Exelon® Patch for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Dementia

What Exelon® Is and How It Works

Exelon Patch is a rivastigmine transdermal patch used for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease and for dementia due to Parkinson’s disease. It delivers medicine through the skin over 24 hours for steady blood levels. Many caregivers ask about exelon patch where to apply and exelon patch how to use; this page summarizes the key steps and safety points. You can also review exelon patch benefits and expected timelines below.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We also work with licensed, vetted international partner pharmacies to supply authentic brands and a wide selection at affordable prices.

Rivastigmine slows the breakdown of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter important for memory and attention. The transdermal system supports once-daily dosing and can reduce stomach upset compared with capsules or oral solution. Strengths include the rivastigmine patch 4.6 mg (4.6 mg/24 hours), the rivastigmine 9.5 mg patch (9.5 mg/24 hours), and a 13.3 mg/24 hours patch for maintenance in patients who tolerate lower doses.

Dosage and Usage

• Start with Exelon Patch 4.6 mg/24 hours for at least 4 weeks.
• If tolerated, increase to Exelon Patch 9.5 mg/24 hours; reassess after at least 4 weeks.
• If further benefit is needed and tolerated, increase to 13.3 mg/24 hours.
• If treatment is interrupted for more than 3 days, restart with 4.6 mg/24 hours and re-titrate.
• Apply one patch once daily for 24 hours. Do not wear more than one patch at a time.
• Sites: upper back, chest, or upper outer arm on clean, dry, hairless skin. Rotate sites; avoid the same site within 14 days.
• Do not apply to irritated, broken, or oily skin, or to areas under tight clothing.
• Open the pouch immediately before use. Remove the liner, then press the patch firmly with the palm for 30 seconds, especially around the edges.
• Do not cut the patch. Avoid external heat sources (heating pads, hot tubs, saunas) that can increase drug absorption.
• Bathing or showering is usually acceptable; check adhesion afterward.
• If a patch detaches, apply a new patch for the remainder of the day and continue the regular schedule the next day.
• Missed dose: if a change is forgotten, apply a new patch as soon as remembered and continue the next day; never apply two patches at once.
• Removal and disposal: peel off, fold adhesive sides together, and discard safely out of reach of children and pets. Wash hands after handling and wash the application site with soap and water if sticky.

• Storage: store at 20–25 °C (68–77 °F); short excursions 15–30 °C (59–86 °F). Keep each patch sealed in its pouch until use.
• Do not freeze. Protect from excessive heat and humidity.
• Travel: keep patches in original packaging with your prescription. Pack in carry-on luggage. Do not leave in a hot car or near heaters.
• Disposal while traveling: fold used patches and place in a child-resistant container or sealed bag before discarding.

Benefits and Savings

Exelon transdermal patch can improve or stabilize cognition and daily functioning in some patients with Alzheimer’s disease. It also treats Parkinson’s disease dementia. The once-daily patch offers steady rivastigmine levels and may lower rates of nausea and vomiting compared with oral forms. This convenience helps caregivers maintain a consistent routine.

Ordering from YouDrugstore offers Canadian pricing on rivastigmine transdermal patch. Many customers report meaningful savings on exelon patch cost compared with typical US pharmacy prices. Depending on strength, exelon patch price can vary; the exelon patch 4.6 mg price and the exelon patch 9.5 mg price differ based on dosage. Savings of 60–80% vs US prices are common. Multi-month supplies and bulk promotions can lower per-month costs, and reorder reminders help prevent gaps in therapy.

For current promotions, see our exelon patch coupon options.

Side Effects and Safety

• Application-site redness, itching, rash, or burning
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss
• Dizziness, headache, fatigue, tremor
• Insomnia, anxiety, sweating
• Slow heart rate, low blood pressure, fainting

Serious or rare events can include severe allergic contact dermatitis that extends beyond the patch site, significant vomiting with dehydration, gastrointestinal bleeding or ulcer, worsening asthma or COPD, seizures, or severe bradycardia. Stop use and seek medical care if a severe skin reaction does not improve after moving the site or if systemic symptoms occur. Rivastigmine does not cause hypoglycemia.

Onset Time

Skin absorption begins after application, and steady delivery continues for 24 hours. Some patients show early changes in attention or daily activities within 2–4 weeks as doses are optimized. Clinical benefits often become clearer after 8–12 weeks, with reassessment after each titration step. Effects are symptomatic; progression of the underlying disease continues over time.

Compare With Alternatives

Donepezil is an oral cholinesterase inhibitor taken once daily. It has similar efficacy for symptom control but may cause more gastrointestinal upset in some patients who are sensitive to pills. You can compare brand Aricept® with rivastigmine based on tolerability, dosing form, and caregiver preferences.

Memantine (Ebixa) is an NMDA receptor antagonist used for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. It is commonly combined with a cholinesterase inhibitor when tolerated. It has a different mechanism and side-effect profile.

For those who cannot use a patch or who prefer a liquid, Exelon® Oral Solution provides flexible dosing, though gastrointestinal effects can be more common than with the patch.

Combination Therapy

• Rivastigmine with memantine is a common approach in moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.
• Avoid anticholinergic drugs (such as some bladder or allergy medicines) that can counteract rivastigmine.
• Use caution with beta-blockers or other drugs that slow the heart; monitor for bradycardia or syncope.
• If gastrointestinal effects occur, consider slower titration or holding at the current dose.
• Ensure adequate hydration if vomiting or diarrhea develops.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Exelon Patch suits patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease dementia who benefit from once-daily, non-oral dosing. It can be helpful when swallowing is difficult or when oral rivastigmine causes stomach upset. It may not be appropriate with a history of severe allergic contact dermatitis to adhesives, active peptic ulcer or GI bleeding, severe hepatic impairment, very low body weight, or in those prone to fainting or slow heart rate.

Caregivers can simplify routines by using a patch calendar and rotating sites. Keep a list of application zones to meet the 14-day rotation rule. For budgeting, compare rivastigmine patch cost across strengths; exelon patch 4.6 mg and exelon patch 9.5 mg are priced differently due to dosage. Consider multi-month orders when feasible to reduce per-month spend. You can turn on reorder reminders in your account so you do not run out during travel or holidays.

Authoritative Sources

Novartis Exelon Patch Prescribing Information

Health Canada Product Monograph for Exelon Patch

FDA Medication Guide and Label for Rivastigmine Transdermal System

Order Exelon® from YouDrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This material is for educational purposes and does not replace advice from your healthcare professional. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the product label.