Safely Buy Exelon Patch ( Rivastigmine ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Exelon Patch is a prescription medication that contains the active ingredient rivastigmine.

Exelon patch is a transdermal patch that is applied to the skin and used to treat mild to moderate dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia.

The patch works by increasing levels of acetylcholine in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter that helps with memory and cognitive function.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow all instructions for how to properly apply and use the patches. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply the patch to the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not open the sealed pouch until ready to use. Open the pouch and remove the patch from the protective liner. Do not cut the patch. Apply the patch as directed to a clean, dry, hairless area on the back, upper arm, or chest. Remove the old patch first before applying a new patch. Do not wear 2 patches at the same time. Do not apply the patch to red/irritated/broken areas of skin or to areas where you have applied creams or lotions. Avoid applying it to areas where tight clothing may rub the patch off. You can bathe with the patch on.

When changing your patch, remove the old patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together, and throw it away out of reach of children and pets. Apply a new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation. Do not apply a new patch to the same area for at least 2 weeks.

If the patch falls off before it is due to be changed, apply a new patch right away and replace the new patch at the regularly scheduled time the next day. Do not try to reapply the old patch or use tape to keep a loose patch from falling off.

Do not touch your eyes while you are handling the patch. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application. If the medication contacts your eyes or if your eyes become red after handling the patch, rinse them right away with water. Tell your doctor if the redness or other symptoms do not go away.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as nausea and diarrhea), your doctor will start this medication using a lower dose of the patch and may increase your dose after 4 weeks. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed. Do not apply more than one patch per day or leave the patch on for longer than prescribed.

Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, change your patch at the same time each day.

If you do not use rivastigmine for 3 or more days in a row, talk with your doctor before starting again. You may need to restart at a lower dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Drowsiness
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Tremors
• Skin irritation on the application site

Mostly, the side effects brought about by Exelon are mild and will disappear even without intervention. If the adverse reactions persist or worsen, you may have to consult your doctor or any healthcare professional.

Severe side effects include:

• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Fainting
• Seizures
• Severe abdominal pain
• Trouble urinating
• A black, tarry stool
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds

This is not a complete list of the side effects of Exelon.

Cautions

Before using rivastigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it (including any serious allergic skin reaction with past use of the patch); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing/lung problems (such as asthma, COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, bleeding), heart problems (such as sick sinus syndrome, other conduction disorders), fainting, seizures, problems urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate), liver disease.

Rivastigmine may cause a condition that affects the heart rhythm (QT prolongation). QT prolongation can rarely cause serious (rarely fatal) fast/irregular heartbeat and other symptoms (such as severe dizziness, and fainting) that need medical attention right away.

The risk of QT prolongation may be increased if you have certain medical conditions or are taking other drugs that may cause QT prolongation. Before using rivastigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the drugs you take and if you have any of the following conditions: certain heart problems (heart failure, slow heartbeat, QT prolongation in the EKG), family history of certain heart problems (QT prolongation in the EKG, sudden cardiac death).

Low levels of potassium or magnesium in the blood may also increase your risk of QT prolongation. This risk may increase if you use certain drugs (such as diuretics/”water pills”) or if you have conditions such as severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. Talk to your doctor about using rivastigmine safely.

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

While wearing your patch, avoid exposing it to direct heat (such as prolonged direct sunlight, heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, and hot tubs). Heat may cause more drugs to be released into your body, increasing the chance of side effects.

If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially QT prolongation (see above).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Form and Strengths

• Exelon Patch:
  • 4.6 mh/24 hr
  • 9.5 mg/24 hr
  • 13.5 mg/24 hr
• Rivastigmine Patch:
  • 4.6 mh/24 hr
  • 9.5 mg/24 hr

FAQ

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Exelon?

If you have an allergy to rivastigmine or any other part of Exelon (rivastigmine patch).

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Exelon?

Tell all your health care providers you take Exelon (rivastigmine patch). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.

Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Exelon (rivastigmine patch) affects you.

How is this medicine (Exelon) best taken?

Use Exelon (rivastigmine patch) as ordered by your doctor. Read all the information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Put on a missed patch as soon as you think about it after taking off the old one.

Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses. If you miss taking Exelon (rivastigmine patch) for a few days in a row, call your doctor before you start taking it again.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148821/exelon-transdermal/details
2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/022083lbl.pdf
3. https://www.drugs.com/cdi/exelon-rivastigmine-patch.html