releasing too much glutamate. We don't know what specifically causes ALS, but one possible explanation is nerve damage from high levels of glutamate.
- Drug class: Musculoskeletal
- Rx status:
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (riluzole)
Used for
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
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What to expect when you take Rilutek (riluzole) for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few hoursHoursFirst few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonths
- Possible side effects
- Worse lung function
- Nausea
- Headache
- Loss of energy and strength
- Stomach pain
- Liver injury
Side effect rates for Rilutek (riluzole)
- Loss of energy and strength19%19%12%12%
- Nausea16%16%11%11%
- Worse lung function10%10%9%9%
- Headache7%7%7%7%
- Muscle spasms6%6%6%6%
- Stuffy nose6%6%6%6%
- Stomach pain5%5%4%4%
- Depression5%5%5%5%
- High blood pressure5%5%4%4%
- Weight loss5%5%5%5%
- Vomiting4%4%2%2%
- Upset stomach4%4%5%5%
- Dizziness4%4%3%3%
- Dry mouth4%4%3%3%
- Difficulty sleeping4%4%3%3%
- Itchiness4%4%3%3%
- Joint pain4%4%3%3%
- Back pain3%3%3%3%
- Loss of appetite3%3%4%4%
- Diarrhea3%3%3%3%
- Gas3%3%2%2%
- Increased cough3%3%2%2%
- Fast heartbeat3%3%1%1%
- Swelling of arms or legs3%3%2%2%
- Urinary tract infection3%3%2%2%
- Sleepiness2%2%1%1%
- Balance problems2%2%1%1%
- Mouth tingling and numbness2%2%
- Eczema2%2%1%1%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Rilutek.
People taking Rilutek felt side effect more
People taking Rilutek felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Rilutek (riluzole)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › History of liver disease
- › Taking other medicines that cause liver injury
Rilutek (riluzole) can potentially affect the functioning of your liver, which in rare cases, lead to severe liver damage. Your doctor will do regular blood tests while you are taking this medicine to make sure your liver continues to work normally. If you notice unusual symptoms such as fever, rash, lack of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes, call your doctor right away.
Common concerns from people taking Rilutek (riluzole)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?- Avoid alcohol while on Rilutek (riluzole) because it can raise risk of liver problems.
- Take at least 1 hour before, or 2 hours after a meal.
- Rilutek (riluzole) can make you feel sleepy and dizzy. These side effects are more likely to happen if you're taking other medicines that can also make you feel sleepy, or if you're taking recreational drugs or drinking too much alcohol. Avoid driving or doing other tasks that require concentration until you know how Rilutek (riluzole) affects you. Get up very slowly from a seated or lying down position, as you might feel dizzy and don’t want to fall.
- Rilutek (riluzole) can make you feel very tired or sleepy. Don't drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how it affects you.