Information about Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine)
Exelon Patch is a transdermal system that delivers rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, through the skin to treat dementia. It is commonly prescribed for individuals with mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease.The patch provides a continuous, controlled release of the medication over 24 hours, improving treatment compliance and reducing gastrointestinal side effects often seen with oral forms.
Product Highlights
- Exelon Patch is primarily used to treat mild to moderate dementia resulting from Alzheimer’s disease.
- It is also approved for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Exelon Patch helps slow the progression of symptoms in individuals with dementia due to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
- By providing continuous drug delivery, the patch reduces fluctuations in drug levels and minimizes gastrointestinal side effects compared to the oral form.
- It also improves medication adherence, especially in patients who have difficulty taking oral medications consistently.
Direction of Use
- The patch should be applied once a day to clean, dry, hairless skin, usually on the upper back, upper arm, or chest.
- A new patch should be applied at the same time each day, and the application site should be rotated to avoid skin irritation, with at least 14 days between applications to the same spot.
- Only one patch should be applied at a time, and it must not be cut or placed near direct sources of heat.
- The starting dose is usually 4.6 mg/24 hours, with gradual increases under medical supervision.
Safety Concerns
- Use of Exelon Patch can cause skin reactions at the application site, including redness, itching, or irritation.
- Other possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, and headache.
- There is a risk of bradycardia (slow heart rate) and fainting, particularly in older adults or those with heart conditions.
- In rare cases, it may cause allergic dermatitis or gastrointestinal bleeding. Proper use and rotation of application sites are essential to avoid skin damage.
Avoid Exelon Patch (Rivastigmine) If
- You should not use Exelon Patch if you are allergic to rivastigmine or any component of the patch, including the adhesive.
- It should also be avoided in patients with a history of severe skin reactions to the patch or in those who have active gastrointestinal ulcers or are at risk of significant bradycardia.
- Patients with severe liver impairment should not use the patch without close medical supervision.
