Benefits of Exelon® (rivastigine tartrate)
Exelon is used to treat people with mild or moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). At either stage, Exelon can help slow the rate of decline, maintain, or even sometimes improve the person's current level of function.
How Exelon therapy can help
There is no known cure for AD. All people with AD get progressively worse over time no matter what medicine they take. But studies have shown that some patients with mild to moderate AD were more likely to show improvement or less likely to decline than patients given a sugar pill. In other words, Exelon may help people with AD maintain function longer than they would without treatment. And that's the goal of Exelon therapy — to improve or maintain functioning or slow the decline.
What is the most important information I should know about Exelon (rivastigine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Exelon (rivastigine) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What is Exelon (rivastigine)?
Exelon (rivastigine) is used to treat Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is associated with low levels of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KOH leen) in your brain. The exact way that Exelon (rivastigine) works is unknown. However, it is believed that Exelon (rivastigine) prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in your brain.
Exelon (rivastigine) is used to improve thinking and memory in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Exelon (rivastigine) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
Who should not take Exelon (rivastigine)?
Before taking Exelon (rivastigine), tell your doctor if you:
- have significant nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, or weight loss
- have difficulty urinating
- have heart disease such as a slow or irregular heartbeat
- have a history of stomach ulcers
- have seizures or a history of seizures
- have a history of asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease
- need to have surgery
You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Exelon (rivastigine) is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Exelon (rivastigine) without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is also not known whether Exelon (rivastigine) will harm a nursing infant. Do not take Exelon (rivastigine) without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take Exelon (rivastigine)?
Take Exelon (rivastigine) exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Exelon (rivastigine) is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening. Follow your doctor's directions.
Take Exelon (rivastigine) with food.
If you are taking Exelon (rivastigine) capsules, take each dose with a full glass of water.
To use the Exelon (rivastigine) oral solution:
- Remove the oral dosing syringe from its protective case. Push down and twist the child resistant closure to open bottle.
- Insert the tip of the syringe into opening of the white stopper.
- While holding the syringe, pull the plunger up to the level (see markings on side of syringe) that equals the dose prescribed by your doctor.
- Before removing the syringe containing the prescribed dose from the bottle, push out any large bubbles by moving the plunger up and down a few times. After the large bubbles are gone, pull the plunger again to the level that equals the dose prescribed by your doctor. Do not worry about a few tiny bubbles, this will not affect your dose. Remove the syringe from the bottle.
- You may swallow the solution directly from the syringe or mix it with a small glass of water, cold fruit juice, or soda. Do not mix it with other liquids. If mixing with water, juice, or soda, be sure to stir completely and to drink the entire mixture. Drink the mixture within 4 hours.
- After use, wipe the outside of the syringe with a clean tissue and put it back into its case. Close the bottle using the child resistant closure.
Do not use a regular table spoon to measure a dose of Exelon (rivastigine) liquid. Use the syringe provided.
If you stop taking Exelon (rivastigine) for any reason, talk to your doctor before restarting the medication. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.
Store Exelon (rivastigine) at room temperature away from moisture and heat in an upright position.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a Exelon (rivastigine) overdose include
- severe nausea
- vomiting
- watering mouth
- sweating
- slow heartbeat
- slow breathing
- prolonged or severe dizziness
- fainting
- blurred vision
- seizures
- collapse
What should I avoid while taking Exelon (rivastigine)?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Exelon (rivastigine) may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
What are the possible side effects of Exelon (rivastigine)?
Stop taking Exelon (rivastigine) and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).
Other, less serious side effects may also occur. Continue to take Exelon (rivastigine) and talk to your doctor if you experience.
- drowsiness or dizziness
- nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- weight loss
- abdominal pain or diarrhea
- headache
- weakness or a feeling of general discomfort
- tremor
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect Exelon (rivastigine)?
Exelon (rivastigine) can interact with many other medicines. Before taking Exelon (rivastigine), tell your doctor and pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter preparations, so that your therapy can be monitored for interactions.
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist has more information about Exelon (rivastigine) written for health professionals that you may read.
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