Rilutek is indicated for the extension of survival of patients with the bulbar variant of motor neuron disease.
1. What Rilutek is and what it is used for.
2. What you need to know before you take/use Rilutek.
If you are taking medicines on a regular basis, concomitant use of the medicine may cause undesirable interactions. Please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor, pharmacist or other health care professional for advice.
3. How to take/use Rilutek.
The recommended daily dose in adults is 100 mg [50 mg (one tablet) every 12 hours]. Rilutek should be taken between mealtimes i.e. at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. No significant increased benefit can be expected from higher daily doses.
4. Possible side effects.
Not all side effects reported for this medicine are included in this leaflet. If your general state of health worsens while taking this medicine, please consult your doctor. The most frequent side-effects related to riluzole were lack of energy, general malaise, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and other gastro-intestinal disturbances, vertigo, circumoral paraesthesia, anorexia, sleepiness, decreased lung function, pneumonia and elevated blood levels of some liver enzymes. Other side-effects may include skin disorders, pain, cardiovascular disorders, arthralgia, urinary disorders and headache. Decreases in the number of white blood cells (which are important in fighting infections) may occur.
5. How to store Rilutek.
- Must be kept out of the reach of children.
- Do not share medicines prescribed for you with others.
- Rilutek tablets must be stored below 25 °C and protected from light.