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Riluzole Coupon - Riluzole 50mg tablet

riluzole

Generic Rilutek
Used for ALS
Used for ALS

Riluzole (Rilutek) helps slow down worsening of symptoms in people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. It doesn't improve symptoms, but people taking the medication may be able to slow their need for a breathing tube and live about 2 to 3 months longer. It also comes as a liquid and oral film for people who have trouble swallowing pills.

Last reviewed on September 15, 2021
basics-icon

What is Riluzole (Rilutek)?

What is Riluzole (Rilutek) used for?

  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig's disease

How Riluzole (Rilutek) works

Riluzole (Rilutek) is a glutamate antagonist. It lowers the amount of a chemical called glutamate that's released in the body. We don't know what specifically causes ALS, but it's thought to involve nerve damage from high glutamate levels in the brain and spinal cord. By lowering the amount of glutamate released in the body, riluzole (Rilutek) helps to slow down nerve damage and worsening of ALS symptoms, such as muscle weakness.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRilutek, Tiglutik, Exservan
Drug ClassGlutamate antagonist
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$984.04(save 96.90%)
GoodRx discount
$30.55
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What are the side effects of Riluzole (Rilutek)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Mouth numbness (29% for the liquid form, 38% for the oral film)
  • Body weakness or lack of energy (19%)
  • Nausea (16%)
  • Breathing problems (shortness of breath, wheezing, inability to catch your breath, 10%)
  • Stomach pain (5%)
  • Higher blood pressure (5%)

Other Side Effects

  • Dizziness
  • Vomiting
  • Dry mouth
  • Joint pain
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Itching
  • Fast heartbeat

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Liver problems: stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes
  • Low white blood cells: getting infections, fevers, or sore throat often, feeling extremely tired
  • Breathing problems: dry cough, fast or shallow breathing, shortness of breath

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

blurred vision

chills

cough

dark urine

diarrhea

difficult, burning, or painful urination

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

fever

frequent urge to urinate

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

increased cough

itching skin

joint pain

loss of appetite

lower back or side pain

muscle aches and pains

nausea

nervousness

persistent loss of appetite or weight loss

pounding in the ears

right upper quadrant tenderness

runny nose

shivering

slow heartbeat

sore throat

trouble sleeping

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

yellow eyes or skin

Incidence not known

Black, tarry, stools

decreased frequency or amount of urine

difficult breathing

increased thirst

nausea

pale skin

swelling of the face, fingers, or lower legs

ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

weight gain

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Agitation

back pain

bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms

blurred vision

coma

confusion

dark urine

difficulty breathing

dizziness or lightheadedness

drowsiness

fever

headache

irritability

memory loss

pale skin

rapid heart rate

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

seizures

sore throat

stiff neck

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings

lack or loss of strength

Less common

Difficulty moving

dizziness or lightheadedness

dry mouth

excess air or gas in the stomach or bowels

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

full feeling

muscle stiffness

passing gas

rapid weight gain

sensation of spinning

skin rash, encrusted, scaly and oozing

sleepiness or unusual drowsiness

stomach pain

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual weight gain or loss

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Riluzole (Rilutek)

thumbs-up

Pros

One of two FDA-approved medications that slow progression of ALS

May prolong life by two to three months

May delay the need for a breathing tube

Available in a liquid form and oral film for people who have trouble swallowing pills

Lower-cost generic available for the tablet

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't improve ALS symptoms

Doesn't improve muscle strength or nerve function

No lower-cost generic available for the liquid form

Not available as an IV infusion or injection for those who cannot take medication by mouth

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Riluzole (Rilutek)

pharmacist
  • It's recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking riluzole (Rilutek), since both alcohol and the medication can raise the risk of liver problems.

    • It's recommended to avoid smoking while taking riluzole (Rilutek). Smoking can make the medication not work as well. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare provider about steps to quit smoking before starting treatment.

      For the liquid form (Tiglutik):

      • Gently shake the bottle for at least 30 seconds before using. Use the measuring device that comes with the medication to measure doses. Avoid using kitchen or measuring spoons, since they might not be accurate.

        • The liquid form can be taken by mouth or through a feeding tube (silicone or polyurethane material).

          For the oral film (Exservan):

          • Keep each film in their original foil pouch until you're ready for your dose. Use only one film at a time.

