Cognex (Tacrine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Cognex

Alzheimer's Disease »

What is dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome characterized by:

impairment in memory,

impairment in another area of thinking such as the ability to organize thoughts and reason, the ability to use language, or the ability to see accurately the visual world (not because of eye disease), and

these impairments are severe enough to cause a decline in the patient's usual level of functioning.

Although some kinds of memory loss are normal parts of aging, the changes due to aging are not severe enough to interfere with the level of function. Many different diseases can cause dementia, but Alzheimer's disease is by far the most common cause for dementia in the United States and in most countries in the world.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a slowly progressive disease of the brain that is characterized by impairment of memory and eventually by dist...

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Cognex

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Cognex Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking tacrine (Cognex)?

Do not use this medication if you are allergic to tacrine, or if you have ever had jaundice or other liver problems while taking tacrine.

Before taking tacrine, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease;
heart disease;
a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats);
a history of stomach ulcers;
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use tacrine, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether tacrine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take tacrine (Cognex)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with a full glass of water.

Tacrine is most effective when taken between meals on an empty stomach, but you may take it with food if it upsets your stomach.

It is important to use tacrine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Do not change your tacrine dose without your doctor's advice. Taking this medication improperly can lead to serious behavioral side effects or a worsening of Alzheimer's symptoms.

When you first start using tacrine, you may have minor side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These side effects may also occur whenever your dose is changed, or if you start taking tacrine again after being off the drug for awhile.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. If you stop taking tacrine suddenly, your condition may become worse.

To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking tacrine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Store tacrine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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