Exelon Patch 10

Exelon Patch 10 is a rivastigmine tablet product used to help treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and some other dementias. Each pack contains 10 tablets, with rivastigmine as the active ingredient in the labeled strength. Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor, a medicine that helps support memory and thinking. This product is used when a doctor decides a tablet form at this strength is appropriate for the patient’s condition and treatment plan.

How it works: Rivastigmine helps increase the level of a brain chemical called acetylcholine, which is involved in memory and learning. By slowing the breakdown of this chemical, Exelon Patch 10 tablets may help improve or stabilize thinking and daily function in some people with dementia.

Exelon Patch 10 is the labeled higher-strength tablet option in this product line, so it is not the same as a low-dose starter option. A doctor may choose Exelon Patch 10 for a patient who has already been assessed for this strength and needs a tablet form that fits their current regimen rather than a lower or transdermal form. Compared with Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 and Exelon Patch 15, it represents a specific strength choice rather than a one-size-fits-all starting dose.

• Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
• Mild to moderate dementia symptoms
• Memory and thinking support
• Treatment selected by a prescriber for rivastigmine therapy

• Take Exelon Patch 10 exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Swallow the tablet with water unless your pharmacist or prescriber gives different instructions.
• Take it at the same time each day if you are prescribed once-daily use, or exactly on the schedule your doctor gives you.
• If it upsets your stomach, taking it with food may help, but follow your prescriber’s directions.
• Do not crush, split, or chew unless your pharmacist confirms the tablet is made for that use.
• If you miss a dose, follow your prescription instructions; do not double up unless your doctor tells you to.

Exelon Patch 10 provides rivastigmine at the labeled 10 mg tablet strength per tablet. Depending on the prescription, it may be taken once or twice daily, but the exact schedule and any maximum daily amount are decided by the doctor based on how well it is tolerated and whether the patient is being titrated from a lower strength. Because this is a higher-strength tablet option, it is meant for people whose prescriber has already determined that this dose fits their treatment plan.

Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without speaking to your doctor.

Common side effects of Rivastigmine may include:

• Nausea, which may be more noticeable with this higher-strength tablet
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache

• Use only if a doctor has prescribed Exelon Patch 10 for you; higher-strength rivastigmine can cause stronger side effects than lower strengths.
• Tell your clinician if you have a history of heart rhythm problems, fainting, ulcers, asthma, COPD, seizures, or urinary blockage.
• Do not drink alcohol heavily, because it can worsen dizziness and stomach upset.
• Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Exelon Patch 10 affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you are underweight or losing weight, since rivastigmine can reduce appetite.
• Older adults and frail patients may be more sensitive to nausea, vomiting, and dizziness with this strength.
• Tell your healthcare provider before surgery or anesthesia, since this medicine can affect heart rate and other body functions.

• Other cholinesterase inhibitors
• Anticholinergic medicines such as oxybutynin or benztropine
• Beta-blockers such as metoprolol or atenolol, which may increase the risk of slow heartbeat
• Antipsychotics or other medicines that can cause dizziness or fainting
• Alcohol, which may worsen side effects

Store Exelon Patch 10 tablets at room temperature in a dry place, away from excess heat, moisture, and children.