Manufacturer: Novartis India Ltd
Salt Composition : Rivastigmine(4.6mg)
Your doctor will explain how to use Exelon Transdermal Patch 5. Follow the instructions carefully to get the most benefit. The dose may change from time to time to suit your individual needs. You should not wear more than one patch at a time. Normally, you will use one new patch each day, and the place where you apply it is changed to avoid skin irritation. It can take up to 4 weeks for the symptoms to improve, so keep wearing your patches regularly.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, headache, fainting, dizziness, anxiety, depression, delirium, agitation, urinary tract infection, urinary incontinence, rash, fever, weight loss, and application site reactions. You may have side effects more often during the start of your treatment or when your dose is increased. Usually, the side effects will slowly go away as your body gets used to the medicine. If the side effects do not go away or if they become severe, you should remove your patch and contact your doctor.
Before using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5, you should tell your doctor if you have ever had heart problems, stomach ulcers, epilepsy, or asthma. It may also affect, or be affected by, some other medicines you are using so let your doctor know what these are to be safe. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this medicine.
Memory loss in Alzheimer’s disease occurs due to disturbances in the transmission of signals within the brain. Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is a cholinesterase inhibitor which is absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream. Once absorbed, it works by increasing the levels of a chemical messenger (acetylcholine) involved in the transmission of nerve signals. This improves memory and thinking.
When given orally, rivastigmine is well absorbed, with a bioavailability of about 40% in the 3-mg dose. Pharmacokinetics are linear up to 3 mg BID, but nonlinear at higher doses. Elimination is through the urine.
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Exelon
Abdominal pain
Delirium (acute confusional state)
Urinary tract infection
Fainting
Depression
Rash
Fever
Application site reactions (burning, irritation, itching and redness)
Nausea
Vomiting
Indigestion
Loss of appetite
Cardiac conduction conditions.
Bradyarrhythmia or sick sinus syndrome.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or asthma.
Bleeding ulcer history or risk.
Seizure risk or history.
Patient weight under 50 kg.
Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is generally considered safe to use during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown low or no adverse effects to the developing baby; however, there are limited human studies.
No interaction found/established
Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
With its approval by the FDA in 1997, rivastigmine is indicated to treat mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Its indications also include the treatment of mild to moderate dementia that is associated with Parkinson disease.
Drug-Drug Interaction: RIVASTIGMINE may interact with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen), cough and cold medicines (Benadryl), vomiting medicine (metoclopramide), drugs treating frequent urination (oxybutynin, tolterodine) and high blood pressure medicine (atenolol).
Drug-Food Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while taking RIVASTIGMINE as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using RIVASTIGMINE, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and other conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems and enlarged prostate.
Check the label before use. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Remove the protective liner of the patch. Do not touch the sticky side. With sticky side down, place the patch evenly onto the skin.
Store below 30°C
If you miss a dose of Exelon Transdermal Patch 5, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
You have been prescribed Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 to slow down the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
It does not cure Alzheimer's disease but may help improve brain function and ability to do daily activities.
Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is absorbed through the skin continuously. This produces steady blood levels of the medicine.
To prevent skin irritation, change the location of the patch every day.
Do not apply the patches to broken, red or irritated skin.
It may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself hydrated while taking Exelon Transdermal Patch 5.
Do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 affects you.
Inform your doctor if you notice sensitivity and irritation in and around the area where the patch is placed and if it doesn't go away after the patch is removed.
Use this medicine in dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Check the label before use. Make sure the skin is clean and dry. Remove the protective liner of the patch. Do not touch the sticky side. With sticky side down, place the patch evenly onto the skin.
Q. Can I stop taking Exelon Transdermal Patch 5?
You should not stop or change the dose of Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 without consulting your doctor. However, if the treatment is interrupted for more than 3 days, do not continue the medicine without consulting your doctor. The doctor will re-initiate the treatment with a low dose which can then be increased gradually as was done previously.
Q. Can Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 cause hallucinations?
Yes, Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 can cause hallucinations. However, hallucinations are reported very rarely with the use of Exelon Transdermal Patch 5, which means they occur in very few people. It may usually occur shortly after dose modification. If you do not feel well, consult your doctor.
Q. Does Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 cause drowsiness?
Yes, Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 can cause drowsiness or sleepiness, especially at the start of treatment or when the dose is increased. If you feel dizzy or sleepy, do not drive, use machines or perform any tasks that require your attention.
Q. Is it okay to take antacids while using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5?
Yes, antacids can be taken while using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 as they do not interfere with the working of Exelon Transdermal Patch 5. The use of Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 may cause increased acid secretion in the stomach in some patients. Hence, your doctor may prescribe an antacid to relieve this acidity caused due to Exelon Transdermal Patch 5.
