Rivastigmine
Consumer Medicine Information
What is in this leaflet
This leaflet answers some common questions about Exelon Patch.
It does not contain all the available information. It does not take the place of talking
to your doctor or pharmacist.
The information in this leaflet was last updated on the date listed on the final page.
More recent information on the medicine may be available.
You should ensure that you speak to your pharmacist or doctor to obtain the most up
to date information on the medicine. You can also download the most up to date leaflet
from www.novartis.com.au
Those updates may contain important information about the medicine and its use of
which you should be aware.
All medicines have risks and benefits. Your doctor has weighed the risks of you taking
it against the benefits they expect it will provide.
If you have any concerns about taking this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Keep this leaflet with the medicine.
You may need to read it again.
What Exelon Patch is used for
Exelon Patch contains rivastigmine as the active substance. Rivastigmine belongs to
a class of substances called cholinesterase inhibitors and is used to treat a condition
called Alzheimer's disease.
In patients with Alzheimer's dementia, certain nerve cells die in the brain, resulting
in low levels of the neurotransmitter: acetylcholine (a substance that allows nerve
cells to communicate with each other). This causes changes in the brain and problems
with memory, thinking and behaviour. These problems gradually become worse with time.
Exelon Patch works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical in the brain called acetylcholine.
This chemical is needed to help keep the brain working properly.
Rivastigmine helps to reduce the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, to slow down the
mental decline that happens in people with this condition, and helps to improve the
patient's ability to cope with everyday activities. It does not cure the condition.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about why this medicine has been prescribed
for you.
Your doctor may have prescribed it for another reason.
Exelon Patch is only available with a doctor's prescription. It is not addictive.
There is not enough information to recommend this medicine for children.
Before you apply Exelon Patch
When you must not use it
Do not apply Exelon Patch if you have had an allergic reaction to any of the following:
rivastigmine, the active ingredient in Exelon Patch
any of the other ingredients of Exelon Patch listed at the end of this leaflet.
other related "carbamate" medicines (if you are unsure about these, ask your doctor
or pharmacist)
Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include wheezing or difficulty breathing; swelling
of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body; rash or hives on the skin.
Do not apply Exelon Patch if you have a severe liver disorder.
There is no information on the use of this medicine in people with severe liver problems.
Do not apply Exelon Patch if you have had a skin reaction which has spread beyond
the patch size, if there was a more intense local reaction (such as blisters, increasing
skin inflammation, swelling) and if it did not improve within 48 hours after removal
of the transdermal patch.
Do not apply Exelon Patch after the expiry date printed on the pack or if the packaging
is torn or shows signs of tampering.
In that case, return it to your pharmacist.
Do not use Exelon Patch in children.
It is not known how Exelon Patch will affect children.
If you are not sure whether you should start using Exelon Patch, talk to your doctor
or pharmacist.
Before you start to use it
Tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:
a problem with your heart
a history of stomach ulcer
problems with your lungs such as asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease
emphysema
difficulty passing urine (water)
seizures (fits)
problems with your kidneys or liver
problems with your stomach such as nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick)
if you have a low body weight (less than 50 kg)
If you have any of the above conditions your doctor may want to take special precautions
while you are taking this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
It is not known whether using Exelon Patch during pregnancy or while breast-feeding
could affect your baby.
Breast-feeding is not recommended while you are using this medicine. It is not known
whether the active ingredient passes into breast milk and could affect your baby.
Tell your doctor if you smoke.
Nicotine can affect the amount of Exelon Patch that is in your body. A sudden change
in your usual smoking habit can also change the effects of Exelon Patch.
Taking other medicines
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including any that you buy
without a prescription from a pharmacy, supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines and Exelon Patch may interfere with each other. These include:
cholinergic medicines (e.g. bethanechol, medicines used during surgery)
anticholinergic medicines (e.g. medicines for stomach cramps, medicines for travel
sickness, many medicines used to treat mental illness)
metoclopramide (a medicine used to relieve or prevent nausea and vomiting).There may
be additive effects such as stiff limbs and trembling hands.
beta-blockers (medicines used to treat hypertension, angina and other heart conditions).
