Rilutek (Riluzole)

Prescription medicineOnly Available By Prescription

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Strength Pack Size Qty
Strength
50mg
Pack Size
Qty
What if I find a lower price with another pharmacy?

We guarantee the lowest price on all of our prescription products. If you find your medications cheaper at any other recognized licensed mail order pharmacy, we will not only match their price, we will beat it by 25% of the difference. It is our 125% price match guarantee!

Example: If you find a product on Canada Drugs Direct for $50.00 and find the same product for $40.00 at another mail order pharmacy, we will provide you with a $12.50 discount, bringing your total to $37.50.

To get the discount please make sure to mention the price match to the customer service team when they call to collect payment for your order. Or call toll free at 1-888-904-8467 to place the order through the phone.

Terms & Conditions of Program

  • Guaranteed lowest price is only valid at the time of sale.
  • We will only match the current advertised price.
  • Products must be identical and in stock at the time of placing an order with a licensed mail order pharmacy. They must be an online Canadian pharmacy with an address in Canada.
  • Products must be authentic in brand and size (same manufacturer, same country of manufacture, same pack size, same strength and same quantity).
  • Products must be new. We cannot match the price of any used, short expiry or expired product.
  • Price match can only be issued over the phone with our customer service team. Please note at this time we cannot offer price matching for the products Ozempic or Saxenda.
What is a Generic Drug?

A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.

Description

Rilutek (Riluzole) is a medication used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a disease that affects the nerves and muscles. It belongs to a group of drugs called benzothiazoles. Rilutek works by lowering the amount of glutamate in the brain, a substance that can cause damage to nerve cells in people with ALS. As a result, it may help people maintain better muscle control and live longer. Rilutek comes in tablet form and is used alongside other treatments to slow down the condition’s progression.

Directions

The usual dosage of Rilutek is 50 mg twice daily, approximately every twelve hours. It’s important to take the doses at regular times. Take Rilutek on an empty stomach, ideally one hour before or two hours after meals to improve absorption. Swallow the tablet whole, without chewing or crushing it. Always follow the instructions given by a healthcare provider and reach out to them if you have any questions about the dosage.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Rilutek is Riluzole.

Contraindications

Avoid taking Rilutek if you have a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to Riluzole or any ingredients in the medication.

Cautions

  • Before starting treatment with Rilutek, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you have:
    • Any existing medical conditions
    • Any known allergies
    • A list of all medications you are currently taking
    • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Rilutek can sometimes cause liver damage, including serious or fatal cases. Signs of liver problems may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe fatigue. You may need to check your liver function regularly, especially during the first three months of treatment.
  • Severe reductions in white blood cells, which help fight infection, have been reported, especially within the first two months of starting Rilutek. Watch for signs of fever or infection and notify your doctor immediately if they occur.
  • Rilutek has been associated with interstitial lung disease, a condition that can cause coughing, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms. If you develop lung-related issues, Rilutek should be stopped right away.

Side Effects

In clinical trials for ALS, common side effects of Rilutek included weakness, nausea, and decreased lung function. Other side effects that some patients report include stomach pain, dizziness, a dry mouth, trouble sleeping, and vomiting. While most side effects are mild, a few individuals may decide to stop taking the medication due to nausea, stomach pain, constipation, or high liver enzyme levels.

Rilutek has sometimes been linked to liver problems, which can include sudden liver inflammation and yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can also cause problems with the kidneys and pancreas. There have been reports after the drug was released that it might lead to serious lung problems. If symptoms such as persistent nausea, jaundice, or breathing difficulties occur, contact a healthcare provider immediately.

References

  1. Rilutek (Riluzole) Product Monograph. Zug, Switzerland: Covis Pharma; 2020.
  2. Rilutek (Riluzole) Drug Label Information. Parsippany, NJ: Ascend Laboratories, LLC; 2022.


IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.

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