Rivastor
Rivastor patches help manage symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease by increasing a chemical in the brain that helps nerve cells communicate.
How to Use
Dosage
Treatment usually starts with Rivastor 4.6 mg/24 hours patches. The usual daily dose is Rivastor 9.5 mg/24 hours. Your doctor might increase the dose to 13.3 mg/24 hours if well tolerated.
Method
Apply one new patch daily to clean, dry, hairless, non-irritated skin on your upper arm, upper back, lower back, or chest (avoid breasts). Remove the old patch before applying a new one to a different skin area. Press firmly for 30 seconds.
Only use one patch per day.
Possible Side Effects
- •Loss of appetite
- •Dizziness
- •Agitation, drowsiness, restlessness
- •Urinary incontinence
- •Increased salivation
- •Feeling generally unwell
- •Tremors or confusion
- •Increased sweating
- •Allergic skin reactions at the patch site, like blisters or skin inflammation
- •Worsening of Parkinson's disease symptoms (e.g., tremors, stiff muscles, slow movement)
- •Stomach ulcer or intestinal ulcer
- •Dehydration (loss of too much body fluid)
- •Agitation or hyperactivity
- •Aggressiveness
- •Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real)
- •Slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat
- •High blood pressure
- •Pancreatitis (severe upper stomach pain, often with nausea or vomiting)
- •Seizures (fits)
- •Liver problems (yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, unexplained nausea, vomiting, tiredness, or loss of appetite)
- •Nightmares
- •Pisa syndrome (involuntary muscle contractions causing the body and head to bend to one side)
- •Stiffness in arms or legs
- •Accidental falls
- •Chest pain (angina)
- •Gastrointestinal bleeding (blood in stool or vomit)
- •Severe vomiting that could cause a tear in the esophagus
Important Warnings
- Do not use if you are allergic to rivastigmine or similar medicines, or if you have a severe skin reaction to the patch (like blisters or swelling that doesn't improve in 48 hours after removing the patch).
- Remove the patch before an MRI scan or electrical heart treatment (cardioversion) to avoid skin burns.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had heart problems, stomach ulcers, difficulty urinating, seizures, asthma or severe lung disease, tremors, very low body weight, severe or prolonged stomach or bowel problems (like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), or liver problems.
- Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless your doctor says it's absolutely necessary.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel dizzy, faint, or confused while using the patch.
Show 1 more warnings
- Do not expose the patch to direct heat sources like excessive sunlight, saunas, or solariums for long periods.
Use in Elderly Patients
Suitable for older adults, with specific precautions. Increases the risk of cardiac conduction disorders, such as bradycardia. May exacerbate existing COPD. Note adverse effects affecting the gastrointestinal tract with capsule preparations. Consider potential interactions. Avoid concomitant use of anticholinergic medicines. (updated 18.3.2024)