Exservan, Rilutek

Introduction

Written by Lee Holland, PharmD, MPH
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on October 6, 2023

Riluzole (RIL yoo zole) is a generic medication prescribed for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Riluzole belongs to a group of drugs called benzothiazoles.

Side effects of riluzole

Riluzole may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of riluzole and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about riluzole’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for riluzole listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of riluzole are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about riluzole’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for riluzole listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Riluzole oral tablet’s mild side effects include:

• weakness
• nausea
• dizziness
• abdominal pain
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for riluzole” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of riluzole are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about riluzole’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for riluzole listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, riluzole’s serious side effects include:

• liver injury
• neutropenia (low levels of neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell)
• lung damage
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for riluzole” section.

Common questions about riluzole

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about riluzole.

What is riluzole’s mechanism of action? How does the drug work?

Researchers are not certain about riluzole’s mechanism of action (how the drug works). However, riluzole is believed to work by blocking the release of a chemical that may injure nerves. This may protect the nerves and slow the progression of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Riluzole starts working right away to slow the progression of ALS. But you may not notice a difference. Your doctor will watch your symptoms and overall health to decide whether riluzole is helping to slow the worsening of ALS symptoms.

If you’d like to know more about how riluzole works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

What brand names are available for riluzole?

Riluzole oral tablet is available as the brand name Rilutek. There are other brand-name forms of riluzole. These include an oral liquid called Tiglutik and an oral film called Exservan. (A film is a thin strip of medication that easily dissolves in the mouth.)

However, a generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.

If you have questions about the differences between generic and brand-name medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is it safe to stop taking riluzole?

There are no known negative effects from stopping riluzole. However, ALS is a serious medical condition. You should not stop taking riluzole without talking with your doctor first.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about whether taking riluzole is right for you.

Uses of riluzole

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as riluzole for certain conditions. Approved uses for riluzole are described below.

Use for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

Doctors may prescribe riluzole tablet for treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.

With ALS, the immune system attacks the nerves in the body. This causes slow, degenerative damage to the brain and spinal cord. The damage leads to loss of muscle control, which worsens over time. People with ALS experience difficulties walking, talking, moving, swallowing, and, eventually, breathing.

Currently, there’s no cure for ALS. But treatment can slow the progression of the disease.

Interactions and warnings for riluzole

Below, you’ll find information about riluzole’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of riluzole

Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.

Before you take riluzole, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:

• prescription or over-the-counter drugs
• vitamins, herbs, or supplements

To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for riluzole” section below.

Warnings for riluzole

Riluzole should be taken cautiously by certain people.

Allergic reaction

Riluzole can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to riluzole or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe riluzole. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to riluzole, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of riluzole

If you take riluzole by mouth, you should not take more riluzole than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve taken too much riluzole, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and riluzole

Information about riluzole and pregnancy and breastfeeding are described below.

Riluzole and pregnancy

It’s not known whether riluzole should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Riluzole and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether riluzole should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know if you have questions about riluzole or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• What should I do if I can’t afford my medication?
• Am I at higher risk of side effects than others?
• Are there any alternative medications I can take for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

Resources

• Exservan (riluzole) oral film. (2019). www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/212640s000lbl.pdf
• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• Riluzole- riluzole tablet, film coated. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/ccead445-970c-46a1-9532-2848cc2aa3b6/spl-doc
• Tiglutik (riluzole) oral suspension. (2018). www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/209080s000lbl.pdf

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.