What is rivastigmine transdermal?
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 transdermal (skin patch) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Rivastigmine transdermal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I use rivastigmine transdermal?
Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not apply more patches or use them for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
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.
Never cut or tear a rivastigmine patch.
Apply the skin patch to a flat, hairless area of the chest, back, side, or outer side of your upper arm. Press the patch firmly with the palm making sure it sticks firmly, especially around the edges.
Avoid placing the patch where it will be rubbed by tight clothing, or in the folds of your skin. The patch should remain flat on the skin at all times. Take care to avoid accidentally removing the patch while showering or during physical activity.
You will wear the patch for 24 hours and then remove it and put on a new one. Apply the new patch to a different skin area on your back each day. Do not use the same spot again for at least 14 days. Do not wear more than 1 patch at a time unless your doctor has told you to.
If a patch falls off, apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the day. Change the patch at your usual time the next day.
After removing a skin patch fold it in half, sticky side in, and throw it away where children and pets cannot get to it.
Always wash your hands after removing the patch.
If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using rivastigmine transdermal. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.
It may take up to 4 weeks of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the patches as directed.
If you stop using rivastigmine transdermal for any reason, do not restart the medication without talking to your doctor first. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose.
Store rivastigmine skin patches at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each patch in its foil pouch until you are ready to use it.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, slow or shallow breathing, or hallucinations.
What should I avoid while using rivastigmine transdermal?
Do not use any cream, lotion, ointment, oil, or powder on the skin where you plan to apply a skin patch. The patch may not stick well to the skin.
Avoid applying heat to the skin where the patch is worn, because it may increase the amount of medicine your body absorbs. Heat sources include hot tubs, heating pads, heat lamps, saunas, heated water beds, and direct sunlight. Rivastigmine transdermal can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
Rivastigmine transdermal side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using rivastigmine transdermal and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
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nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
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black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
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restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
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sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
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pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
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confusion, hallucinations; or
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pain or burning when you urinate.
Less serious side effects may include:
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diarrhea;
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headache, tired feeling;
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redness, itching, or swelling where the patch was worn;
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dizziness, spinning feeling; or
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sleep problems (insomnia).
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