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It's important to know exactly how to use EXELON PATCH, where to apply it, and what kinds of activities your loved one can keep doing while wearing it. That's why we've put together this list of frequently asked questions.
Click here to learn about EXELON PATCH
Click here to learn how to apply EXELON PATCH
Click here to learn about activities while wearing EXELON PATCH
EXELON PATCH
How should I store EXELON PATCH?
You should store EXELON PATCH in its unopened, protective pouch at room temperature, between 59° and 86°F, and out of direct sunlight. Be sure to keep EXELON PATCH and all medicines in a safe, secure place out of the reach of children. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Can I open EXELON PATCH pouches in advance?
No. Once the pouch is opened, EXELON PATCH should be immediately applied. Patches start to lose medicine and become less effective if left opened.
Can I cut EXELON PATCH?
EXELON PATCH should not be cut or folded sharply.
Can I write the date on the patch?
You may write on EXELON PATCH with a thin ballpoint pen.
Is EXELON PATCH still effective if it isn't used for a few months?
Unopened patches can be used up to the expiration date printed on the protective pouch. Once the pouch is opened, EXELON PATCH should be applied immediately. Patches start to lose their medicine when exposed to the air.
Can heat affect how EXELON PATCH works?
EXELON PATCH should be kept out of excessive sunlight or saunas for long periods of time.
Is EXELON PATCH effective for underweight people?
Speak with your doctor if your loved one weighs less than 50 kg/110 pounds, as patients with a body weight below 50 kg/110 pounds may experience more adverse events. Caution should be used in higher than recommended doses.
Is EXELON PATCH effective for overweight people?
Speak with your doctor if your loved one is overweight. No specific studies investigating overweight people have been conducted.
What should I do if I or my loved one touches the sticky part of EXELON PATCH?
The medicine goes through the adhesive part of EXELON PATCH; therefore, the person who touched the sticky part of the patch should clean his or her hands with soap and water as soon as possible. Avoid contact with the eyes.
What should I do if my loved one places EXELON PATCH in his or her mouth?
Remove the patch from your loved one's mouth and contact the doctor immediately. Your loved one may have ingested some of the medicine in the patch; how much depends on how long it was chewed. Make sure that no part of the patch is still in his or her mouth.
What should I do if a child applies or swallows EXELON PATCH?
If a child comes into contact with EXELON PATCH out of its protective pouch, take the patch away and immediately contact a doctor, local poison control center, or the emergency department at a local hospital. Used and unused patches should be kept out of the reach of children and disposed of in a place away from children.
How do I remove any adhesive that's left over from EXELON PATCH?
Gently soak the area with warm water and mild soap, or use a small amount of baby oil to remove any residue. If the rings of adhesive become soiled, you may need to use a medical adhesive removal pad that should be available from a pharmacist. Alcohol or other dissolving liquids (nail polish remover or other solvents) may irritate the skin and should not be used.
How can I remove an EXELON PATCH that isn't coming off?
Use your fingers to work an oil-based product such as baby oil into the patch. This should help to break the adhesive up so that you can remove the patch more easily. You must remove the previous day's EXELON PATCH before applying a new one.
Is EXELON PATCH safe for people to wear while undergoing an MRI?
Speak with the doctor if your loved one needs to have an MRI. EXELON PATCH has not been studied in use by people while having an MRI. Please contact your doctor for further information.
Does rubbing EXELON PATCH affect how much medicine is released?
Rubbing EXELON PATCH has not been studied.
Is EXELON PATCH available in different colors?
No, it is only available in beige.
Why is the brand name printed on EXELON PATCH?
The name is there for the safety of the patient as well as for those who may come in contact with a discarded patch. Because patches are popular for different treatments, having the name there also makes it easier to tell EXELON PATCH apart from other patches.
Application
What should I do if I forgot to apply EXELON PATCH?
If you have not been applying EXELON PATCH for several days, do not apply the next patch before you have talked to a doctor. If you forgot to apply your loved one's EXELON PATCH, remove the old patch and apply a new one immediately. Apply the next patch at the usual time the next day.
What should I do if EXELON PATCH keeps falling off?
If EXELON PATCH is not staying on during application, it is possible that the skin is wet or that it is not pressed firmly into place. Also, some soaps, creams, or lotions may keep the patch from sticking. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure you followed the application instructions correctly.
If EXELON PATCH still doesn't stick, you may place medical tape over the patch to hold it in place. If the patch falls off, a new patch should be applied for the rest of the day. Then replace the patch the next day at the same time as usual.
Can I open EXELON PATCH pouches at the beginning of the week for easier access?
No. You should only open the pouch when you are ready to apply the patch. EXELON PATCH starts to lose medicine and become less effective if exposed to air and left open.
How close can EXELON PATCH be to medicated patches treating other conditions?
This has not been studied; however, we do not recommend overlapping a patch treating something different.
Tell the doctor about all other prescription or nonprescription medicines the patient is taking. EXELON products 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.
Is it OK to shave the application site before I apply EXELON PATCH?
You can shave the application site. However, it's best not to shave the site just prior to application because the skin is often slightly irritated from shaving. If you must shave a site, do so 24 hours before applying the patch.
Can lotions (moisturizing lotions, tanning lotions, etc.) affect EXELON PATCH?
Always apply your loved one's patch to clean, dry skin. Do not use creams, oils, powder, or makeup on skin where you are going to put the patch or near a patch he or she is wearing. These products may cause the patch to become loose.
How should EXELON PATCH be applied to a person with a preexisting skin problem?
Speak to your doctor regarding preexisting skin problems. EXELON PATCH has not been studied in patients with preexisting skin problems.
How should EXELON PATCH be applied to a person with oily skin?
If your loved one has oily skin, it may be more difficult to keep the patch on. Gently clean the application area with soap and warm water and pat the area dry with a towel. Then immediately apply the patch, pressing firmly.
What should I do if the person being treated is sunburned?
Do not apply EXELON PATCH to oily, broken, burned, sunburned, cut, or irritated skin. Choose another area to apply the patch, as shown in the instructions.
Can EXELON PATCH be applied over a tattoo?
It is not recommended that the patch be applied over a tattoo.
What should I do if my loved one experiences a skin reaction?
If this happens to your loved one, remove the patch and rinse the area with cool water. If the reaction is severe, stop using EXELON PATCH and talk with your doctor. People with an allergy to adhesives should not use EXELON PATCH. To help minimize skin irritation, apply the patch to a different spot of skin every day. Do not apply the patch to the same exact spot for at least 14 days.
Patient Activity
Can EXELON PATCH be worn when bathing, swimming, or in the sun?
Bathing, swimming, or showering should not affect the patch. You can wear the patch under your swimsuit. Make sure the patch does not loosen during these activities.
The patch should not be exposed to any external heat sources (eg, excessive sunlight, saunas, solarium) for long periods of time.
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