5/29/2020 Rivastigmine Exelon Patch 5
EXELON® PATCH (rivastigmine transdermal system). Most common adverse reactions (less than 5% and higher than with placebo).
Rivastigmine (Exelon) transdermal patch is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe Alzheimer’s dementia. The patch is available in two doses: 4.6 mg/24 hours; and 9.5 mg/24 hours. Treatment is started with one 4.6 mg/24 hour patch. After a minimum of 4 weeks and if tolerated well, the daily dose should be increased to the recommended effective dose of 9.5 mg/24 hours.
Risk of medication errors and inappropriate useCase reports of medication errors and inappropriate use of the rivastigmine transdermal patch have been reported, some of which resulted in overdose and required admission to hospital. The most frequently reported causes were lack of patch removal and application of more than one patch at the same time.
Other causes were: application of the patch to non-recommended sites; patch application to the same area for several weeks; cutting the patch into several pieces; and dose errors in prescribing or dispensing.This article aims to remind healthcare professionals about the correct use and administration of rivastigmine transdermal patches as outlined in the Summary of Product Characteristics. Health professionals should also advise patients and caregivers before starting treatment; similar to any treatment initiated in patients with dementia, rivastigmine should only be started if a caregiver is able to regularly give and monitor treatment.
Further information for patients can be found in the.
To use the skin patch:.Apply the patch right away after removing it from the protective pouch. Do not cut it into smaller pieces and do not touch the sticky surface of the patch.Apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless skin area on your upper or lower back, upper arm, or chest. Do not put the patch over rashes, cuts, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch on areas where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing.Do not use the patch if the pouch seal is broken or the patch is cut, damaged, or changed in any way.Press the patch firmly in place for 30 seconds with the palm of your hand to make sure that the edges of the patch stick well.The patch should stay in place, even when you are showering, bathing, or swimming. Apply a new patch if it falls off.After 24 hours, remove the patch. Choose a different place on your skin to apply the new patch. Do not put a new patch in the same place for at least 14 days.
Do not leave the patch on for more than 24 hours. It will not work as well after that time and it may irritate your skin.After removing a used patch, fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together. Place the folded, used patch in its protective pouch. Make sure to dispose of it out of the reach of children and pets.Try to change the patch at the same time each day. If you forget to change the patch at the usual time, remove the patch you are wearing and put on a new patch. After that, apply a fresh patch at the usual time on the next day.Do not put cream, lotion, ointment, oil, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed.Do not touch your eyes after you touch the patch.Do not expose the patch to direct sources of heat, such as heating pads, electric blankets, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, heated water beds, or direct sunlight for long periods of time.Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the patch.Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor.
If you have not used your medicine for several days in a row, do not start using it again without talking to your doctor first. You may need to start the medicine again using a lower dose. DosingThe dose of this medicine will be different for different patients.
Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.For transdermal dosage form (patch):.For dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease:.Adults—At first, one 4.6 milligram (mg) patch once a day. After at least 4 weeks, your doctor will increase your dose as needed. If you have mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease dementia, usual dose is 9.5 mg patch or 13.3 mg patch per day. If you have severe Alzheimer's disease, 13.3 mg patch per day.
However, the dose is usually not more than one 13.3 mg patch per day.Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.Missed DoseIf you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.If you go 3 days in a row or longer without wearing a patch, do not apply a new one until you have talked to your doctor.
You might need to go back to a lower dose. StorageStore the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.Keep out of the reach of children.Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 01, 2019Copyright © 2020 IBM Watson Health.
All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
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