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

This transdermal cholinesterase inhibitor helps manage dementia symptoms. Care partners often prefer a once-daily patch for steady support. This page explains uses, dosing basics, safety, and how to order confidently.

What Exelon Is and How It Works

The Exelon® patch delivers rivastigmine through the skin over 24 hours, with US shipping from Canada. It helps increase acetylcholine by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in the brain. We also outline rivastigmine patch cost without insurance so you can plan ahead.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This medicine supports cognition and daily function in mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. It also helps in mild to moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. Continuous delivery may reduce day-to-day fluctuations compared to short-acting oral forms.

Rivastigmine can cause gastrointestinal effects, especially when doses change. Patch application may improve tolerability for some people. Review the official label for complete details.

Who It’s For

Exelon transdermal patch is indicated for adults with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s dementia. It is also approved for dementia due to Parkinson’s disease. People with known hypersensitivity to rivastigmine or other carbamate derivatives should not use it.

Avoid use if you had a severe skin reaction with rivastigmine, including allergic contact dermatitis. Use caution with low body weight, peptic ulcer disease, bradycardia, conduction abnormalities, urinary obstruction, or seizure history. Those with significant hepatic impairment need careful oversight from a clinician.

Caregivers should monitor weight, appetite, and skin at the application site. If severe nausea, vomiting, or fainting occurs, contact a healthcare professional promptly.

Dosage and Usage

The rivastigmine transdermal patch is applied once daily to clean, dry, hairless skin on the upper back, chest, or upper arm. Press firmly for 30 seconds to ensure good contact. Rotate sites to avoid using the same location within 14 days.

Remove the old patch before placing a new one. Never apply more than one patch at a time. Do not cut or trim the patch. Avoid tight clothing or external heat sources, such as heating pads and hot tubs, which may increase absorption.

Typical label guidance starts with the lowest strength and titrates based on tolerability at intervals of several weeks. If local irritation persists beyond 48 hours after removal, tell your prescriber. Always follow the patient leaflet and your clinician’s directions.

Strengths and Forms

This treatment is supplied as a rivastigmine transdermal system designed for 24-hour wear. Common strengths and pack sizes vary by market and manufacturer. Availability may differ over time.

The patch is typically boxed in multi-patch supplies to support consistent daily use. If a specific presentation is unavailable, your prescriber may suggest a suitable alternative strength or a different cholinesterase inhibitor.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a patch falls off, place a new one for the remainder of the day and then replace it at the usual time the next day. Do not apply two patches at once to make up for a missed application. Keep a daily routine to help maintain steady exposure.

If therapy has been interrupted for more than a few days, consult your clinician before restarting. You may need to resume at a lower dose. Confirm the plan with a healthcare professional and the official label before you continue.

Rivastigmine patch 24hr works best with consistent daily use. Consider reminders or a planner to support adherence.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store patches at room temperature and keep each in its protective pouch until use. Keep away from heat and direct sunlight. Fold used patches in half with the sticky sides together and discard safely out of reach of children and pets.

When traveling, carry patches in original packaging with a copy of your prescription. Pack them in a hand luggage compartment to avoid extreme temperatures in transit. Follow local rules if flying, and keep a simple application schedule across time zones.

Do not apply to broken, irritated, or oily skin. Clean gently and let the area dry fully before application. If adhesive residue remains after removal, mild soap and water can help.

Benefits

This medicine provides once-daily dosing and steady rivastigmine exposure throughout the day. Transdermal delivery can be helpful if swallowing tablets is difficult. Rotating application sites supports skin comfort and ongoing use.

The treatment may reduce peak-related gastrointestinal effects compared with some oral formulations. Consistent use can support attention, memory, and daily living activities per labelled indications.

Care partners can visually confirm use, which may simplify routines. A clear, predictable schedule can assist with adherence.

Side Effects and Safety

• Skin reactions: redness, itching, or irritation at the site
• Gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite
• General: dizziness, fatigue, headache, weight loss
• Neurologic: tremor or worsening of Parkinsonian symptoms

Serious risks can include allergic contact dermatitis, severe vomiting and dehydration, bradycardia, syncope, gastrointestinal bleeding, and rare seizures. Stop the patch and seek medical care for severe skin reactions, rash spreading beyond the site, blistering, or systemic symptoms such as fever or malaise. Review the full patient leaflet for warnings and precautions.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Rivastigmine may interact with anticholinergics, reducing their effect. Additive effects can occur with other cholinergic agents. Bradycardia risk may increase with certain beta-blockers. Cholinesterase inhibitors can exaggerate neuromuscular blockade with succinylcholine-type agents during anesthesia.

Use caution if you have peptic ulcer disease, cardiac conduction problems, severe vomiting, or significant weight loss. Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you use. Always confirm compatibility with your prescriber and pharmacist.

What to Expect Over Time

Many people establish a daily routine with the patch. It may take sustained use to notice how daily activities or caregiver observations change. Tolerability often improves after stable dosing is reached. Track responses to help your clinician assess benefits and side effects.

Skin comfort often improves with careful site rotation and clean, dry skin. If application issues persist, discuss alternatives or supportive measures with a clinician. Report any marked changes in appetite, weight, gait, or alertness promptly.

Compare With Alternatives

Other approved options include cholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonists. Your prescriber may consider Aricept® or Memantine based on your history and tolerability. Discuss goals, dosing forms, and caregiver needs when comparing therapies.

Pricing and Access

Canadian pharmacy pricing can help lower out-of-pocket costs with US delivery from Canada. Check current rivastigmine patch price on our product page and review coverage details with your plan. If you track coupons, we list promotions when available.

Many caregivers look for rivastigmine coupon options; availability varies. We show rivastigmine patch price transparently so you can compare options and decide whether to request multi-box fills. We use encrypted checkout for added security.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary. If a specific strength or pack size is not available, a prescriber may recommend an alternative dose or a different agent in the same class. Pharmacists can coordinate with your clinician to clarify substitutions.

Therapy selection depends on diagnosis, tolerability, and goals. Your prescriber will confirm the most appropriate option for your situation before dispensing.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

This patch may suit adults who benefit from steady exposure, prefer once-daily dosing, or have difficulty swallowing pills. Those with severe skin reactions to rivastigmine or hypersensitivity to carbamates are not candidates. People with low body weight or significant gastrointestinal issues may need closer monitoring.

To manage costs, consider multi-month supplies if appropriate and allowed by your prescriber. Set refill reminders to avoid gaps in therapy. Keep notes on response and tolerability to streamline clinic visits.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Starting dose plan: how long at the initial strength
• Titration goals: what signs suggest an adjustment
• Application sites: best locations and rotation schedule
• Skin care: steps if redness or itching occurs
• Daily routine: handling bathing, exercise, and heat
• Monitoring: weight, appetite, and heart rate checks
• Medication list: avoiding interactions and duplicate therapies
• Caregiver support: how to track benefits and issues

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Rivastigmine Patch

Novartis: Exelon Patch PI

Health Canada DPD

Ready to order from YouDrugstore with prompt US delivery from Canada? Complete checkout, and we’ll handle temperature-controlled handling when required. This information is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.

Explore more on Alzheimers Disease Dementia, Parkinsons Disease Dementia, and our Neurology category. For background reading, see What Is Alzheimers, Stages Of Alzheimers, and Ebixa Memantine Uses.