Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine) belongs to family of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors. The Exelon Patch is used to treat dementia related to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. Rivastigmine works by restoring the balance of natural substances called neurotransmitters in the brain. This medication does not cure these diseases but it helps to improve memory, awareness and the ability to perform daily functions. The usual recommended starting dose is to apply one patch of the lowest dose once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose after four weeks of treatment.
Manufacturer Information
The Exelon Patch is available from Canada and Turkey manufactured by Novartis. The generic Exelon Patch comes from Canada also called Mylan-Rivastigmine Patch manufactured by Mylan and United Kingdom also called Voleze by Focus. The Exelon Patch is available in the strength of 4.6 mg/24 hr and 9.5 mg/24 hr patches.
The common side effects of Exelon Patch may include:
• Diarrhea;
• Dizziness;
• Drowsiness;
• Loss of appetite/weight loss;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting
Talk to your doctor right away if you have any of these serious side effects such as:
• Black stools;
• Fainting;
• Seizures;
• Severe stomach or abdominal pain;
• Slow or irregular heartbeat;
• Trouble urinating;
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Please call your doctor if you have any further concerns or questions.
You should not use Exelon Patch if you are allergic to Rivastigmine or if you have any other allergies. Before you start using this medication, talk to your doctor about your medical history and about all the medications you currently take using OTC and herbal medications. This medication may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol and marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. You should not drive, use machinery or do anything that requires you to be alert. Limit alcoholic beverages. Avoid exposing to direct heat while wearing your patch. Heat may cause more drugs to be released into your body, increasing the chance of side effects. Exelon patch should only be used during pregnancy if it is clearly needed. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. There may be a drug interaction between Rivastigmine and other medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and metoclopramide