Exelon (rivastigmine) prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine and butyrylcholine (a brain chemical similar to acetylcholine) in the brain. EXELON is an effective therapy for patients suffering from mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). EXELON is available in 1.5, 3, 4.5, or 6 mg capsules, as well as 2 mg/mL oral solution.
Important Safety Information
EXELON use is associated with significant stomach-related side effects, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If therapy is interrupted for longer than several days, treatment should be reinitiated with the lowest daily dose in order to avoid the possibility of severe vomiting and its potentially serious consequences.
In clinical studies, stomach-related side effects occurred more frequently as doses were increased. The weight loss associated with EXELON occurred more commonly among women receiving high doses in clinical studies. Because these side effects can be serious, caregivers should be encouraged to monitor for these adverse events and inform the physician if they occur. People at risk for certain heart conditions or stomach ulcers should notify their doctor before starting EXELON therapy. In clinical studies, some patients also experienced fainting, weakness, and upset stomach.
Side Effects:
Nausea, vomiting, weight loss, upset stomach, muscle weakness, fainting
Drug Interactions:
None observed in laboratory studies, NSAIDs should be used with caution in combination with this medication.*
* Use of cholinesterase inhibitors can increase risk of stomach ulcers, and because prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as aspirin or ibuprofen can also cause stomach ulcers, NSAIDS should be used with caution in combination with these medications.
Other Medications Used to Treat Dementia
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