What is rivastigmine?
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 is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's
disease.
Rivastigmine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rivastigmine?
Before taking rivastigmine, tell your doctor if you have:
-
a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow
heartbeats);
-
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
-
epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or
-
asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or
special tests to safely take rivastigmine.
FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn
baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether rivastigmine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing
baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take rivastigmine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger
amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this
medication.
Rivastigmine is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening. Follow your doctor's
directions.
Take rivastigmine with food.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking
rivastigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
Take the rivastigmine capsule with a full glass of water.
Do not use a regular table spoon to measure a dose of rivastigmine oral liquid (solution).
Use the syringe provided.
You may swallow the oral liquid directly from the syringe or mix the medicine with a small glass
of water, fruit juice, or soda. Do not use any other liquids to mix with rivastigmine oral liquid.
Stir the medicine mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you get the entire dose,
add a little more water to the same glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
After using the syringe, wipe the outside of it with a clean tissue and put the syringe back into its
case. Close the medicine bottle using the child resistant closure.
It is important to use rivastigmine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled
before you run out of medicine completely.
If you stop taking rivastigmine for any reason,
do not restart the medication without
talking to your doctor first.
You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.
Store rivastigmine at room temperature away from moisture and heat in an upright position.
What happens if I miss a dose of rivastigmine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take
extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
If you miss several doses in a row, call your doctor before taking any more
of this medication.
Where can I get more information about rivastigmine?
Your pharmacist has information about rivastigmine written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of rivastigmine?
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 and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side
effects:
-
stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite;
-
black, bloody, or tarry stools;
-
coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee
grounds;
-
feeling light-headed, fainting;
-
chest pain;
-
confusion, agitation, extreme fear; or
-
pain or burning when you urinate.
Less serious side effects may include:
-
upset stomach, diarrhea;
-
weight loss;
-
weakness, dizziness;
-
swelling in your hands or feet;
-
joint pain;
-
cough, runny or stuffy nose;
-
increased sweating;
-
sleep problems (insomnia); or
-
headache.
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?
Before taking rivastigmine, 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 and call your doctor at once if the medicine causes you to have
stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite.
This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these
directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
It is important to use rivastigmine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled
before you run out of medicine completely.
If you stop taking rivastigmine 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 taking
rivastigmine.
Rivastigmine 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.
What should I avoid while taking rivastigmine?
Rivastigmine 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.
What other drugs will affect rivastigmine?
Before taking rivastigmine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
atropine (Donnatal, and others);
-
belladonna;
-
clidinium (Quarzan);
-
dicyclomine (Bentyl);
-
glycopyrrolate (Robinul);
-
hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others);
-
mepenzolate (Cantil);
-
methantheline (Provocholine);
-
methscopolamine (Pamine);
-
propantheline (Pro-Banthine); or
-
scopolamine (Transderm-Scop).
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with
rivastigmine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use.
This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start
using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of rivastigmine?