What you need to know about Riluzole Oral Suspension, a liquid medicine used to treat ALS

When your doctor tells you or someone close to you that you have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), it's normal to feel a heavy burden on your heart. This disease is also known as 'Lou Gehrig's disease' by some people. This is a disease related to the nervous system that gradually weakens the muscles of the body. Although there is no cure for this disease, there are medications that can help control its speed and make life a little easier. Riluzole is one such drug. So today, let's talk about this Riluzole liquid medicine (oral suspension) in simple terms.

Simply put, what is Riluzole?

Riluzole is a drug that helps slow the progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It works by slowing down the progression of the disease. Think of it like slowing down a car. It doesn't cure the disease completely, but it helps patients to do their daily activities for a while longer and to some extent delay the onset of symptoms such as shortness of breath. This drug is also available under the brand name Tiglutik.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before you start taking Riluzole, it is important that your doctor knows your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor about these things without hiding anything .

• If you have any liver disease .
• If you have previously had an allergic reaction to Riluzole, any other medicine, food, or dyes.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a mother who is breastfeeding a child .

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To fully benefit from this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.

• This is a liquid medicine that is taken orally. The bottle should be shaken well before use.
• Use only the special spoon or dropper that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use regular teaspoons from your kitchen, as they will not give you an accurate measurement.
• This is the most important thing: This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach . That is, at least one hour before or two hours after a meal. Taking it with food may reduce the absorption of the medicine into the body.
• Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the time prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take it more frequently, even if you feel like it.
• Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
• If this medicine is given to children, it is important to consult a pediatrician before giving it to them. Special care may be required.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a forgotten dose.

What to do if the medication dose increases?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other things to be aware of when taking Riluzole

• See your doctor regularly: See your doctor on scheduled days to see how the medication is affecting you.
• Be careful of infections: Your body's ability to resist diseases (immunity) may be slightly reduced while taking this medicine. Therefore, if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, or sore throat, do not self-medicate and see a doctor immediately. Try to stay away from people who are sick.
• Be careful with painkillers: Do not take painkillers like aspirin, paracetamol, and ibuprofen without consulting your doctor, as these can suppress symptoms like fever.
• Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy or dizzy. Therefore, do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know exactly how this medicine affects you. If you are an elderly person, stand up slowly, such as when getting up from a chair.
• Smoking: Tell your doctor if you smoke. Smoking may make this medicine less effective. If you are thinking about quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about it.

Possible side effects and drug interactions

Like all medications, Riluzole can cause side effects. It is also possible that this medication may interact with other medications. It is important to be aware of this.

How to store the medicine?

• Keep it in a safe place out of reach of children .
• Do not refrigerate. Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius) .
• Very important: Discard any remaining medicine 15 days after first opening the bottle. Do not use for more than 15 days.

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