To see if Exelon Patch is right for your loved one, the doctor will start them on the initial daily dose of 4.6 mg/24 hours. It is designed to determine how well your loved one is tolerating the medication before moving on to the recommended effective dose of 9.5 mg/24 hours. After 4 weeks, if your loved one is tolerating the medication, ask the doctor if introducing the recommended effective dose of 9.5 mg/24 hours is right for him or her.
Apply the Patch in Three Steps
Each patch is sealed in its own protective pouch. You should only open the pouch when you are ready to apply the Exelon Patch.
Before applying the patch, make sure the skin is:
- Clean and hairless
- Free of any powder, oil, moisturizer, or lotion (that could keep the patch from sticking to your skin properly)
- Free of cuts, rashes, or irritations
Only one Exelon Patch should be worn at a time.
Step 1
Remove the Exelon Patch from the pouch.
Cut the pouch carefully along the dotted line, taking care not to cut the Exelon Patch inside. Then remove the patch from the pouch. The Exelon Patch should not be cut or folded sharply.
Step 2
Peel off one side of the clear plastic release liner.
Bend the patch slightly to raise the edge of one half of the release liner covering the patch. Then peel off that side of the liner. Avoid touching the sticky part of the Exelon Patch.
Step 3
Apply the Exelon Patch firmly.
Put the sticky side of the Exelon Patch on the skin (on the upper or lower back; alternatively, on the upper arm or chest). Then peel off the second side of the release liner and firmly press down on the patch.
EXELON PATCH can cause gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including significant nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and weight loss. Dehydration may result from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea and can be associated with serious outcomes. The incidence and severity of these reactions are dose related. For this reason, treatment should be initiated with EXELON PATCH at a dose of 4.6 mg/24 hours and titrated to a dose of 9.5 mg/24 hours, if appropriate. If you have not taken EXELON PATCH for more than 3 days, do not start taking it again until you have talked to a doctor.
Important Reminder
The application site of the Exelon Patch should be changed every day, not using the same exact spot for at least 14 days. This may help minimize skin irritation that could occur.
Removing the Exelon Patch
To remove the old patch, gently pull at one edge of the Exelon Patch to slowly take it completely off the skin. Fold it together and then discard the patch safely out of the reach and sight of children and pets, as there may be some medicine left over in the patch. Be sure to wash your hands after removing the patch.
