Exelon Patch 15

Exelon Patch 15 is a rivastigmine product used for symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer’s disease. This pack contains 10 packs of Exelon Patch 15, with each tablet labelled with the higher-strength rivastigmine dose intended for patients whose prescriber has already assessed that they need more than the lower-strength options. Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor, a medicine class that can help improve or stabilize thinking and memory symptoms in some people with Alzheimer’s disease.

How it works: Rivastigmine works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and attention. In tablet form, Exelon Patch 15 delivers the medicine by mouth so it can be absorbed through the digestive tract and then act on the brain.

Exelon Patch 15 is a higher-strength tablet form of rivastigmine, so it is not usually the first step when treatment is started. Compared with Exelon Patch 10 and Exelon Transdermal Patch 5, this strength is chosen when a doctor wants a stronger daily dose and believes the patient can tolerate it based on response and side effects. Because it is a higher strength, it may be more likely to cause nausea or vomiting if the dose is too high for the individual.

• Mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease symptoms
• Memory and thinking problems related to dementia
• Support for attention and daily function in diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease

• Take Exelon Patch 15 exactly as prescribed by your doctor; do not change the dose on your own.
• Swallow the tablet with water unless your prescriber or label gives different instructions for your exact tablet product.
• Taking it with food may help reduce stomach upset and nausea.
• If a dose is missed, follow your doctor’s instructions for missed doses rather than doubling up.
• Do not crush, split, or chew the tablet unless your pharmacist confirms the tablet is designed for that use.
• If you are just starting rivastigmine or increasing to Exelon Patch 15, your doctor may have you watch for nausea, vomiting, or dizziness more closely.

Exelon Patch 15 provides the labeled rivastigmine dose for this strength, which is the higher-strength option in this line. It may be taken once or twice daily depending on the prescriber’s directions and the exact tablet design, and the maximum daily dose is set by the doctor based on tolerance and response. This strength is not meant to be guessed or self-adjusted, since rivastigmine dosing must be individualized.

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

Common side effects of Rivastigmine may include:

• Nausea, especially if the dose is increased too quickly or at this higher strength
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Weight loss
• Tiredness or weakness

• Exelon Patch 15 is a higher-strength rivastigmine tablet, so it may cause more stomach side effects than lower strengths.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of slow heart rate, fainting, ulcers, asthma, COPD, or seizure disorders.
• Use caution when driving or standing up quickly, especially if you feel dizzy or weak.
• Alcohol may worsen dizziness, confusion, or stomach upset.
• Tell your prescriber about any liver or kidney problems before using this strength.
• Do not start, stop, or increase the dose without medical advice.
• This medicine is for diagnosed dementia care and is not a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.

• Other cholinesterase inhibitors or medicines used for Alzheimer’s disease
• Anticholinergic medicines, which may reduce rivastigmine’s effect
• Beta blockers or other heart medicines that can slow the pulse
• Medicines that cause dizziness or sedation, including some sleep or anxiety drugs
• Alcohol

Store Exelon Patch 15 in its original package at room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture, and light, and keep it out of reach of children.