Exelon Patch Side Effects

An Introduction to Exelon Patch Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with the Exelon^® Patch (rivastigmine patch); however, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, many people tolerate it quite well. If side effects Pfiagra do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

 

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with the Exelon Patch. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Exelon Patch side effects with you.)

 

Common Exelon Patch Side Effects

The Exelon Patch has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these trials, one group of people was given the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a patch with no active ingredients). This way, it is possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group who took the placebo.

 

It is important to note that these studies sometimes used an Exelon Patch dosage that is higher than is currently recommended, which increases the risk of side effects.

 

In these studies, the most common side effects of the Exelon Patch included:

 

• Nausea -- in up to 21 percent of people
• Vomiting -- up to 19 percent
• Diarrhea -- up to 10 percent
• Decreased appetite -- up to 9 percent
• Weight loss -- up to 8 percent (see Exelon Patch and Weight Loss).
   

Other common side effects, occurring in 2 to 7 percent of people, included:

 

• Dizziness
• Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as a bladder infection
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• A spinning sensation (vertigo).

Does the Exelon Patch Cause Weight Loss?

The Exelon^® Patch (rivastigmine patch) is a prescription medication used to treat Parkinson's or Alzheimer's dementia. Weight loss is one of the possible Exelon Patch side effects.

 

How Common Is Weight Loss With the Exelon Patch?

In clinical studies, up to 8 percent of people using the patch for Alzheimer's diseaseexperienced weight loss, compared to 1 percent of people taking a placebo (a patch with no active ingredient). People taking higher doses of the Exelon Patch are much more likely to experience weight loss, compared to people taking low doses. Weight loss while on the Exelon Patch is most likely due to some of the gastrointestinal side effects of the medication, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.

 

Final Thoughts on the Exelon Patch and Weight Loss

Weight loss is a possible side effect of the Exelon Patch, especially at a high dosage. If you are noticing significant weight loss while using the patch, talk with your healthcare provider. He or she may recommend ways to slow down or stop the weight loss. In more severe cases, your healthcare provider may recommend that you switch to a different Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease medication.

An Introduction to Exelon Patch Uses

The Exelon^® Patch (rivastigmine patch) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease andParkinson's disease. It belongs to a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and is approved for the treatment of mild to moderate dementia due toAlzheimer's or Parkinson's.

 

Exelon Patch Uses for Parkinson's Dementia

While most people think of dementia as related to Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease can also cause such problems. Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that results from the degeneration of neurons in a region of the brain that controls movement. This degeneration creates a shortage of the brain-signaling chemical (neurotransmitter) known as dopamine, causing the movement impairments that are characteristic of the disease. The exact cause of Parkinson's disease is not currently known.

 

Often, one of the first Parkinson's disease symptoms is tremor (trembling or shaking) of a limb, especially when the body is at rest. While most people associate this disease with such physical symptoms, dementia symptoms similar to Alzheimer's disease also may occur. TheExelon Patch is approved to treat dementia caused by Parkinson's disease. It will not help with other Parkinson's symptoms, such as trembling or shaking.

 

Exelon Patch Drug Description

Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) is a reversible cholinesterase inhibitor and is known chemically as (S)- 3-[1-(dimethylamino) ethyl]phenyl ethylmethylcarbamate. It has an empirical formula of C₁₄H₂₂N₂O₂ as the base and a molecular weight of 250.34 (as the base). Rivastigmine is a viscous, clear, and colorless to yellow to very slightly brown liquid that is sparingly soluble in Poxet water and very soluble in ethanol, acetonitrile, n-octanol and ethyl acetate.

The distribution coefficient at 37°C in n-octanol/phosphate buffer solution pH 7 is 4.27.

Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) is for transdermal administration. The patch comprises a four-layer laminate containing the backing layer, drug matrix, adhesive matrix and overlapping release liner. The release liner is removed and discarded prior to use. See Figure 1 for a detailed illustration.

Figure 1: Cross Section of the Patch

Layer 1	Backing Film
Layer 2	Drug Product (Acrylic) Matrix
Layer 3	Adhesive (Silicone) Matrix
Layer 4	Release Liner (removed at time of use)

Excipients within the formulation include acrylic copolymer, poly(butylmethacrylate, methylmethacrylate), silicone adhesive applied to a flexible polymer backing film, silicone oil, and vitamin E.

SIDE EFFECTS: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.

PRECAUTIONS: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.