Exelon Patch
[ECS-'el-on]
(rivastigmine transdermal system)

Exelon Patch is for skin use only.

Read this Patient Information leaflet before you start using Exelon Patch and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking to your healthcare provider about your medical condition or your treatment. If you do not understand the information, or have any questions about Exelon Patch, talk with your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Exelon patch is available in 3 dosage strengths

• 4.6 mg per day (4.6 mg/24 hours)
• 9.5 mg per day (9.5 mg/24 hours)
• 13.3 mg per day (13.3 mg/24 hours)

What is Exelon Patch?

Exelon Patch is a prescription medicine used to treat:

• mild to moderate memory problems (dementia) associated with Alzheimer's disease.
• mild to moderate memory problems (dementia) associated with Parkinson's disease. It is not known if Exelon Patch is safe or effective in children.

Who should not use Exelon Patch?

Do not use Exelon Patch if you are allergic to rivastigmine, carbamate derivatives, or any of the ingredients in Exelon Patch. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in Exelon Patch.

Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Exelon Patch?

Before you use Exelon Patch, tell your healthcare provider if you:

• have or ever had a stomach ulcer
• are planning to have surgery
• have or ever had problems with your heart
• have problems passing urine
• have or ever had seizures
• have problems with movement (tremors)
• have asthma or breathing problems
• have a loss of appetite or are losing weight
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if Exelon Patch will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Exelon Patch passes into your breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby if you use Exelon Patch.

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take:

• a medicine used to treat inflammation (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
• other medicines used to treat Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease
• an anticholinergic medicine, such as an allergy or cold medicine, a medicine to treat bladder or bowel spasms, or certain asthma medicines, or certain medicines to prevent motion or travel sickness

Ask your healthcare provider if you are not sure if your medicine is one listed above.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show to your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

How should I use Exelon Patch?

• Use Exelon Patch exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
• Your healthcare provider may change your dose as needed.
• Wear only 1 Exelon Patch at a time.
• Exelon Patch is for skin use only.
• Apply Exelon Patch to clean, dry, hairless, intact skin.
• Avoid applying Exelon Patch to areas on your body that will be rubbed against tight clothing.
• Do not apply Exelon Patch to skin that is red, irritated, or has cuts.
• Do not apply Exelon Patch to skin that has cream, lotion, or powder on it.
• Change your Exelon Patch every 24 hours at the same time of day. You may write the date and time you put on the Exelon Patch with a ballpoint pen before applying the patch to help you remember when to remove it.
• Change your application site every day to avoid skin irritation. You can use the same area, but do not use the same spot for at least 14 days after your last application.
• Check to see if the patch is loosened when engaging in activities such as bathing, swimming, or showering.
• If your Exelon Patch falls off, put on another patch right away and then replace the new patch the next day at the same time as usual. Do not use overlays, bandages, or tape to secure patches that have loosened or reapply patches that have fallen off.
• If you miss a dose or forget to change your Exelon Patch apply your next Exelon Patch as soon as you remember. Do not apply 2 Exelon Patches to make up for the missed dose.
• If you miss more than three days of applying Exelon Patch, call your healthcare provider before putting on another patch.
• You must remove Exelon Patch from the previous day before applying a new one.
• Having more than one patch on your body at the same time can cause you to get too much Exelon. If you accidentally use more than one Exelon Patch at a time call your healthcare provider. If you are unable to reach your healthcare provider, contact your local Poison Control Center or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away.

Where should I Apply Exelon Patch?

Apply 1 Exelon Patch to ONLY ONE of the outlined areas shown in the figures below (See figure A):

• upper back, left or right side
• lower back, left or right side
• upper arm, left or right
• chest, left or right side

Figure A - Apply one patch to ONLY ONE of the following possible sites each day

The diagram represents areas on the body where Exelon Patch may be applied. Only one patch should be worn at a time. Do not apply multiple patches to the body.

Apply ONLY ONE patch per day to ONLY ONE of the following locations (as illustrated above): the upper or lower back if it is likely that the patient will remove it. If this is not a concern, the patch can be applied instead to the upper arm or chest. Avoid places where the patch can be rubbed off by tight clothing.

Apply Exelon Patch as follows:

The patch is a thin, beige, plastic patch that sticks to the skin. Each patch is sealed in a pouch that protects it until you are ready to put it on. Do not open the pouch or remove a patch until just before you apply it.

1. Cut the pouch along the dotted line to open and remove the patch (See Figure B). Save the pouch for later use. The patch should not be cut or folded sharply.

Figure B

2. A protective liner covers the sticky (adhesive) side of the patch. Peel off one side of the protective cover. Do not touch the sticky part of the patch with your finger (See Figure C).

Figure C

3. Apply the sticky side of the patch onto your chosen skin site.

4. Peel off the other side of the protective cover (See Figure D).

Figure D

5. Press down on the patch firmly to make sure that the edges stick well (See Figure E).

Figure E

Wash your hands with soap and water after applying the patch.

Removing the Exelon Patch:

• Gently pull on 1 edge of the Exelon Patch to remove it off your skin.
• Fold the Exelon Patch in half and put it back into the pouch that you saved.
• Throw the used Exelon Patch in the trash out of the reach of children and pets.
• Wash your hands with soap and water right away.

What should I avoid while using Exelon Patch?

• Do not touch your eyes after you touch the Exelon Patch.
• Exelon Patch can cause drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, or fainting. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how Exelon Patch affects you.
• Avoid exposure to external heat sources such as excessive sunlight, saunas, or solariums for long periods of time.

What are the possible side effects of Exelon Patch?

Exelon Patch may cause serious side effects including:

• Stomach or bowel (intestinal) problems, including:
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • dehydration
  • loss of appetite
  • weight loss
  • bleeding in your stomach (ulcers)
• heart problems
• seizures
• problems with movement (tremors)

The most common side effects of Exelon Patch include:

• depression
• headache
• anxiety
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• urinary tract infections
• muscle weakness
• tiredness
• trouble sleeping

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of Exelon Patch. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

How should I store Exelon Patch?

• Store Exelon Patch at 59°F to 86°F (15°C to 30°C).
• Keep Exelon Patch in the sealed pouch until ready to use.

Keep Exelon Patch and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about the safe and effective use of Exelon Patch.

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in the Patient Information leaflet. Do not use Exelon Patch for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Exelon Patch to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.

This Patient Information leaflet summarizes the most important information about Exelon Patch. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for information about Exelon Patch that is written for health professionals.

What are the ingredients of Exelon Patch?

Active ingredient: rivastigmine

Last reviewed on RxList: 9/17/2012
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.