            • Make sure your hands are clean and dry before you take out the film, so that the film doesn't stick or start to dissolve in your hands. Once you open a foil pouch, place the film on top of your tongue right away. Once it sticks in place, let it dissolve, and swallow normally as it dissolves. Wash your hands after taking your dose, and throw away the empty foil pouch in the trash.

              • Don't cut or split the oral films. Don't chew, spit, or talk while the film dissolves, and don't take the film with any liquids. Doing so can cause you to take an incomplete dose or it can cause the medication to not work as well.

                • Flush away any pieces of the film that gets spit out or that doesn't get used after you open the foil pouch, or rinse these pieces with water until they completely dissolve. This prevents children or pets from accidentally taking the medication, which can lead to dangerous health problems.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Riluzole (Rilutek)

                  Can you crush riluzole (Rilutek) tablets?
                  Yes, the riluzole (Rilutek) tablets can be crushed and added to a spoonful of sugar, food puree, or yogurt. Although the tablet can be crushed, crushing it can raise the risk of taking an incomplete dose. You may not get the full dose if there's some remaining powder that can't be picked up after crushing or if doses are taken with a meal that can block the medication from working as well. If you have trouble swallowing pills, the liquid form (Tiglutik) or the oral film (Exservan) may help, but the crushed tablets, liquid form, and oral film may cause your mouth to feel numb after taking. Ask your healthcare provider for alternatives.
                  What is the difference between Rilutek, Tiglutik, and Exservan?
                  Riluzole comes in many forms with different brand names. Rilutek is the brand name for the tablets, Tiglutik for the liquid form, and Exservan for the oral film that dissolves on your tongue. Tiglutik and Exservan are both options for people who have trouble swallowing pills or have a feeding tube that goes directly to the stomach (G-tube).
                  Do you need to take riluzole (Rilutek) with food?
                  Take riluzole (Rilutek), Tiglutik, or Exservan at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. The medication may not work as well if it's taken with a meal.
                  Does riluzole (Rilutek) work better for women than men?
                  In clinical studies, women had about 45% more medication in their system than men. Interestingly, male Japanese participants also had more medication in their system than Caucasian participants. Having more medication in your system can mean more side effects. Take a look at the side effects section below, and talk with your provider if you feel that you're having several side effects from riluzole (Rilutek).
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                  What are the risks and warnings for Riluzole (Rilutek)?

                  Riluzole (Rilutek) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Liver injury and damage

                  • Risk factors: History of liver damage or disease | Taking other medications that can cause liver damage

                    riluzole (Rilutek) can affect how well your liver works and can sometimes lead to severe liver damage. To make sure your liver is working normally, you will need to get blood tests done before you start and while you take riluzole (Rilutek). If you notice unusual symptoms, like fever, rash, lack of appetite, stomach pain, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes, let your healthcare provider know right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Low white blood cell count

                    In some rare cases, riluzole (Rilutek) can lower your white blood cell count to dangerous levels. If your white blood cell count is too low, your body has trouble fighting infections. Symptoms of low white blood cell count include having fatigue, fevers, sore throat, or infections. If you notice any of these symptoms, let your healthcare provider know right away.

                    risk-warning

                    Lung disease

                    • Risk factors: History of lung disease

                      Although very rare, riluzole (Rilutek) can cause lung disease. If you develop a dry cough or have trouble breathing while taking riluzole (Rilutek), let your healthcare provider know right away, since you may need to stop the medication.

                      dosage

                      Riluzole (Rilutek) dosage forms

                      The average cost for 60 tablets of 50mg of Riluzole (Rilutek) is $30.55 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 96.9% off the average retail price of $984.04.
                      tablet
                      Tablet
                      DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                      50mg60 tablets$30.55$0.51

                      Typical dosing for Riluzole (Rilutek)

                      The typical dosing is 50 mg by mouth every 12 hours.

                      Riluzole (Rilutek) is also available in a liquid form under the brand-name Tiglutik and an oral film under the brand-name Exservan.

                      interactions

                      Interactions between Riluzole (Rilutek) and other drugs

                      Riluzole (Rilutek) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Riluzole (Rilutek). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                      Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                      • Abametapir
                      • Capmatinib
                      • Pixantrone
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                      Riluzole (Rilutek) images

                      White Oblong Rpr 202 - Riluzole 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Rpr 202".White Oblong Rpr 202 - Riluzole 50mg Tablet
                      White Oblong Ril And 50 - Riluzole 50mg Tablet
                      This medicine is White, Oblong Tablet Imprinted With "Ril" And "50".White Oblong Ril And 50 - Riluzole 50mg Tablet

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