There may be additive effects such as a slow heartbeat that may result in fainting
or loss of consciousness.
non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are medicines used to treat
arthritis and other painful conditions such as muscle strains, back pain, menstrual
cramps and migraine
You may need to take different amounts of your medicines or to take different medicines
while you are using Exelon Patch. Your doctor and pharmacist have more information.
If you have not told your doctor about any of these things, tell him/her before you
start using this medicine.
How to use Exelon Patch
Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and pharmacist carefully.
These instructions may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
If you do not understand the instructions on the label, ask your doctor or pharmacist
for help.
How to apply Exelon Patch
Every 24 hours, gently remove any existing Exelon patch before putting on a new one.
See "How to remove Exelon Patch".
Having multiple patches on your body could expose you to an excessive amount of this
medicine which could be potentially dangerous.
Apply your new patch to a different area of skin.
Before you apply Exelon Patch, make sure that your skin is:
clean, dry and hairless
free of any powder, oil, moisturiser, or lotion (that could keep the patch from sticking
to your skin properly)
free of cuts, rashes and/or irritations.
Apply ONE patch only per day to ONLY ONE of the following locations on your body:
upper arm, left or right side, or
chest, left or right side, or
upper back, left or right side, or
lower back, left or right side.
A leaflet in the carton contains diagrams showing these locations. When changing your
patch, you must remove the previous day's patch before you apply your new patch to
a different area of skin (for example on the right side of your body one day, then
on the left side the next day). Do not apply a new patch to that same area for at
least one week.
How to remove Exelon Patch
Gently pull at one edge of the Exelon Patch to remove it completely from the skin.
If any adhesive residue is left on your skin, gently soak the area with warm water
and mild soap, or use baby oil to remove it. Do not use alcohol or other dissolving
liquids (nail polish remover or other solvents).
Wash your hands with soap and water after removing the patch.
In case of contact with eyes or if the eyes become red after handling the patch, rinse
them immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if symptoms do not resolve.
How much to use
Your doctor will tell you which Exelon Patch is more suitable for you. Treatment usually
starts with one Exelon Patch 5 daily. After about four weeks of treatment the usual
daily dose is Exelon Patch 10. If well tolerated, your doctor may increase the dose
to Exelon Patch 15.
During the course of the treatment your doctor may adjust the dose to suit your individual
needs.
Do not wear more than one Exelon Patch at a time.
If for any reason you stop using Exelon Patch for more than three days, tell your
doctor before you start taking Exelon Patch again.
Your doctor will restart you at the lowest dose to help prevent side effects such
as nausea and vomiting.
How to use it
Read the "How to use" leaflet carefully.
A "How to use" leaflet is enclosed in Exelon Patch cartons. This leaflet contains
pictures and instructions showing how to apply the patch properly.
How long to use it
Apply a new patch every day.
Exelon Patch should be replaced with a new one after 24 hours.
Apply the new patch at about the same time each day.
Change your patch at the same time each day to obtain the best effect from your medicine.
It will also help you remember when to take it.
Continue using Exelon Patch for as long as your doctor tells you to.
This medicine helps to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease but does not cure
it. Your treatment can be continued for as long as it benefits your condition. Your
doctor can give you more information.
Do not stop using Exelon Patch or change your dose without talking with your doctor.
Switching from Exelon Capsules to Exelon Patch
Your doctor will have advised you on switching from Exelon Capsules.
NEVER take Exelon Capsules when using Exelon Patch.
If you forget to use it
If it is almost time for you to apply the next patch dose, skip the patch you missed
and apply the next patch when you are meant to.
Otherwise, apply a new patch as soon as you remember, and then go back to your usual
schedule.
