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RILUZOLE 5 MG / ML ORAL SUSPENSION, TEGLUTIK 5 MG / ML ORAL SUSPENSION - Patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

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Patient leaflet - RILUZOLE 5 MG / ML ORAL SUSPENSION, TEGLUTIK 5 MG / ML ORAL SUSPENSION

Teglutik® 5 mg/ml oral suspension

(riluzole)

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Your medicine will be referred to as TEGLUTIK throughout the following leaflet.

What is in this leaflet:

  • 1. What TEGLUTIK is and what it is used for

  • 2. What you need to know before you take TEGLUTIK

  • 3. How to take TEGLUTIK

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store TEGLUTIK

  • 6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. what teglutik is and what it is used forwhat teglutik isthe active substance in teglutik is riluzole which acts on the nervous system.

What TEGLUTIK is used for

TEGLUTIK is used in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a form of motor neurone disease where attacks of the nerve cells responsible for sending instructions to the muscles lead to weakness, muscle waste and paralysis.

The destruction of nerve cells in motor neurone disease may be caused by too much glutamate (a chemical messenger) in the brain and spinal cord. TEGLUTIK stops the release of glutamate and this may help in preventing the nerve cells being damaged.

Please consult your doctor for more information about ALS and the reason why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

2. what you need to know before you take teglutikdo not take teglutik if you are allergic to riluzole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6),

  • if you have any liver disease or increased blood levels of some enzymes of the liver (transaminases),
  • if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking TEGLUTIK:

  • if you have any liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the white of your eyes (jaundice), itching all over, feeling sick, being sick;
  • if your kidneys are not working very well;
  • if you have any fever: it may be due to a low number of white blood cells which can cause an increased risk of infection;

If any of the above applies to you, or if you are not sure, tell your doctor who will decide what to do.

Children and Adolescents

If you are less than 18 years of age, the use of TEGLUTIK is not recommended in children because there is no information available in this population.

Other medicines and TEGLUTIK

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

You must not take TEGLUTIK if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or if you are breast feeding. If you think you may be pregnant or if you intend to breast-feed, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines

You can drive or use any tools or machines, unless you feel dizzy or light headed after taking this medicine.

TEGLUTIK contains liquid sorbitol (E420).

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

3. how to take teglutik

The suspension can be given per oral administration and alternatively it is also suitable for administration via enteral feeding tubes.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The recommended dose is 100 mg a day (50 mg every 12 hours).

10 ml of the oral suspension, containing 50 mg of riluzole, should be taken by mouth every 12 hours, at the same time of the day each day (for example, in the morning and evening). The suspension is administered by means of graduated dosing syringe.

The oral suspension must be manually gently shaken for at least 30 seconds by rotating the bottle by 180° and the homogeneity should be visually verified.

Method of administration:

Instructions for oral use:

Open the bottle: press the cap and turn it anticlockwise (figure 1)

Take the syringe, remove the tip and insert the syringe in the adaptor opening (figure 2). Turn the bottle upside down (figure 3).

Fill the syringe with a small amount of suspension by pulling the plunger down (figure 3A), then push the piston upward in order to remove any possible bubble (figure 3B). Pull the piston down to the graduation mark corresponding to the quantity in milliliters (ml) prescribed by your doctor (figure 3C).

Turn the bottle the right way up (figure 4A). Remove the syringe from the adaptor (figure 4B).

  • Administer orally the whole content of the syringe. Dilution in water is not necessary.
  • Close the bottle with the plastic screw cap.
  • Wash the syringe with water only and re-assemble it with its tip cap once dried (figure 5).

Instructions for use via enteral feeding tubes :

Ensure that the enteral feeding tube is free from obstruction before administration.

  • 1.Flush the enteral tube with 30 ml of water

  • 2.Administer the required dose of Teglutik oral suspension with a graduated dosing syringe

  • 3.Flush the enteral tube with 30 ml of water.

