Generic Exelon, capsules

Chemical Name: RIVASTIGMINE

Common uses

This medicine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat loss of memory and thinking ability associated with Alzheimer's Disease.

Before using

Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you are also taking bethanechol. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Additional monitoring of your dose or condition may be needed if you have history of asthma, other breathing disorders (e.g., obstructive pulmonary disease), certain heart conditions (e.g., sick sinus syndrome), eating disorders, or seizures. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take this medicine with food. If you experience nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or loss of appetite that make it difficult to continue taking this medicine, your doctor may instruct you to skip several doses. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if this occurs. If you stop taking this medicine for several days, consult your doctor or pharmacist before restarting this medicine. To minimize the chance of developing very severe nausea, your dosage should be reduced and gradually increased. Follow all of your doctor's dosing instructions exactly. Store this medicine at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

Do not stop using this medicine without first checking with your doctor. Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.

Before you begin taking any new medicine, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. For women: it is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, increased sweating, tremor, weakness, unusual fatigue, weight loss, stomach pain, indigestion, or gas. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include severe nausea, vomiting, sweating, slow pulse, dizziness, lightheadedness, slow breathing and seizures.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this product out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.