Do not apply two Exelon Patches to make up for the one you missed.
This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.
Tell your doctor if you have not applied your Exelon Patch for more than three days.
Do not apply the next patch before you have talked to your doctor.
Your doctor will restart you at the lowest dose to help prevent side effects such
as nausea and vomiting.
If you have trouble remembering when to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for
some hints.
If your Exelon Patch falls off
If your Exelon Patch falls off, apply a new patch to the same site for the rest of
the 24hours. Replace this patch the next day at the same time as usual.
Do not re-apply the used patch.
Applying a new patch ensures that your body keeps getting the medicine it needs.
If you use too much (overdose)
If you think that you or anyone else may have accidentally applied more than one Exelon
Patch at a time or swallowed a patch, immediately telephone your doctor or the Poisons
Information Centre (telephone number 13 11 26), or go to Accident and Emergency at
your nearest hospital. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Keep the telephone numbers for these places handy.
Because of the way this medicine is used, an intentional overdose is unlikely.
Applying more than one patch or swallowing a patch may cause
nausea (feeling sick)
vomiting
diarrhoea
high or low blood pressure
fainting
salivation
sweating
increasing muscle weakness
hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there)
unusually slow heart beat
breathing difficulties
convulsions.
While you are using Exelon Patch
Things you must do
Be sure to keep all of your doctor's appointments so your progress can be checked.
You and your caregiver can help to produce the maximum benefit from your treatment
by keeping in close contact with your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you smoke.
Nicotine can affect the amount of Exelon that is in your body. A sudden change in
your usual smoking habit can also change the effects of Exelon.
Make sure you or your caregiver tells your doctor if you experience considerable nausea,
vomiting or diarrhoea with loss of appetite and weight loss.
You may become dehydrated (losing too much fluid) if vomiting or diarrhoea are prolonged.
Talk to your doctor right away if you have skin inflammation, blisters or swelling
of the skin that are increasing and spreading.
If you become pregnant while taking Exelon Patch, tell your doctor.
There is not enough information to recommend the use of this medicine during pregnancy.
Your doctor can discuss with you the risks and benefits involved.
If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor and anaesthetist that you are using
Exelon Patch.
Exelon Patch may affect some medicines you receive during surgery.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, remind your doctor and pharmacist
that you are using Exelon Patch.
Tell any other doctor, dentist or pharmacist who treats you that you are using Exelon
Patch.
Things you must not do
Avoid placing the patch where it might be rubbed off by tight clothing.
Do not give this medicine to anyone else even if their condition seems similar to
yours.
Do not use Exelon Patch to treat any other complaints unless your doctor tells you
to.
Do not expose the patch to any external heat sources (excessive sunlight, saunas,
and solariums) for long periods of time.
Your doctor will tell you whether your illness allows you to drive vehicles and use
machines safely.
Exelon Patch may cause dizziness and somnolence, mainly at the start of treatment
or when increasing the dose. Therefore, you should wait to know what effects the drug
may cause before engaging in such activities. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not
drive, use machines or perform any other tasks that require your attention.
Side effects
Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while you
are using Exelon Patch, even if you do not think it is connected with the medicine.
All medicines can have side effects. Sometimes they are serious, but most of the time
they are not. You may need medical treatment if you get some of the side effects.
Do not be alarmed by these lists of possible side effects. You may not experience
any of them. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to answer any questions you may have.
Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:
nausea (feeling sick) or vomiting
diarrhoea
dehydration (losing too much fluid)
loss of appetite
anorexia
anxiety
indigestion, abdominal pain or discomfort
weight loss
dizziness or a spinning feeling
headache
unusual fatigue/tiredness, weakness or sleepiness, feeling generally unwell
inability to adequately retain urine (urinary incontinence)
redness, itching, irritation, swelling at the application site
increased sweating
difficulty sleeping
confusion
mood changes such as feeling aggression, anxious, nervousness, depressed (sad mood)
unusual high level of activity (hyperactivity)
hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not there)
loss of control of your bladder or bowels (incontinence).