If you take more TEGLUTIK than you should

If you take too much suspension, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

If you forget to take TEGLUTIK

If you forget to take your dose, leave out that dose completely and take the next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. possible side effects

Like all medicines, TEGLUTIK can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Important

Tell your doctor immediately

  • if you experience any fever (increase in temperature) because TEGLUTIK may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Your doctor may want to take a blood sample to check the number of white blood cells, which are important in fighting infections.
  • if you experience any of the following symptoms: yellowing of your skin or the white of your eyes (jaundice), itching all over, feeling sick, being sick, as these may be signs of liver disease (hepatitis). Your doctor may do regular blood tests while you are taking TEGLUTIK to make sure that this does not occur.
  • if you experience cough or difficulties in breathing, as this may be a sign of lung disease (called interstitial lung disease).

Other side effects

Very common side effects

(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • tiredness
  • feeling sick
  • increased blood levels of some enzymes of the liver (transaminases).

Common side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • dizziness
  • numbness or tingling of the mouth
  • vomiting
  • sleepiness
  • increase in heart beat
  • diarrhoea
  • headache
  • abdominal pain
  • pain

Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • anaemia
  • allergic reactions
  • inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

As riluzole oral suspension is more rapidly absorbed than riluzole tablets, a slight increase in tiredness, dizziness, diarrhoea and transaminases cannot be excluded.

Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via Yellow Card Scheme Website: or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. how to store teglutik

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use TEGLUTIK after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the bottle, after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Once opened, use within 15 days.

If your medicine becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, consult your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. contents of the pack and other informationwhat teglutik containsthe active substance is riluzole. each 1 ml of oral suspension contains 5 mg of riluzole.

The other ingredients are: liquid sorbitol (E420), aluminium magnesium silicate, xanthan gum, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion 30%, sodium laurilsulfate, macrogol cetostearyl ether, purified water.

What TEGLUTIK looks like and content of the pack

This medicine is presented as a slightly brown, opaque homogeneous oral suspension after being manually gently shaken. Available in an amber glass bottle with syringe-adapter closed by a white plastic, childproof, screw cap. The bottle is packed with a plastic graduated oral dosing syringe. The syringe barrel is graduated in millilitres up to 10 ml.

Pack size: 300ml.

Manufacturer and product licence holder

Manufactured by ITALFARMACO S.A., San Rafael 3, 28108 Alcobendas (Madrid) Spain.

Procured from within the EU by product licence holder Star Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 5 Sandridge Close, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 1XD. Repackaged by Servipharm Ltd.

POM PL 20636/3162

Leaflet revision and issue date (Ref): 19.08.20[6]

TEGLUTIK is a trademark of ITALFARMACO, S.A.

Blind or partially sighted?

Is this leaflet hard to see or read?

Call 020 8423 2111 to obtain the leaflet in a format suitable for you.

PACKAGE LEAFLET: INFORMATION FOR THE USER 3162

19.08.20[6]

Riluzole 5 mg/ml oral suspension

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Your medicine will be referred to as RILUZOLE throughout the following leaflet.

What is in this leaflet:

  • 1. What RILUZOLE is and what it is used for

  • 2. What you need to know before you take RILUZOLE

  • 3. How to take RILUZOLE

  • 4. Possible side effects

  • 5. How to store RILUZOLE

  • 6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. what riluzole is and what it is used forwhat riluzole isthe active substance in riluzole is riluzole which acts on the nervous system.

What RILUZOLE is used for

RILUZOLE is used in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

ALS is a form of motor neurone disease where attacks of the nerve cells responsible for sending instructions to the muscles lead to weakness, muscle waste and paralysis.

The destruction of nerve cells in motor neurone disease may be caused by too much glutamate (a chemical messenger) in the brain and spinal cord. RILUZOLE stops the release of glutamate and this may help in preventing the nerve cells being damaged.

Please consult your doctor for more information about ALS and the reason why this medicine has been prescribed for you.

