Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine Transdermal System) Patient Information: Side Effects and Drug Images at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Exelon Patch

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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.

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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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Exelon Patch Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Exelon

Generic Name: rivastigmine transdermal (Pronunciation: riv a STIG meen)

What is rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?

Rivastigmine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Rivastigmine transdermal (skin patch) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.

Rivastigmine transdermal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using rivastigmine transdermal and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
confusion, hallucinations; or
pain or burning when you urinate.

Less serious side effects may include:

diarrhea;
headache, tired feeling;
redness, itching, or swelling where the patch was worn;
dizziness, spinning feeling; or
sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?

Before using rivastigmine transdermal, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

Stop using rivastigmine transdermal and call your doctor at once if the medicine causes you to have nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss.

If you stop using rivastigmine transdermal for any reason, do not restart the medication without talking to your doctor first. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using rivastigmine transdermal.

Rivastigmine transdermal can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

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