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Exelon, |rivastigmine

rivastigmine

Generic Name: rivastigmine (ri va STIG meen)
Brand Names: Exelon

What is rivastigmine?

Rivastigmine improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.

Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer"s or Parkinson"s disease.

Rivastigmine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about rivastigmine?

Before taking rivastigmine, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

It is important to use rivastigmine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

If you stop taking rivastigmine for any reason, do not restart the medication without talking to your doctor first. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking rivastigmine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rivastigmine?

Before taking rivastigmine, tell your doctor if you have:

• a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats);

• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or

• asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease.

You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I take rivastigmine?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Rivastigmine is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening. Follow your doctor"s directions.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking rivastigmine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

You may swallow the oral liquid directly from the syringe or mix the medicine with a small glass of water, fruit juice, or soda. Do not use any other liquids to mix with rivastigmine oral liquid.

Stir the medicine mixture and drink all of it right away. To make sure you 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 case. Close the medicine bottle using the child resistant closure.

It is important to use rivastigmine regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

If you stop taking rivastigmine for any reason, do not restart the medication without talking to your doctor first. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a rivastigmine overdose may include severe nausea, vomiting, drooling, sweating, blurred vision, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, muscle weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking rivastigmine?

Rivastigmine side effects

• stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• chest pain;

• confusion, agitation, extreme fear; or

• pain or burning when you urinate.

Continue taking rivastigmine and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:

• upset stomach, diarrhea;

• weight loss;

• weakness, dizziness;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• joint pain;

• cough, runny or stuffy nose;

• increased sweating;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• headache.

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 rivastigmine?

Before taking rivastigmine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• atropine (Donnatal, and others);

• belladonna;

• clidinium (Quarzan);

• dicyclomine (Bentyl);

• glycopyrrolate (Robinul);

• hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others);

• mepenzolate (Cantil);

• methantheline (Provocholine);

• methscopolamine (Pamine);

• propantheline (Pro-Banthine); or

• scopolamine (Transderm-Scop).

If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use rivastigmine or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect rivastigmine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Where can I get more information?

• Your pharmacist has more information about rivastigmine written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Rivastigmine is available with a prescription under the brand name Exelon. Other brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.

• Exelon 2 mg/mL--clear, yellow solution in a 4 oz (120 mL) bottle with an oral dosing syringe

• Exelon 1.5 mg-- yellow capsule

• Exelon 3 mg--orange capsule

• Exelon 4.5 mg--red capsule

• Exelon 6 mg--orange and red capsule

• Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ("Multum") is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum"s drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum"s drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.