2. what you need to know before you take riluzoledo not take riluzole if you are allergic to riluzole or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6),

  • if you have any liver disease or increased blood levels of some enzymes of the liver (transaminases),
  • if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking RILUZOLE:

  • if you have any liver problems: yellowing of your skin or the white of your eyes (jaundice), itching all over, feeling sick, being sick;
  • if your kidneys are not working very well;
  • if you have any fever: it may be due to a low number of white blood cells which can cause an increased risk of infection;

If any of the above applies to you, or if you are not sure, tell your doctor who will decide what to do.

Children and Adolescents

If you are less than 18 years of age, the use of RILUZOLE is not recommended in children because there is no information available in this population.

Other medicines and RILUZOLE

Tell your doctor if you are taking or have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

You must not take RILUZOLE if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or if you are breast feeding. If you think you may be pregnant or if you intend to breast-feed, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

Driving and using machines

You can drive or use any tools or machines, unless you feel dizzy or light headed after taking this medicine.

RILUZOLE contains liquid sorbitol (E420).

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

3. how to take riluzole

The suspension can be given per oral administration and alternatively it is also suitable for administration via enteral feeding tubes.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The recommended dose is 100 mg a day (50 mg every 12 hours).

10 ml of the oral suspension, containing 50 mg of riluzole, should be taken by mouth every 12 hours, at the same time of the day each day (for example, in the morning and evening). The suspension is administered by means of graduated dosing syringe.

The oral suspension must be manually gently shaken for at least 30 seconds by rotating the bottle by 180° and the homogeneity should be visually verified.

Method of administration:

Instructions for oral use:

Open the bottle: press the cap and turn it anticlockwise (figure 1)

Take the syringe, remove the tip and insert the syringe in the adaptor opening (figure 2). Turn the bottle upside down (figure 3).

Fill the syringe with a small amount of suspension by pulling the plunger down (figure 3A), then push the piston upward in order to remove any possible bubble (figure 3B). Pull the piston down to the graduation mark corresponding to the quantity in milliliters (ml) prescribed by your doctor (figure 3C).

Turn the bottle the right way up (figure 4A). Remove the syringe from the adaptor (figure 4B).

  • Administer orally the whole content of the syringe. Dilution in water is not necessary.
  • Close the bottle with the plastic screw cap.
  • Wash the syringe with water only and re-assemble it with its tip cap once dried (figure 5).

Instructions for use via enteral feeding tubes :

Ensure that the enteral feeding tube is free from obstruction before administration.

  • 1.Flush the enteral tube with 30 ml of water

  • 2.Administer the required dose of RILUZOLE oral suspension with a graduated dosing syringe

  • 3.Flush the enteral tube with 30 ml of water.

If you take more RILUZOLE than you should

If you take too much suspension, contact your doctor or the nearest hospital emergency department immediately.

If you forget to take RILUZOLE

If you forget to take your dose, leave out that dose completely and take the next dose at the usual time.

Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

4. possible side effects

Like all medicines, RILUZOLE can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

Important

Tell your doctor immediately

  • if you experience any fever (increase in temperature) because RILUZOLE may cause a decrease in the number of white blood cells. Your doctor may want to take a blood sample to check the number of white blood cells, which are important in fighting infections.
  • if you experience any of the following symptoms: yellowing of your skin or the white of your eyes (jaundice), itching all over, feeling sick, being sick, as these may be signs of liver disease (hepatitis). Your doctor may do regular blood tests while you are taking RILUZOLE to make sure that this does not occur.
  • if you experience cough or difficulties in breathing, as this may be a sign of lung disease (called interstitial lung disease).

Other side effects

Very common side effects

(may affect more than 1 in 10 people)

  • tiredness
  • feeling sick
  • increased blood levels of some enzymes of the liver (transaminases).

Common side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

  • dizziness
  • numbness or tingling of the mouth
  • vomiting
  • sleepiness
  • increase in heart beat
  • diarrhoea
  • headache
  • abdominal pain
  • pain

Uncommon side effects

(may affect up to 1 in 100 people)

  • anaemia
  • allergic reactions
  • inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

5. how to store riluzole

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use RILUZOLE after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the bottle, after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.

This medicinal product does not require any special storage conditions.

Once opened, use within 15 days.

