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May 2024 | UK-EMY-CNS-2400007
This website provides you with information about Emylif® and why it has been prescribed for you. You will also find guidance on how to take Emylif® and why riluzole is used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Emylif® orodispersible films are a dissolvable oral film that contains the medicine riluzole.
May 2024 | UK-EMY-CNS-2400008
You have been prescribed Emylif® as a simple way for you to take riluzole.
Emylif® orodispersible films are designed to dissolve on the top of your tongue, so you will be able to take your medicine even if you have difficulty with swallowing.
Visit the section ‘How to take Emylif’ for simple instructions on how to properly take your Emylif®
References
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024). -
Di Stefano AFD, Radicioni MM, Segantin A, Gentili A, Baroglio C, Marjanović I, Cattaneo C (2022) Randomised,
2-Sequence, 4-Period Replicate Cross-Over Bioequivalence Study of A New Riluzole Orodispersible Film Vs.
A Reference Tablet in Healthy Volunteers. J Bioeq Stud 8(1): 101. -
Emylif® (riluzole 50 mg orodispersible film) Summary of Product Characteristics, 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/smpc (Accessed May 2024).
Your Emylif® treatment provides you with:
a medication and dose that is the same as riluzole tablets
a different way to take riluzole without having to swallow
a tablet or oral suspension
After it has dissolved on your tongue and swallowed in the saliva, Emylif® orodispersible film is absorbed by your body at a similar rate as a riluzole tablet.
Emylif® may cause side effects in some people
Common side effects that may affect more than 1 in 10 people include:1-3
Increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood
Your doctor may do regular blood tests to monitor this
Tiredness
Feeling sick
Reduced sensitivity or numbness in the mouth
It is likely that this is related to the mechanism of action of riluzole, as it inhibits the release of glutamate which is an excitatory chemical messenger in the brain and spinal cord. However, the exact mechanism of action is unclear.
This sensation was reported by everyone who took Emylif in a clinical study, but it was mild and transient, appearing 1 minute after Emylif was taken, and lasting for 40 minutes on average.
If you experience this feeling, it is recommended to be careful when eating or drinking during this time.
Emylif® may cause side effects in some people
Serious side effects can include:1-3
Neutropenia
What is it?
a decrease in the number of white
blood cells
Signs to watch out for
any fever (increase in temperature )
Hepatitis
What is it?
a liver disease characterised by
inflammation of the liver
Signs to watch out for
yellowing of the skin or the white of your eyes (jaundice), itching all over, feeling sick, being sick
Interstitial lung disease
What is it?
a lung disease characterised by
inflammation and scarring in the lungs
Signs to watch out for
cough, difficulties in breathing
It is important that you speak to your doctor if you experience any symptoms of these side effects.
These are not all the possible side effects of Emylif®, so please ask your doctor for advice about side effects, or read the patient information leaflet that came with your medicine and is also available here.
References
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024). -
Di Stefano AFD, Radicioni MM, Segantin A, Gentili A, Baroglio C, Marjanović I, Cattaneo C (2022) Randomised,
2-Sequence, 4-Period Replicate Cross-Over Bioequivalence Study of A New Riluzole Orodispersible Film Vs.
A Reference Tablet in Healthy Volunteers. J Bioeq Stud 8(1): 101. -
Emylif® (riluzole 50 mg orodispersible film) Summary of Product Characteristics, 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/smpc (Accessed May 2024).
May 2024 | UK-EMY-CNS-2400009
Emylif® dissolves once placed on the top of your tongue.
Just like the tablet form of riluzole, an Emylif® orodispersible film contains a 50mg dose, and one film should be taken twice a day.1
References
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024).
Tap here to control the video
Follow the simple steps below to make sure you are taking your Emylif® correctly.1
Wash and dry your hands
Make sure your hands are clean and dry before touching the orodispersible film, so the film does not stick to your fingers
Follow the simple steps below to make sure you are taking your Emylif® correctly.1
Open the foil sachet
Fold the foil sachet along the solid line at the top as shown
While keeping the top of the sachet folded over at the solid line, tear down at the slit along the arrow on the side of the sachet to open
While keeping the top of the sachet folded over at the solid line, tear down at the slit along the arrow on the side of the sachet to open
Follow the simple steps below to make sure you are taking your Emylif® correctly.1
Remove the film
Remove the film from the foil sachet, being careful not to fold the film
Follow the simple steps below to make sure you are taking your Emylif® correctly.1
Place the film on your tongue
Place the film on top of your tongue. The film will stick to your tongue and start to dissolve
Follow the simple steps below to make sure you are taking your Emylif® correctly.1
Wait for the film to dissolve
Close your mouth and swallow saliva normally while the film dissolves
Avoid pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth while the film dissolves
While the film dissolves, do not chew, spit or talk
The film will dissolve within 3 minutes
Avoid pressing your tongue to the roof of your mouth while the film dissolves
While the film dissolves, do not chew, spit or talk
The film will dissolve within 3 minutes
Follow the simple steps below to make sure you are taking your Emylif® correctly.1
Wash your hands
After taking the
Orodispersible Film
wash your hands
Orodispersible Film
wash your hands
When handling Emylif® orodispersible films1
Wash your hands before and after handling Emylif® orodispersible films
Do not fold the film
Do not use Emylif® if expired
Storing Emylif® orodispersible films1
Store Emylif® orodispersible films at below 30°C
Keep Emylif® orodispersible films in the foil sachet until you are ready to use. Use right away after opening foil sachet
As for all medicines, keep Emylif® orodispersible films out of the reach of children.
