Exelon Transdermal Patch 5

Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 belongs to a group of medicines called 'anti-dementia agents' used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder, which causes dementia (memory loss), and slowly destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate, and handle daily activities. Parkinson's disease is a central nervous system disorder that affects movement leading to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination.

Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 contains 'Rivastigmine' that belongs to the class of 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors'. Rivastigmine increases the cholinergic effects allowing the nerve cells to communicate. It restores the balance of neurotransmitters and improves mental function, such as memory and thinking. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that transmit the message from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland cell.

Use Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration based on the severity of your disease. Common side effects of Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach upset, stomach pain, headache, anxiety, depression/low mood, trouble sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, shakiness (tremor), weakness/tiredness, weight loss/loss of appetite, and skin irritation at the application site. These side effects are not familiar to everyone and vary individually. If you notice any side effects that are not manageable, please consult your doctor.

Let your doctor know if you are taking any prescription and non-prescription medications, including other vitamins, before using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5. Please tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines. Inform your doctor beforehand if you have a history of liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems, and enlarged prostate. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother. Avoid consuming alcohol and driving/operating machinery while being treated with Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 as it can make you dizzy or drowsy.

Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 treats mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. It contains 'Rivastigmine', an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. Rivastigmine increases acetylcholine (a brain chemical) levels in the central nervous system involved in transmitting nerve signals that play an essential role in memory. Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is not a cure for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases but improves memory, thinking awareness, and the ability to perform daily functions.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Stomach upset
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Anxiety
• Depression/low mood
• Trouble sleeping
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Shakiness (tremor)
• Weakness/tiredness
• Weight loss/loss of appetite
• Skin irritation at the application site

Let your doctor know if you use any other medicines or supplements before using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5. Brief your medical history if you have any liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and other conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems, and enlarged prostate. Do not apply another patch when you are already using a patch since it can lead to overdosing. Please consult your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or a breastfeeding mother. Avoid consuming alcohol while being treated with Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 as it might lead to increased side effects. Do not drive or operate machinery as this medicine may cause dizziness and sleepiness. Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness have not been established.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 may interact with pain killers (aspirin, naproxen), vomiting medicines (metoclopramide), drugs treating frequent urination (oxybutynin, tolterodine), and high blood pressure medicine (atenolol).

Drug-Food Interaction: Do not consume alcohol while using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 as it could lead to increased dizziness and drowsiness.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Before using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5, let your doctor know if you have any liver or kidney diseases, breathing problems (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)), stomach/intestinal problems (ulcers, bleeding), heart diseases (sick sinus syndrome and conduction disorders), fainting, fits, urination problems, and enlarged prostate.

• ASPIRIN
• NAPROXEN
• METOCLOPRAMIDE
• OXYBUTYNIN
• TOLTERODINE
• ATENOLOL

• Maintain proper weight by following a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly as it helps in less cognitive decline and brain volume loss.
• Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
• Try to avoid stress by practising meditation or yoga.
• Include fruits and vegetables in your diet as they contain antioxidants.
• Eat nutritious food as it helps in cognitive stimulation.
• Limit foods with high cholesterol and saturated fats.
• Cut down on sugar, salt and processed foods.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle as it helps in improving overall health and possibly protects the brain.

• Let your doctor know that you are using Exelon Transdermal Patch 5 if you are undergoing any medical tests.
• Sometimes, a patch may contain metal. Hence, it is advised to take off the patch while undergoing an MRI scan.

Alzheimer's disease: The disease is named after Dr Alois Alzheimer, who was the first to discover the disease. Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that causes dementia (memory loss), and slowly destroys the ability to think, learn, communicate, and eventually, the ability to handle daily activities. It is the most common cause of dementia (memory loss) in adults. Dementia is the loss of cognitive functioning, such as remembering, thinking, and reasoning. The causes of this disease are abnormal functioning of brain cells which causes a disturbance in communication between them. The risk factors are age, family history and genetics of a person. Alzheimer's disease symptoms include memory loss, trouble with familiar tasks, difficulties with problem-solving, trouble with writing or talking, disorientation, problems with reasoning or judgment, and mood and personality changes. In most people, the symptoms of Alzheimer's appear in their mid-60s.

Parkinson's disease: It is a central nervous system disorder that affects movement leading to shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, balance, and coordination. This disease affects the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine (neurotransmitter). Parkinson's disease symptoms include dementia, muscle rigidity, tremors, and changes in speech and gait (pattern of limb movement). This disease generally occurs in people aged 60 years and over. Risk factors of this disease include genetics, environmental triggers, and certain toxins.