Type of medicine: acetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Generic and brand names: rivastigmine transdermal system; Exelon Patch
This medicine is put on the skin to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's-type dementia. It may also be used to treat dementia related to Parkinson's disease.
It may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Your provider may adjust the dosage to find the one that is best. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval. Changing your dosage may cause a serious decline in your ability to think and control your behavior.
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the patch. Apply the patch right after removing it from the sealed pouch. Place the sticky side of the patch on a clean, dry area of skin on the upper body where there is little or no hair. Examples are the upper or lower back, upper arm, or chest. Avoid injured, irritated, or scarred skin. Make sure the skin is free from powder, oil, moisturizer, or lotion. Avoid places where the patch can be rubbed off by tight clothing.
Make sure all the edges of the patch are firmly attached. Keep the patch on for 24 hours, then take it off and replace it with a new patch. When changing the patch, put the new patch on a different spot (for example on the right side of the body one day, then on the left side the next day). Do not apply a new patch to that same spot for at least 14 days.
If a patch falls off, apply a new patch for the rest of the day and then replace it the next day at the same time as usual.
You may bathe, swim, or shower while wearing the patch, However, do not use a heating pad, electric blanket, heat lamp, hot tub, or other direct heat where you apply the patch. These may increase the amount of medicine released from the patch and could result in an overdose.
To dispose of a used patch, fold it so that it sticks to itself with the medicine inside. Then dispose of it safely away from children and pets.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, apply it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply the patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for the missed dose. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider. You may need to start the medicine again at a lower dose.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: severe nausea, vomiting, drooling, sweating, blurred vision, lightheadedness, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, muscle weakness, fainting, seizures.
This medicine may cause urinary problems. If you have trouble urinating, contact your healthcare provider right away.
You may feel dizzy or faint when you get up quickly after sitting or lying down. Getting up slowly may help.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or other tests, tell the healthcare provider you are using this medicine. The patch may need to be removed before certain tests or procedures such as MRIs.
Smoking tobacco may lower the blood levels of this medicine. If you smoke, your healthcare provider may need to change the dosage of your medicine.
People who have Alzheimer's disease should not be allowed to drive, operate machinery, or perform other hazardous tasks. This medicine may cause dizziness and confusion, which can add to the problems caused by the disease itself.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Severe nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weight loss, wheezing, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), worsening of tremors, seizures, blood in urine, black or tarry stools, trouble urinating.
Other: Dizziness, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, confusion, depression, anxiety, trouble sleeping, flulike symptoms, constipation, gas, skin irritation.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
