How long should I wait to see the results of Rilutek?

In one of the trials supporting Rilutek’s approval, a significant reduction in the risk of death or need for tracheostomy, a procedure in which a tube is inserted through the neck to help with breathing, was observed in the first year of treatment. However, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has a widely variable disease course and not all patients will respond similarly to a given therapy, so it is difficult to say when someone will start to experience benefits from Rilutek.