This medicine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat mild to moderate dementia (such as problems with memory, judgment, and abstract thinking; changes in personality) caused by Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease.
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.
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. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking another form of rivastigmine or another cholinesterase inhibitor (eg, donepezil). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen), cholinergic agents (eg, bethanechol), or anticholinergics (eg, scopolamine). TELL YOUR DOCTOR if you are scheduled to have surgery or other medical procedures with general anesthesia. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including a history of kidney or liver problems, certain heart problems (eg, slow or irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome), seizures (eg, epilepsy), stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcer), lung or breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease / COPD), or urinary blockage (trouble urinating). Tell your doctor if you weigh less than 110 lbs (50 kg) or if you have tremors, dementia or other decreased mental ability that is not caused by Alzheimer disease or Parkinson disease, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine. Use of this medicine in children is not recommended. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of giving this medicine to your child.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include diarrhea, stomach pain or upset, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, increased sweating, weakness, fatigue, trouble sleeping, or weight loss. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience anxiety; bloody or black, tarry stools; chest pain; confusion; decreased coordination; decreased, increased, or painful urination; fainting; fever; new or worsening mental or mood changes (eg, depression); new or worsening tremor or uncontrolled muscle movements; new or worsening trouble walking; seizures; severe or persistent dizziness, tiredness, or weakness; severe or persistent diarrhea, nausea, stomach pain, or vomiting; severe or persistent loss of appetite or weight loss; slow or irregular heartbeat; trouble speaking or swallowing; twitching of the face or tongue; vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose include fainting; increased saliva production; loss of consciousness; muscle weakness; seizures; severe dizziness; severe nausea or vomiting; severely increased sweating; slow heartbeat; or slow or shallow breathing.
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.