Question 1

How can I lower the cost of my riluzole

Accepted Answer

You can lower cost of your riluzole using one of the 4 following drug savings programs: Rx Advantage Card for riluzole, Canadian Prescription Savings for riluzole, riluzole Drug Coupons, riluzole Patient Assistance Programs

Question 2

What dosages is riluzole available in?

Accepted Answer

riluzole is available as a 50 mg oral tablet.

Question 3

What is riluzole used for?

Accepted Answer

riluzole is a glutamate antagonist and is used to treat myotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Question 4

How does riluzole work?

Accepted Answer

riluzole 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 (riluzole) helps to slow down nerve damage and worsening of ALS symptoms, such as muscle weakness.

Question 5

How do I take riluzole?

Accepted Answer

riluzole is typically taken as 50 mg by mouth every 12 hours.

Question 6

Is it safe for me to take riluzole?

Accepted Answer

riluzole is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.

Question 7

riluzole Common Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of riluzole:  Mouth numbness Body weakness or lack of energy Nausea Breathing problems (shortness of breath, wheezing, inability to catch your breath) Stomach pain Higher blood pressure

Question 8

riluzole Serious Side Effects

Accepted Answer

Serious side effects are rare with riluzole. 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

Question 9

Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on riluzole

Accepted Answer

The following medications may interact with riluzole:  Strong to moderate CYP1A2 inhibitors: Coadministration may increase riluzole-associated adverse reactions. Strong to moderate CYP1A2 inducers: Coadministration may result in decreased efficacy Hepatotoxic drugs: riluzole-treated patients that take other hepatotoxic drugs may be at increased risk for hepatotoxicity

Question 10

Who makes riluzole?

Accepted Answer

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Question 11

Is riluzole safe in pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Based on animal data, riluzole may cause fetal harm. You should talk to your healthcare provider before taking this medication if you are pregnant. riluzole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Question 12

What is the brand name for riluzole?

Accepted Answer

RILUTEK

Question 13

How can NowPatient help me to lower the cost of my riluzole prescription?

Accepted Answer

After you create a FREE account with NowPatient, you will have access to 4 programs that can help lower the cost of your riluzole prescription

Applicability to each program will be dependent on your insurance status.

Question 14

How do the NowPatient riluzole savings programs work?

Accepted Answer

After you have created your FREE account with NowPatient, you can access the various programs from your account dashboard. Each program has clear instructions on how to check your eligibility. You can see how the process works by clicking on the feature link below and seeing the ‘How it works’ steps.

Drug Coupon and Patient Assistance Programs require an eligibility quiz to be completed.

Question 15

Are the NowPatient riluzole savings programs suitable for everyone, regardless of insurance status?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has its own eligibility and applicability requirements. The table below shows if a program is available to you, based on your insurance status.

	Rx Advantage Card* for riluzole	Canadian Prescription Savings* for riluzole	riluzole Drug Coupon*	riluzole Patient Assistance Program*
Insured (federal, state or government)	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured (Commercial or Private)	Available	Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Uninsured	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Insured but without pharmacy benefit or drug coverage	Available	Available	Not Available	Available If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company

*This is not insurance.

Question 16

Are the NowPatient drug savings programs suitable for brand and generic versions of riluzole?

Accepted Answer

No. Each program has applicability requirements. Please see below

	Rx Advantage Card* for riluzole	Canadian Prescription Savings* for riluzole	riluzole Drug Coupon*	riluzole Patient Assistance Program*
Brand	Yes	Yes	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company	Yes, If Offered by Pharmaceutical Company
Generic	Yes	Yes	No	No

*This is not insurance.

Question 17

If you have Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage and none of the riluzole savings options are applicable or affordable for me, what can you do?

Accepted Answer

If you are insured with Medicare and the riluzole drug savings options are not applicable to you and still remain unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and after you have selected your state, it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

People who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid are called ‘dual eligibles’.

If you are denied Medicaid for riluzole, and you are still unable to afford your copay or co-insurance element (for example if you are in the coverage gap or Donut Hole) then you may be eligible for a federal support program like Low Income Subsidy. To be eligible for Low Income Subsidy, you need to be a resident in one of the 50 States or the District of Columbia. You can check eligibility online at SSA Medicare D Extra Help. You can also call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Question 18

I am uninsured or underinsured and none of the riluzole prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If you are uninsured or underinsured (for example, riluzole is not covered by your plan) and the drug savings options are not applicable or still unaffordable, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. State Medicaid programs may cover the full cost of your medication.

If you are denied and all else fails, and if you have been prescribed riluzole for an FDA-approved indication, you can call the pharmaceutical company to see if they have any other assistance programs.

Question 19

I am commercially or privately insured and none of the riluzole prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, what can I do?

Accepted Answer

If your medication is not covered by your plan, you can appeal your insurance company’s decision. Sometimes, a formal appeal can result in the drug being covered if it is deemed medically necessary.

If you cannot afford your copay contribution, then you can check Medicaid eligibility in your state by following the instructions at HealthCare.gov.

However, being privately insured might complicate your eligibility for Medicaid, as having private insurance may be considered in the financial eligibility assessment.

The government site is easy to use and you can select your state and it will navigate you to the appropriate contact point to make the application. If you qualify, state Medicaid may cover the full cost of your medication.

Question 20

If I have federal, state or commercial insurance and none of the riluzole prescription saving options are applicable or affordable for me, are there any other support organisations that can help me with my co-insurance or copay contributions?

Accepted Answer

If you have already tried Medicaid and received a denial letter or if you are insured with Medicare and have been denied Low-Income Subsidy, then you can try one of the following organizational support programs:

1. Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN) assistance for riluzole

If you are having trouble paying for your riluzole medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN), may be able to assist you. To qualify for PAN assistance for riluzole you will need to meet one or all of the following criteria:

Your income is below 400% of the federal poverty level
riluzole is prescribed for an approved FDA indication
You live in and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories, even if you do not have U.S. citizenship
You have Medicare insurance coverage that covers riluzole
If riluzole is listed on PAN’s list of covered medications

You can check the Patient Access Network Foundation Website for more information.

2. HealthWell Foundation Copay Program for riluzole

If you are having trouble paying for your riluzole medication due to unaffordable copays or deductibles, the HealthWell Foundation Copay Program may be able to assist you. To qualify for assistance for riluzole you will need to meet the following criteria:

You live in and are being treated in the United States
You are insured and your plan covers riluzole
If riluzole is listed on the HealthWell Foundation’s list of covered medications

You can check the HealthWell Foundation Website for more information.

3. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief Program for riluzole

Patient Advocate Foundation’s Co-Pay Relief program exists to help reduce the financial distress you or your family may face when paying for your riluzole treatment. If you qualify and can demonstrate the need, the foundation will provide you with direct payment covering co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles. To qualify for assistance for riluzole you will need to meet the following criteria:

You must be currently insured and have coverage for riluzole
You must have a confirmed diagnosis and treatment plan
You must reside and receive treatment in the United States
Your Income must fall at or below 300% or 400% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG) with consideration for the Cost of Living Index (COLI) and number in the household
Applications can also be completed by contacting the program sponsor, toll-free at 866-512-3861.

You can check the Patient Advocate Foundation Website for more information.