Information about Rivastigmine (Generic Exelon) :


Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that is used to treat mild to moderate impairment of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking, changes in personality caused by Alzheimer disease. It decreases the breakdown of a chemical in the brain. It leads to increase the amount of that chemical in the brain, effect on memory and thinking ability. There is no data that Rivastigmine influences Alzheimer disease.

You should not use Rivastigmine in case you are allergic to any ingredient in Rivastigmine.
In such case it is obligatory to consult with your doctor or health care provider before taking this drug.

Before using Rivastigmine:
Before using Rivastigmine you should tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions listed below: you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding a baby; you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement; you have allergies to medicines or other substances; you have heart problems (eg, slow or irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome), breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), seizures (eg, epilepsy), ulcer, kidney problems, or urinary blockage.

Be aware that Rivastigmine may interact with some medicines. Consult with your health care provider in case you are taking any other drugs, especially any of the following: cholinergic agonists (eg, bethanecol), cholinesterase inhibitors (eg, donepezil), or neuromuscular blockers (eg, succinylcholine) because the actions and side effects of both medicines may be increased; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding, may be increased; anticholinergics (eg, oxybutynin, scopolamine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Rivastigmine.

It may not be a complete list of all interactions with other drugs. To prevent any complications you should check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Rivastigmine:
Take Rivastigmine as recommended by your doctor. It may be taken orally with food. Rivastigmine should be swallowed whole with a beverage. Avoid opening or crushing the capsules.

In case you miss a dose of Rivastigmine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next intake, skip the missed dose and take it according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double doses to catch up. In case you miss your dose for more than 2 days, consult with your doctor.

Important safety information:
Rivastigmine usage may lead to drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worsened by taking alcohol or certain medicines, hot weather, exercise, and fever. Prevent driving or performing any other possibly unsafe actions. To prevent dizziness or lightheadedness, you should sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.

Notice your doctor that you are using Rivastigmine before you undergo any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery.

It is not recommended to use Rivastigmine in CHILDREN as safety and effectiveness in this group have not been proved.

PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING:
In case you plan pregnancy, consult with your doctor and discuss the benefits and risks of using Rivastigmine while pregnancy. It is not clear whether Rivastigmine passes into breast milk. You should not breast-feed a baby while using Rivastigmine.

Possible side effects of Rivastigmine:
You should consult with your doctor in case you have any of side effects especially bothersome listed below: appetite loss; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; general body discomfort; gas; headache; increased sweating; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; tremor; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.

Seek emergency immediately in case you have any of these severe side effects: severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; chest pain; coffee ground-like vomit; decreased urination; fainting; heart attack; heart failure; mental/mood changes; seizures; severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe stomach pain; slow or irregular heartbeat.

What is the expiration date of the pills?
This information is mentioned on each blister. The expiration date is 2 years from the date of manufacture.