RILUTEK

Drug Name: RILUTEK

RILUTEK DESCRIPTION:
RILUZOLE ORAL TABLETS (RYE-luzz-ohl)

COMMON RILUTEK BRAND NAME(S):
Rilutek

RILUTEK SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, diarrhea, constipation and tingling or numbness around the mouth may occur. If these symptoms continue or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: breathing trouble, cough, fever, chills, sore throat, swelling of the hands or feet, skin rash, muscle aches. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE RILUTEK:
RILUTEK: Take this by mouth exactly as directed usually every 12 hours. Try to take this at the same times each day. This is best taken on an empty stomach one hour before or two hours after a meal. Do not increase the dose or take this more often than prescribed. There is no increased benefit from higher doses but the risk of side effects is increased.

RILUTEK USES:
RILUTEK is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease).

RILUTEK PRECAUTIONS:
Before taking this, tell your doctor if you have: liver disease, kidney disease, any allergies. Use caution driving or operating machinery if this makes you drowsy or dizzy. Limit alcohol intake. RILUTEK should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Breast-feeding is not recommended while taking RILUTEK. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

RILUTEK DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of any nonprescription or prescription medication you may use, particularly: theophylline, caffeine, amitriptyline, rifampin, omeprazole, sulfasalazine, quinolone antibiotics, allopurinol, methyldopa. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

RILUTEK OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

RILUTEK NOTES:
RILUTEK is not a cure for ALS but has been shown to slow progression of the disease. Laboratory tests will be done routinely while taking this to monitor its effects and to prevent side effects.

MISSED RILUTEK DOSE:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

RILUTEK STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 to 25 degrees C) away from heat and moisture as directed. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.