Indications
Exelon Patch (active ingredient: rivastigmine) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Alzheimer's Disease: Exelon Patch is used for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease, a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline, memory loss, and impaired daily functioning.
- Parkinson's Disease Dementia: It is also indicated for the treatment of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease, which manifests as cognitive impairment, behavioral changes, and difficulties with memory and reasoning.
Exelon Patch belongs to a class of drugs known as cholinesterase inhibitors, which work by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter involved in memory, cognition, and learning, in the brain.
Uses and Dosage
Exelon patch is applied once a day to the skin, and it delivers a steady dose of the drug over 24 hours. Do not open the sealed pouch until it is ready to use. Do not touch your eyes while you are handling the patch. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application. If the medication comes in contact with your eyes or if your eyes become red after handling the patch, rinse your eyes right away with water. Tell your doctor if the redness or other symptoms do not go away.
To use Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine), follow these general steps:
- Choose a clean, dry, and hairless area on the upper or lower back, upper arm, or chest to apply the patch. Avoid areas with rashes, cuts, or irritation.
- Open the patch pouch and peel off the protective liner to expose the adhesive side of the patch.
- Apply the patch to the chosen area and press it firmly in place for about 30 seconds to ensure good adhesion.
- Wear the patch continuously for 24 hours.
- Replace the old patch with a new one every day, using a different skin site each time.
- Wash your hands with soap and water after applying or removing the patch to avoid getting the medication in your eyes or mouth.
The recommended starting dose for Exelon Patch is one 4.6 mg/24 hours patch applied once daily. After a minimum of 4 weeks of treatment and if the previous dose is well tolerated, the maintenance dose can be increased to one 9.5mg/24 hours patch applied once daily. Follow this dosing schedule and ensure that the medication is well-tolerated before increasing the dose.
Side effect
Common Side Effects of Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine):
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Skin irritation on the application site
- Tiredness
- Tremors
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Serious Side Effects of Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine):
- Black, tarry stool
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Severe abdominal pain
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Trouble urinating
- Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
Form and strength
Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine) is available in the following forms and strength:
Exelon Patch: Patch
- 4.6mg/24hr
- 9.5mg/24hr
- 13.3mg/24hr
Rivastigmine: Patch
- 4.6mg/24hr
- 9.5mg/24hr
Caution
- It is a transdermal system for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson's disease (PD).
- Possible side effects include skin application site reactions, and other adverse reactions reported at an incidence of 2% or higher.
- It is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to rivastigmine or any other component of the transdermal system.
- It is a cholinesterase inhibitor, which means it increases the levels of acetylcholine in the brain to help improve cognitive function.
- Gastrointestinal adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, especially at higher than recommended doses.
- Allergic contact dermatitis.
- Caution when prescribing to patients with a history of asthma or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), as cholinomimetics may aggravate these conditions.
- Interactions with other medications, such as anticholinergics and cholinesterase inhibitors
- Caution in patients with hepatic or renal impairment, as these conditions may affect the clearance of the medication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Exelon Patch be used in patients with severe dementia?
Exelon Patch is not recommended for use in patients with severe dementia.
Can Exelon Patch be used in patients with Parkinson's disease dementia?
Exelon Patch can be used to treat the cognitive symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease dementia.
Is Exelon Patch available as a generic medication?
Yes, generic versions of the Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine transdermal system) are available.
How is Exelon Patch applied?
Exelon Patch is applied to clean, dry, hairless skin on the upper or lower back, upper arm, or chest. The patch should not be applied to areas where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing.
Can Exelon Patch be cut or divided?
No, Exelon Patch should not be cut or divided. The patch should be applied whole to the skin.
Resources
- https://www.rxlist.com/exelon-patch-side-effects-drug-center.htm
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Exelon-Patch.aspx
- https://www.novartis.com/us-en/sites/novartis_us/files/exelonpatch.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-148821/exelon-transdermal/details
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/exelon-patch
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