* Generic Name: rivastigmine tartrate
* Brand Name: Exelon
* What is rivastigmine (Exelon)?
* What are the possible side effects of rivastigmine (Exelon)?
* What is the most important information I should know about
rivastigmine (Exelon)?
* What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
rivastigmine (Exelon)?
* How should I take rivastigmine (Exelon)?
* What happens if I miss a dose (Exelon)?
* What happens if I overdose (Exelon)?
* What should I avoid while taking rivastigmine (Exelon)?
* What other drugs will affect rivastigmine (Exelon)?
* Where can I get more information (Exelon)?
What is rivastigmine (Exelon)?
Rivastigmine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It
works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical that is important for
the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning. People with
dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical.
Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by
Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Rivastigmine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
medication guide.
What are the possible side effects of rivastigmine (Exelon)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or
throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
* severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea with weight loss;
* bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that
looks like coffee grounds;
* a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
* tremors (uncontrolled shaking), restless muscle movements in
your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
* seizure (convulsions);
* painful or difficult urination;
* severe skin redness, itching, or irritation; or
* if you feel very thirsty or hot, are unable to urinate, and have
heavy sweating or hot and dry skin.
Common side effects may include:
* upset stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
* loss of appetite; or
* weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What is the most important information I should know about rivastigmine
(Exelon)?
You should not take oral rivastigmine if you have ever had severe
redness, itching, or skin irritation caused by wearing a rivastigmine
transdermal skin patch.
Exelon Patient Information including How Should I Take
Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Aging Brains
Dementia Slideshow Pictures
Alzheimer's Disease:A Caregiver's Guide
Alzheimer's Disease Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Alzheimer's Quiz
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rivastigmine
(Exelon)?
You should not take this medicine if you are allergic to rivastigmine
or similar medicines, such as neostigmine, meprobamate, or
carisoprodol.
You should not take oral rivastigmine if you have ever had severe
redness, itching, or skin irritation caused by wearing a rivastigmine
transdermal skin patch.
To make sure rivastigmine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
have:
* liver or kidney disease;
* recent weight loss or lack of appetite;
* a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow
heartbeats);
* an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
* epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
* asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD),
or other breathing disorder;
* a history of stomach ulcer; or
* tremors (dyskinesia) or uncontrolled muscle movements.
Rivastigmine is not expected to harm 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. You should not breast-feed while using this
medicine.
How should I take rivastigmine (Exelon)?
Rivastigmine is usually taken twice per day. Follow all directions on
your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose
to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in
larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take rivastigmine with food.
Rivastigmine oral solution (liquid) comes with patient instructions for
correctly measuring the dose. Follow these directions carefully. Ask
your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a
special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
You may swallow the liquid medicine directly from the syringe or mix
the medicine with a small glass of water, fruit juice, or soda. Stir
the mixture and drink all of it within 4 hours after mixing. To 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 protective case. Close the medicine
bottle using the child resistant closure.
Use rivastigmine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your
prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.
Tell your doctor if you have any changes in weight. Rivastigmine doses
are based on weight, and any changes may affect the dose.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are
using rivastigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short
time.
If you stop taking rivastigmine for any reason, do not restart the
medicine without talking to your doctor first. You may need to restart
treatment with a lower dose.
Store in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture
and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
Exelon Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
Dementia, Alzheimer's, and Aging Brains
Dementia Slideshow Pictures
Alzheimer's Disease:A Caregiver's Guide
Alzheimer's Disease Slideshow Pictures
RxList
Take the Alzheimer's Quiz
What happens if I miss a dose (Exelon)?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. 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 medicine.
What happens if I overdose (Exelon)?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
1-800-222-1222.
Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, salivation,
sweating, slow heartbeats, weak or shallow breathing, fainting, or
seizure (convulsions).
What should I avoid while taking rivastigmine (Exelon)?
This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
What other drugs will affect rivastigmine (Exelon)?
Do not wear a rivastigmine transdermal skin patch at the same time you
are taking rivastigmine capsules or oral liquid.
Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or
stop using, especially:
* atropine;
* metoclopramide;
* cold or allergy medicine that contains an antihistamine
(Benadryl and others);
* medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;
* medicine to treat excess stomach acid, stomach ulcer, motion
sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
* a beta blocker--atenolol, carvedilol, labetalol,
metoprolol, nadolol, nebivolol, propranolol, sotalol,
and others;
* bladder or urinary medicines--darifenacin, fesoterodine,
oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin; or
* bronchodilators--aclidinium, ipratropium, or tiotropium.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with rivastigmine,
including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and
herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this
medication guide.
Where can I get more information (Exelon)?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about rivastigmine.
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