The Exelon Patch can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Important Safety Information
EXELON PATCH should not be used if the patient is allergic to rivastigmine or any of the other ingredients of EXELON PATCH, or has had an allergic reaction to a similar type of medicine. Speak to the doctor before using EXELON PATCH.
Mistakes in using EXELON PATCH have resulted in serious side effects; some cases have required hospitalization, and rarely, led to death. Most mistakes have involved not removing the old patch when putting on a new one and the use of multiple patches at one time. Only one EXELON PATCH should be worn at a time. If you accidentally apply more EXELON PATCHES than you should, remove all EXELON PATCHES and inform the doctor immediately.
At higher than recommended doses, EXELON PATCH is associated with significant stomach related side effects such as: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and weight loss. For this reason, people should always start at the low dose. Your doctor may change the dose as needed. If you have not taken EXELON PATCH for more than three days, do not start taking it again until you have talked to a doctor.
In a study, the most common side effects with EXELON PATCH were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Weight should be checked while the person is using EXELON PATCH. Weight loss/loss of appetite may occur. People below 50 kg, or 110 lbs, may experience more side effects and may have to stop using EXELON PATCH due to these side effects.
People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain medicines should tell their doctor before starting
EXELON PATCH, because serious stomach problems such as bleeding may occur. People with certain heart conditions should tell their doctor before starting EXELON PATCH because they may experience fainting or slow heart rate. People with serious lung conditions and difficulty breathing, bladder problems, or seizures should consult their doctor before using EXELON PATCH. Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g. uncontrollable facial or body movements, including tremor, restlessness) could occur or get worse. Parkinsonian symptoms, particularly tremor, have worsened in Parkinson's disease dementia patients treated with EXELON capsules. People on
EXELON PATCH who feel dizzy or drowsy should not drive or use machines.
Tell the doctor about all other prescription or nonprescription medicines the patient is taking. EXELON PATCH should not be taken at the same time with other medicines that have a similar effect on the body and the brain (cholinomimetic agents) or with anticholinergic medicines. Inform the doctor if the patient needs surgery requiring anesthesia while using EXELON PATCH.