If your medicine becomes discoloured or shows any other signs of deterioration, consult your pharmacist who will tell you what to do.

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. contents of the pack and other informationwhat riluzole containsthe active substance is riluzole. each 1 ml of oral suspension contains 5 mg of riluzole.

The other ingredients are: liquid sorbitol (E420), aluminium magnesium silicate, xanthan gum, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion 30%, sodium laurilsulfate, macrogol cetostearyl ether, purified water.

What RILUZOLE looks like and content of the pack

This medicine is presented as a slightly brown, opaque homogeneous oral suspension after being manually gently shaken. Available in an amber glass bottle with syringe-adapter closed by a white plastic, childproof, screw cap. The bottle is packed with a plastic graduated oral dosing syringe. The syringe barrel is graduated in millilitres up to 10 ml.

Pack size: 300ml.

Manufacturer and product licence holder

Manufactured by ITALFARMACO S.A., San Rafael 3, 28108 Alcobendas (Madrid) Spain.

Procured from within the EU by product licence holder Star Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 5 Sandridge Close, Harrow, Middlesex HA1 1XD. Repackaged by Servipharm Ltd.

POM PL 20636/3162

Leaflet revision and issue date (Ref): 19.08.20[6]

Blind or partially sighted?

Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Call 020 8423 2111 to obtain the leaflet in a format suitable for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Riluzole and how does it work?

Riluzole is a medication used primarily to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It works by reducing the release of glutamate, a neurotransmitter that can damage nerve cells when present in excess.

What are the common side effects of Teglutik?

Common side effects of Teglutik include nausea, fatigue, dizziness, and headaches. It's important to report any persistent or severe side effects to your doctor.

Can Riluzole interact with other medications?

Yes, Riluzole can interact with other medications. Always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications and supplements you are taking to avoid potential interactions.

How should I store Riluzole oral suspension?

Store Riluzole oral suspension at room temperature, away from direct sunlight, and keep it out of reach of children.

Is Riluzole suitable for everyone?

Riluzole may not be suitable for everyone. Patients with liver problems or who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using this medication.

How long does it take for Riluzole to start working?

Some patients may start to notice benefits from Riluzole within a few weeks, but it can take longer for others. Consistent use as prescribed is key.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Teglutik?

It's generally advised to avoid alcohol while taking Teglutik as it may increase the risk of side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Riluzole?

If you miss a dose of Riluzole, take it as soon as you remember. If it's almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular schedule. Do not double up.

Will Riluzole cure my condition?

Riluzole does not cure ALS but can help slow the progression of the disease and prolong survival in some patients.

Can I use Teglutik if I have allergies?

If you have any known allergies to ingredients in Teglutik, do not use this medication without consulting your healthcare provider first.

What happens if I overdose on Riluzole?

An overdose on Riluzole can be serious. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and liver function changes. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect an overdose.

Are there dietary restrictions while taking Teglutik?

There are no specific dietary restrictions with Teglutik. However, maintaining a balanced diet can help manage overall health.

What should I do if I experience severe side effects from Riluzole?

If you experience severe side effects such as difficulty breathing or swelling of the face or throat, seek emergency medical help immediately.

Can I stop taking Teglutik suddenly?

You should not stop taking Teglutik suddenly without consulting your doctor, as it may result in worsening symptoms or sudden changes in your condition.

How does Riluzole affect daily life activities?

Riluzole can help improve quality of life by slowing disease progression; however, individual responses vary. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

Is there a generic version of Teglutik available?

Yes, there is a generic version of Riluzole that is available which may be more affordable than brand-name options like Teglutik.

How often will my doctor monitor my condition while I'm on Riluzole?

Your doctor will typically monitor your condition regularly through follow-up appointments and tests to ensure that the medication is working effectively.

What is the shelf life of Riluzole oral suspension once opened?

Once opened, Riluzole oral suspension should generally be used within 28 days; however, it's best to check the packaging for specific guidance.

Should I take Riluzole with food or on an empty stomach?

Riluzole can be taken with or without food. However, maintaining consistency in how you take it helps keep drug levels stable in your system.