Riluzole helps in the management of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (a nerve disorder that affects muscle movements such as chewing, talking and walking).
Take Riluzole exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take it on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
Try to take it at the same time each day.
It may be necessary for you to take this medicine for a long time, such as for a few years. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have liver disease as Riluzole may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have history of liver disease.
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
For as long as you are taking this medicine, you may need to have regular blood tests to check the health of your liver. Your doctor will advise you how often you need to have them.
This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: unpleasant sensation of tingling or a feeling of swelling or burning in the mouth, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, rapid heartbeat, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, weakness.
Some side effects may be serious, although they are not common. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience:
- yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes, itching or feeling sick
- dry cough or difficulty of breathing
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- allopurinol (medicine for gout)
- methyldopa (medicine for high blood pressure or heart disease)
- sulfasalazine (medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis)
- medicines to treat depression e.g. amitriptyline, imipramine, clomipramine, fluvoxamine
- ciprofloxacin (antibiotic)
- diazepam (medicine for anxiety)
- diclofenac (medicine used for pain and inflammation)
- omeprazole (medicine that reduces stomach acid production)
- phenacetin (medicine used to relieve pain)
- rifampicin (medicine to treat TB, lung infection known as tuberculosis)
These lists do not include all medicines that may interact with this medicine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea and certain soft drinks.
Avoid taking this medicine together with high-fat foods as the effectiveness of this medicine may be reduced. Ask your doctor about the types of food you should avoid.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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