Exelon and/or Equivalents

Exelon (Rivastigmine)

Exelon Description

Exelon is the name of a brand of medicine prescribed in the treatment of mild or moderate dementia. Approved by the FDA, this medicine has been prescribed since the latter part of the 1990’s to combat the different cognitive symptoms associated with dementia. Exelon by itself is not the cure to dementia but its regular usage has been shown to be effective in fighting the impairment of different intellectual functions like reasoning, judgement or memory. Exelon is prescribed only to those patients who are going through the mild to moderate stages of dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. In Canada, Exelon is marketed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals Canada Inc. The principal molecule in Exelon is rivastigmine tartrate and the medication is available as capsules, oral solution and transdermal patches. Each hard gelatinous Exelon capsule contains 1.5mg, 3.0mg, 4.5mg, or 6.0mg of rivastigmine tartrate and each ml of the oral solution provides 2mg of the principal molecule. In 2008, Exelon transdermal patches were approved for use in Canada and have become extremely popular since then due to their ease in application. In fact, by 2009 almost 65,000 patients across the nation were using Exelon patches. Exelon transdermal patches are available in two strengths; a 5 cm² patch containing 9mg of the active ingredient and a 10 cm² patch containing 18mg of the active ingredient. The former strength delivers 4.6mg of rivastigmine tartrate in the bloodstream in 24 hours while the latter delivers 9.5mg of this molecule in 24 hours.

Conditions Treated by Exelon

Exelon is prescribed to treat the symptoms usually associated with mild to moderate dementia of Alzheimer’s type or Parkinson’s type. Although there are differences in the symptoms of dementia associated with these two disorders, it is seen that in both cases, there is a marked decrease in the level of acetylcholine, a chemical in the human brain that promotes cognitive functions. Exelon works by promoting the production of acetylcholine and inhibiting the production of enzymes that breakdown this chemical. Typical symptoms treated by Exelon include gradual memory loss, behavioural changes and progressive confusion in normal daily functioning.

Exelon Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommondations

The typical starting dose of Exelon is 1.5mg taken twice daily. Once this dose is well tolerated by the patient after two weeks of continuous treatment, it is usually increased to 3mg to be taken twice daily which can be further increased to 4.5mg twice daily and even 6mg twice daily, depending on patient response. The maximum dosage is two 6mg tablets per day i.e. in total 12mg of rivastigmine tartrate can be taken on a daily basis. In case of patches, initial dose is 4.6mg/day i.e. one Exelon patch 5 cm² which is gradually increased to the ideal maintenance dose of 9.5mg/day i.e. on Exelon 10 cm² daily.

b.) Missing a dose

In case you have missed taking your Exelon dosage at the appointed hour, never take two doses together in order to compensate the missed dose. Take your next dose at the usual hour. If you are using patches, apply your missed patch as soon as you remember it but not if the time is too close to your next patch. Never apply two patches simultaneously in order to compensate for the missed patch.

c.) Overdosing

In case you have accidentaly ovedosed on Exelon, contact your medical caregiver immediately or rush to your nearest poison cotrol centre or get admitted to the emergency room of your nearest hospital. Seek urgen medical support in case you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea with dehydration, excessive salivation, sweating, hypotension, respiratory problems or convulsions. Remove the patch immediately and do not apply a second patch till you seek medical advice.

Exelon Warnings

Before using Exelon in any form, always know everything about the medicine so that you are ertain about its benefit and associated risks. Share with your medical practitioner all your past medical history, including any reaction to the main ingredient rivastigmine tartrate or to any of the secondary ingredients. Let your pharmacist know if your suffer from irregular heart rhythm or if your suffer from asthma or any serious respiratory disease. Let the doctor know if you have ever suffered from stomach ulcers or have a low body weight below 50kg. Never store your Exelon capsules, oral solution or patches beyond the expiry date. Store them at room temperature beyond the reach of children or pets. Never refrigerate or freeze the medicine. If using patches always fold the used patch in half, put it back in the original pack and discard it carefully so that children or pets cannot access it. Always wash your hands after handling your Exelon patch and avoid eye contact. Exelon capsules or oral solution should always be taken with food preferably at a prefixed hour every day. The oral solution can be mixed with water or any cold beverage. However, in case of patches, you don’t have to remember about the meals as the medicine enters your bloodstream directly from the transdermal patch. Always let your doctor know if you are pregnant, want to become so or are nursing a baby. Never discontinue Exelon without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Exelon Side Effects

Common side effects of Exelon include the following:

• Excessive salivation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Convulsions
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Weight loss
• Agitation
• Anxiety

In addition as part of the side effects, you may experience a worsening of the common Parkinson’s disease symptoms like difficulty in movement, uncontrolled movement in tongue and limbs, progressive decrease in muscular movement, red itchy skin, dehydration or restlessness. Some patients may also experience urinary incontinence, abnormally dark urine, liver disorders or loss of appetite.

Exelon Drug Interactions

Rivastigmine tartrate or the other inactive ingredients present in Exelon can interact with different medicines you are taking for other medical conditions. In order to avoid a medical disaster, always inform your doctor of any other prescription drugs you are using, along with non prescription drugs, dietary supplements or even herbal preparations. Exelon can also react with other medications prescribed to treat Parkinson’s disease or stomach problems. If you are scheduled to have a surgery, always inform your doctor beforehand as the anaesthetics to be used on you may react with Exelon.

If you have any questions about buying discount Exelon online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Exelon and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information