The above side effects usually happen at the start of treatment when the dose is being
increased. They are not usually serious and may gradually disappear as your body gets
used to the medicine.
Women are more likely than men to get some side effects (e.g. nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, weight loss).
Tell your doctor immediately or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital
if you notice any of the following:
signs of allergy such as rash or hives on the skin; swelling of the face, lips, tongue
or other parts of the body; wheezing or difficulty breathing
chest pain
stroke (loss of coordination, difficulty in speaking and signs of brain disorder)
unusually fast, slow or irregular heart beat
raised blood pressure
unusual thinking (e.g. feeling a fixed, irrational idea not shared by others, or feeling
strong suspiciousness)
severe dizziness, fainting or fits (seizures)
severe confusion
blood in the stools or when vomiting gastric ulcer and gastrointestinal haemorrhage)
severe pain in the abdomen, often with nausea and vomiting (inflammation of the pancreas)
signs of a urinary tract infection such as frequent urge to urinate or pain on urination
fits or convulsions
signs of a liver disorder (yellow skin, yellowing of the whites of eyes, abnormal
darkening of the urine or unexplained nausea, vomiting, tiredness and loss of appetite)
skin inflammation, blisters or swelling of the skin that are increasing and spreading
stiff limbs, trembling hands (extrapyramidal symptoms)
Tell your doctor if you notice anything else that is making you feel unwell.
Some people may have other side effects not yet known or mentioned in this leaflet.
Some of the side effects can only be found when your doctor does tests from time to
time to check your progress.
After using Exelon Patch
Storage
Keep your medicine in the original container (sachet) until it is time to use it.
Store it in a cool, dry place at room temperature (below 25°C).
Do not store Exelon patch or any other medicine in the bathroom or near a sink
Do not leave it in the car or on window sills.
Heat and dampness can destroy some medicines. Exelon Patch will keep well if it is
kept cool and dry.
Keep the medicine where children cannot reach it.
A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place
to store medicines.
Disposal
After the patch has been removed, fold the patch in half with the adhesive sides on
the inside and press them together. Place the folded used patch in its original sachet.
Discard safely out of reach and sight of children. Wash your hands with soap and water
after removing the patch.
If your doctor tells you to stop using Exelon Patch or if they have passed their expiry
date, ask your pharmacist what to do with any medicine you have left over.
Product description
What it looks like
Exelon Patch is available in two strengths, in packs of 30 sachets.
Patch 5: the outside of the backing layer is beige and labelled with "AMCX" and "Exelon® Patch 5 (rivastigmine)"
Patch 10: the outside of the backing layer is beige and labelled with "BHDI" and "Exelon® Patch 10 (rivastigmine)"
Patch 15: the outside of the backing layer is beige and labelled with "CNFU" and "Exelon® Patch 15 (rivastigmine)"
Ingredients
Each Exelon Patch 5, Patch 10 or Patch 15 contains respectively 9 mg, 18 mg or 27mg
of the active ingredient (rivastigmine). They also contain:
Dl-alpha-tocopherol
Acrylates copolymer
Silicone oil (dimethicone 12500)
Adhesive matrix (Durotak 387-2353 and Bio PSA Q7-4302)
Sponsor
Exelon is supplied in Australia by:
NOVARTIS Pharmaceuticals Australia Pty Limited
ABN 18 004 244 160
54 Waterloo Road
Macquarie Park NSW 2113
Telephone 1 800 671 203
Web site: www.novartis.com.au
® = Registered Trademark
This leaflet was prepared in
December 2019.
Australian Registration Numbers:
Exelon Patch 5: AUST R 133422
Exelon Patch 10: AUST R 133428
Exelon Patch 15: AUST R 222604
(exp161219c) based on PI (exp161219i)