Rivastigmine patch helps to reduce symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with thinking and reasoning in Alzheimer's disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions).
Rivastigmine patch cannot cure Alzheimer's disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have these illnesses.
Apply Rivastigmine patch on your skin exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not use it for a longer period of time than instructed by your doctor.
Rivastigmine patch should be applied once a day to clean, dry, hairless, intact healthy skin on the upper or lower back, upper arm or chest, in a place which will not be rubbed by tight clothing. After removing the protective liner of the patch, place the sticky side of the patch on the application site then press down the patch firmly for at least 30 seconds using the palm of the hand until the edges stick well. Do not apply the patch to red, irritated, or cut skin.
Replace the patch every 24 hours. The site of application of the patch can be change daily to avoid possible skin irritations. For example, if you put the patch on your upper back on the first day, put it on your lower back on the second day, and so on. Do not apply the patch to the same area of skin for more than 14 days.
Do not cut the patch. The release pattern of the medicine will be affected if you cut the patch Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling the patch.
Rivastigmine patch must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using the patch even when there are signs of improvement. Do not stop using it unless instructed by the doctor.
Use the missed patch as soon as you remember for the rest of the day and change the patch at the usual time.
DO NOT use an extra patch under any circumstances.
If you often forget to use the patch, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have previous experience of persistent skin irritation when your skin comes in contact with Rivastigmine patch as this medicine may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- stomach ulcer
- asthma and other lung diseases
- seizures or fits
- prostate or bladder problems
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform the surgeon or dentist that you are using Rivastigmine patch.
Rivastigmine may cause dizziness, tiredness, weakness, and fainting. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other common side effects of Rivastigmine include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, indigestion, stomach pain, headache, rash, and loss of bladder control.
Rivastigmine may cause some mild skin redness or itching at the spot at which the patch was applied. This is normal and is usually not a cause for worry. However, if your skin becomes swollen, blistered or very itchy, remove the patch and alert your doctor quickly.
Let your doctor know if you experience worsening of Parkinsonian symptoms e.g. tremor, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, imbalance while walking, uncontrollable movements such as twitching and jerking
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
-medicines for urinary problems e.g. oxybutynin, tolterodine
-medicines to trigger muscle contractions e.g. neostigmine, bethanechol
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rivastigmine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children. Do not remove the patch from the sachet until use.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.