Rivastigmine skin patches
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What are Rivastigmine skin patches?
RIVASTIGMINE helps to treat memory problems due to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• asthma or other lung disease
• difficulty passing urine
• head injury
• heart disease, or irregular or slow heartbeat
• liver disease
• low blood pressure
• low body weight
• seizures (convulsions)
• stomach or intestinal disease, ulcers, or stomach bleeding
• tobacco smoker
• an unusual or allergic reaction to Rivastigmine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding
How should this medicine be used?
This skin patch is applied on the skin only. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use exactly as directed. Change the patch each day at the same time. Apply to an area of the upper arm, chest, or back that is clean, dry and hairless. Avoid injured, irritated, oily, or calloused areas or where the patch will be rubbed by tight clothing or a waistband. Do not place over an area where lotion, cream, or powder was recently used.
Apply to skin right after removing the protective liner. Press firmly in place until the edges stick well. Do not apply to the same place more than once every 14 days to prevent skin irritation. Do not cut or trim the patch. This medicine may be used while bathing, showering, swimming, or in hot weather. Avoid saunas and prolonged exposure to sunlight. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.
Always remove the old patch before you apply a new one. Remove patch slowly and carefully to avoid irritation. After removal, fold the patch so that it sticks to itself and throw it away. After handling the patch, do not touch eyes or objects until hands are washed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What drug(s) may interact with Rivastigmine?
• atropine
• benztropine
• dicyclomine
• digoxin
• donepezil
• galantamine
• glycopyrrolate
• hyoscyamine
• medications for motion sickness (examples: dimenhydrinate, scopolamine)
• medicines that relax your muscles for surgery
• non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen)
• oxybutynin
• propantheline
• tacrine
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking Rivastigmine?
You may get dizzy or feel faint. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you.
If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking rivastigmine.
What side effects may I notice from receiving Rivastigmine?
Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• changes in vision or balance
• diarrhea, if it is severe or does not stop
• dizziness, fainting spells, or falls
• increase in frequency of passing urine, or incontinence
• nervousness, agitation, or increased confusion
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• skin rash or hives
• slow heartbeat, or palpitations
• stomach pain
• sweating
• uncontrollable movements
• vomiting
• weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• mild diarrhea, especially when starting treatment
• indigestion or heartburn
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• trembling
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Store at room temperature between 15 degrees and 30 degrees C (59 degrees and 86 degrees F). Store in original pouch until just prior to use. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.
