Brand Names: Exelon

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

• What is rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?
• What are the possible side effects of rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?
• What is the most important information I should know about rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?
• How should I use rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Exelon Patch)?
• What happens if I overdose (Exelon Patch)?
• What should I avoid while using rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?
• What other drugs will affect rivastigmine transdermal (Exelon Patch)?
• Where can I get more information?

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 not 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 a serious side effect such as:

• 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, stomach pain;
• headache, tired feeling;
• anxiety, depressed mood;
• 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. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

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

You should not use rivastigmine if you are allergic to it.

Before using rivastigmine transdermal, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, a seizure disorder, asthma or allergies, tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements, or a history of stomach ulcer.

Always remove an old patch before putting on a new one. Do not wear more than 1 patch at a time.

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 surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using rivastigmine transdermal.

Rivastigmine transdermal may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.