References
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024).
May 2024 | UK-EMY-CNS-2400010
Riluzole is the only licenced therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in the UK.1,2
ALS is a type of motor neurone disease where nerve cells that control muscle movement are attacked, causing weakness, muscle wasting and paralysis.3
References
-
NICE. Guidance on the use of riluzole (Rilutek) for the treatment of motor neurone disease (TA20). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta20 (Accessed May 2024).
-
Masrori P, Van Damme P. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a clinical review. Eur J Neurol. 2020;27(10):1918–1929.
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024). -
Andrews JA, et al. Real-world evidence of riluzole effectiveness in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2020;21(7–8):509–518.
-
Fang T, et al. Stage at which riluzole treatment prolongs survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
a retrospective analysis of data from a dose-ranging study. Lancet Neurol. 2018;17(5):416–422. -
ALS Association. Adjusting to swallowing changes and nutritional management in ALS. Availabe at:
https://www.als.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/lwals_08_2017.pdf (Accessed May 2024).
How does riluzole work?
The cause of ALS is not fully understood, but it is believed that the destruction of nerve cells in ALS may be caused by too much of a chemical messenger called glutamate in the brain and spinal cord.3
The way that riluzole works is unclear. However, it is understood that riluzole stops the release of glutamate, and this may help to prevent the nerve cells being damaged.3
What are the benefits of riluzole?
Riluzole is often prescribed as soon as someone has been diagnosed with ALS, and many studies have looked into its effects.4,5
Studies have shown that riluzole can slow down the progression of the disease and increase patient survival.4,5
How effective is riluzole?
Clinical trials have shown that riluzole can provide benefits throughout the progression of ALS and increase patient survival by 3 to 6 months on average.4
A recent review of several studies involving patients who were prescribed riluzole showed that riluzole increased patient survival by 6 to 19 months on average.4
Therefore, as soon as a patient is diagnosed doctors will often prescribe a continuous course of riluzole treatment.
Taking riluzole can be challenging for some people with ALS
The symptoms of ALS can include difficulties with swallowing, also known as dysphagia, and over time some patients may need to consider different ways of taking their medicine.
Signs to watch out for
As ALS progresses, subtle changes can be signs that someone could be developing difficulty swallowing. People with ALS might learn to adapt, but these are signs to look for and talk to their care team about:6
Taking smaller bites or sips
Shortness of breath while eating
Longer mealtimes
Signs to watch out for
As ALS progresses, subtle changes can be signs that someone could be developing difficulty swallowing. People with ALS might learn to adapt, but these are signs to look for and talk to their care team about:6
Frequent coughing or choking on food while swallowing
Weight loss
A gurgling-sounding voice after swallowing
References
-
NICE. Guidance on the use of riluzole (Rilutek) for the treatment of motor neurone disease (TA20). Available at: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ta20 (Accessed May 2024).
-
Masrori P, Van Damme P. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a clinical review. Eur J Neurol. 2020;27(10):1918–1929.
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024). -
Andrews JA, et al. Real-world evidence of riluzole effectiveness in treating amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener. 2020;21(7–8):509–518.
-
Fang T, et al. Stage at which riluzole treatment prolongs survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis:
a retrospective analysis of data from a dose-ranging study. Lancet Neurol. 2018;17(5):416–422. -
ALS Association. Adjusting to swallowing changes and nutritional management in ALS. Availabe at:
https://www.als.org/sites/default/files/2020-04/lwals_08_2017.pdf (Accessed May 2024).
May 2024 | UK-EMY-CNS-2400011
These Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Emylif® orodispersible films give you helpful and concise answers while offering links to additional information.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about all diagnosis, medical advice, treatment decisions, or any concerns you may have with Emylif® orodispersible films.
The information provided here is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of your doctor with any questions regarding your medical condition.
References
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024). -
Emylif® (riluzole 50 mg orodispersible film) Summary of Product Characteristics, April 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/smpc (Accessed May 2024).
References
-
Emylif® 50 mg orodispersible film. Patient Information Leaflet, June 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/pil (Accessed May 2024). -
Emylif® (riluzole 50 mg orodispersible film) Summary of Product Characteristics, April 2023. Available at:
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/14754/smpc (Accessed May 2024).