Rivastigmine



ExelonŽ







Rivastigmine

(ri va STIG meen)

U.S. Brand Names
ExelonŽ
Canadian Brand Names
ExelonŽ
Mexican Brand Names
ExelonŽ
Pharmacologic Category
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor (Central)
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • If this medicine is stopped for more than several days, call healthcare provider. This medicine must be started at a lower dose to prevent vomiting.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to rivastigmine or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
  • If you are breast-feeding.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat Alzheimer's disease.
  • It may take 3 months to see the full effect.
How does it work?
  • Rivastigmine increases the amount of a chemical called acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine may be involved in memory, attention, and learning.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this medicine at breakfast and dinner.
  • Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • A liquid (solution) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Take alone or mix with water, juice, or soda before drinking. See instructions enclosed with the bottle.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible, with a meal.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you have lung disease, you may be more sensitive to this medicine.
  • If you have seizures, talk with healthcare provider.
  • If you have a slow heartbeat, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Headache.
  • Belly pain.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help. This may improve once you are on a stable dose of medicine.
  • Not hungry.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check weight weekly. Report a weight loss to healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • If medicine is stopped for more than several days, dose will need to be decreased.
  • Significant change in balance.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store capsules at room temperature.
  • Protect capsules from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Store solution at room temperature. Do not freeze.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: