What is the difference between Rilutek, Tiglutik and Exservan?

Rilutek, Tiglutik and Exservan are brand names for different formulations of riluzole, a medicine used in the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Rilutek is an oral tablet, Tiglutik is an oral suspension, and Exservan is an oral film.

Riluzole works by decreasing levels of glutamate, an amino acid in the body that affects nerves that send messages from the brain to muscles. People with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may have high levels of glutamate, which can damage these nerve cells leading to loss of motor control.

Many patients with ALS experience dysphagia, or difficulties in swallowing. The oral suspension and oral film formulations of riluzole were developed for patients who have trouble swallowing tablets.

Rilutek (riluzole) 50 mg Tablets

FDA Approved: December 12, 1995
Company: Covis Pharma
Recommended dosage: 50 mg twice daily, taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Tiglutik (riluzole) 50 mg/10 mL Oral Suspension

FDA Approved: September 5, 2018
Company: Italfarmaco SpA
Recommended dosage: 50 mg (10 mL), twice daily, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Tiglutik is an easy-to-swallow, thickened, oral suspension administered with the supplied oral syringe. The thickened formula may be easier for some ALS patients to swallow.

Exservan (riluzole) 50 mg Oral Film

FDA Approved: November 22, 2019
Company: Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc.
Recommended dosage: 50 mg twice daily, taken at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Exservan is an oral film that is administered without the need for water, which may be beneficial for ALS patients who have difficulties in swallowing. The film is applied to the top of the tongue where it adheres and dissolves. As the film dissolves, the saliva is swallowed as normal, but the patient should refrain from chewing, spitting or talking. The oral film should not be cut or split, or administered with liquids.