The Exelon Patch is the first and only patch approved to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. It's applied once daily. The Exelon Patch releases medicine continuously over 24 hours.
Here are a few guidelines for applying or wearing the Exelon Patch:
- The Exelon Patch can be placed on the upper or lower back; alternatively, on the upper arm or chest.
- Bathing, showering, or swimming should not affect the Exelon Patch. You can wear the Exelon Patch under your swimsuit. Make sure the patch does not loosen during these activities.
- The Exelon Patch should not be exposed to excessive sunlight or saunas for long periods of time.
- For proper use, simply apply one Exelon Patch to your loved one's skin once daily, and replace the patch with a new one every 24 hours. Do not apply a new patch to the same spot on the body for at least 14 days.
- Only one patch should be worn at a time.
- Develop a routine for using the patch. That way, it may be easier for you and your loved one to get used to applying the Exelon Patch.
- After 4 weeks, if your loved one is tolerating the medication, ask the doctor if increasing to the recommended effective dose of 9.5 mg/24 hours is right for your loved one.
Learn more about the Exelon Patch 13.3 mg/24 hours. - When greater benefit is needed while on the 9.5 mg/24 hours patch and if still well tolerated for 4 weeks, your loved one's doctor may prescribe the maximum effective dose of 13.3 mg/24 hours.
- The Exelon Patch should not be given together with other medicines with similar effects on the body and brain (cholinomimetic agents) or with anticholinergic medicines. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all other prescription and nonprescription medicines your loved one is taking.
- If your loved one needs to have surgery while using the Exelon Patch, you should inform your doctor, because the Exelon Patch may exaggerate the effects of some muscle relaxants during anesthesia.
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.
