Information for Patients and Caregivers

Caregivers should be advised of the high incidence of nausea and vomiting associated with the use of the drug along with the possibility of anorexia and weight loss. Caregivers should be encouraged to monitor for these adverse events and inform the physician if they occur. It is critical to inform caregivers that if therapy has been interrupted for more than several days, the next dose should not be administered until they have discussed this with the physician.

Caregivers should be instructed in the correct procedure for administering Exelon® (rivastigmine tartrate) Oral Solution. In addition, they should be informed of the existence of an Instruction Sheet (included with the product) describing how the solution is to be administered. They should be urged to read this sheet prior to administering Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate) Oral Solution. Caregivers should direct questions about the administration of the solution to either their physician or pharmacist.

Caregivers and patients should be advised that, like other cholinomimetics, Exelon® (rivastigmine tartrate) may exacerbate or induce extrapyramidal symptoms. Worsening in patients with Parkinson's disease, including an increased incidence or intensity of tremor, has been observed.

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/18/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.