rivastigmine

Rivastigmine is used to treat confusion (dementia) related to Alzheimer's disease and to Parkinson's disease. Rivastigmine does not cure either of these diseases, but it may improve memory, awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions. This medication works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not use 2 patches to catch up.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. Follow all instructions for how to properly apply and use the patches. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Apply the patch to the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Do not open the sealed pouch until ready to use. Open the pouch and remove the patch from the protective liner. Do not cut the patch. Apply the patch as directed to a clean, dry, hairless area on the back, upper arm, or chest. Remove the old patch first before applying a new patch. Do not wear 2 patches at the same time. Do not apply the patch to red/irritated/broken areas of skin or to areas where you have applied creams or lotions. Avoid applying it to areas where tight clothing may rub the patch off. You can bathe with the patch on. When changing your patch, remove the old patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together, and throw it away out of reach of children and pets. Apply a new patch to a different area to prevent skin irritation. Do not apply a new patch to the same area for at least 2 weeks. Do not touch your eyes while you are handling the patch. Wash your hands with soap and water after each application. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects (such as nausea and diarrhea), your doctor will start this medication using a lower dose of the patch and may increase your dose after 4 weeks. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often than prescribed. Do not apply more than one patch per day or leave the patch on for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, change your patch at the same time each day. If you do not use rivastigmine for 3 or more days in row, talk with your doctor before starting again. You may need to restart at a lower dose. Tell your doctor if your condition worsens.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: aspirin/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen). Check all prescription and nonprescription medicine labels carefully since many medications contain pain relievers/fever reducers (NSAIDs such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen) that if taken together with rivastigmine may increase your risk for stomach/intestinal bleeding. Low-dose aspirin, as prescribed by your doctor for specific medical reasons such as heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams per day), should be continued. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Do not share this medication with others. Your doctor should check your weight periodically to monitor for side effects.

This drug may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, remove the patch if possible and contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe or persistent nausea/vomiting, excessive sweating, very slow heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, seizure.

Before using rivastigmine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing/lung problems (such as asthma, COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), stomach/intestinal problems (such as ulcers, bleeding), heart problems (such as sick sinus syndrome, other conduction disorders), fainting, seizures, problems urinating (such as due to enlarged prostate). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. While wearing your patch, avoid exposing it to direct heat (such as prolonged direct sunlight, heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs). Heat may cause more drug to be released into your body, increasing the chance of side effects. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite/weight loss, diarrhea, weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, shakiness (tremors), and skin irritation at the application site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, contact your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects occur: slow/irregular heartbeat, fainting, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, severe stomach/abdominal pain, seizures, trouble urinating. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.