There is no cure for motor neurone disease (MND), but a medication has been approved in Australia for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - the most common form of MND. Rilutek (riluzole), the first effective treatment for people with ALS, is available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for patients who meet defined selection criteria.

Rilutek can be prescribed, initially, by a neurologist. Subsequent prescriptions can be provided by a general practitioner. It may:

• Extend survival time by an average of 6 -12 months
• Slow disease progression
• Keep people in the milder stages of disease for longer, thus contributing to quality of life.

People started on Rilutek soon after diagnosis show the greatest benefits.  As with all drugs, some people may have a better response to Rilutek than others, and it is impossible to predict the benefits that each individual will gain.  Neurologists will be able to provide guidance on the suitability of this treatment.

Side Effects

The most common side effects of Rilutek are weakness, nausea, a mild liver dysfunction and headache.  Doctors may arrange for people to have regular blood tests to ensure that Rilutek is not causing side effects of which the person is not aware.

For more information please contact your neurologist, telephone the Rilutek Hotline on 1800 005 858, or download the National MND Association's Rilutek factsheet.

Unproven Therapies

Costly and unproven therapies are sometimes recommended by well meaning people. People need to seek professional advice before embarking on unproven therapies.  It is important to discuss the likely benefits of expensive therapy compared with, for example, changes to the home, employment of additional home assistance, or the peace of mind of the person who wishes to leave his/her family well provided for. For more information on unproven therapies, please click here.

Researchers are developing and trialing other drugs to slow down the progression of the disease or combat some of the symptoms.  For further information health professionals, people with MND, and their carers need to speak to the neurologist, contact the relevant state Motor Neurone Disease Association, or visit the web site of the MND Research Institute of Australia.

Occasionally, major advances are broadcast in the media.  Further information can be obtained by using a "search facility" when connected to the Internet.  Motor Neurone Disease Associations in each state keep a close watch on research progress and findings, and always have the latest information available.  They are donors to the Motor Neurone Disease Research Institute of Australia which funds a number of projects looking for new clues that may lead to more effective treatments.

Although there is currently no cure, it is not true to say that, "Nothing can be done for the MND patient."  A great deal can be done to maintain quality of life and address many of the effects of MND.

Reviewed: January 2010