Exelon Transdermal Patch 5

Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is a rivastigmine patch used to help treat mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia. Each patch is labeled to deliver 5 mg of rivastigmine over 24 hours, and it belongs to a cholinesterase inhibitor class of medicines. This strength is applied to the skin once daily and is used only under a doctor’s supervision as part of a broader treatment plan. Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 may help improve symptoms such as memory, thinking, and daily functioning in some patients.

How it works: Rivastigmine blocks an enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and thinking. By raising acetylcholine levels in a steady way from the patch, Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 may help support brain function in people with dementia.

Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is the lower-strength patch in the Exelon patch range we sell, compared with Exelon Patch 10 and Exelon Patch 15. It is often chosen when a prescriber wants a gentler starting or maintenance option, since lower rivastigmine exposure may be easier to tolerate than higher-strength patches. The patch gives steady medicine delivery through the skin rather than a pill taken by mouth.

• Treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease
• Treatment of dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease
• Maintenance therapy when a doctor selects a low-dose rivastigmine patch
• To help with memory, attention, and thinking symptoms

• Apply Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 to clean, dry, hairless skin on the upper or lower back, upper arm, or chest.
• Press the patch firmly in place for at least 30 seconds, making sure the edges stick well.
• Wear only one patch at a time and remove the old patch before applying a new one.
• Change the application site every day to reduce skin irritation and avoid using the same exact spot for 14 days.
• Do not cut the patch, and do not place it on irritated, red, or broken skin.
• Wash hands after applying or removing the patch, and avoid touching your eyes before washing up.

Each Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 patch is labeled to deliver 5 mg of rivastigmine over 24 hours. It is usually worn once daily, and the doctor decides whether this lower strength is appropriate and whether a higher strength may be needed later. The maximum daily dose depends on the prescribed patch strength, but patients should never use more than one patch per day unless a prescriber specifically instructs otherwise.

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

Common side effects of Rivastigmine may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Dizziness
• Skin redness or itching where the Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is applied

• Use caution if you have a history of slow heart rate, heart rhythm problems, ulcers, asthma, or COPD.
• Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 can cause dizziness or fainting, so be careful with driving or activities needing alertness.
• Tell your doctor if you have low body weight, because side effects such as nausea and weight loss may be more likely.
• Do not use more than one rivastigmine patch at a time unless your prescriber tells you to.
• Remove the old patch before applying a new one to avoid too much rivastigmine exposure.
• Alcohol may worsen dizziness or stomach upset in some people.
• Let your doctor know if skin irritation becomes severe or spreads beyond the patch area.

• Other cholinesterase inhibitors, such as donepezil or galantamine
• Anticholinergic medicines that may work against rivastigmine
• Beta-blockers or other medicines that can slow the heart rate
• NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, which may raise stomach bleeding risk in some patients
• Metoclopramide, which may increase the chance of movement-related side effects

Store Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 at room temperature in its sealed pouch until use, away from heat, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of reach of children and pets.