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Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 30 patches of 4.6mg/24 hours carton

rivastigmine

Generic Exelon
Used for Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease
Used for Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease

The rivastigmine patch, also known by its brand name Exelon, is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It's approved for adults to help with symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. The rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is applied onto the skin once per day. The dosage typically depends on your response to the medication and your risk for side effects. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 20, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
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What is Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)?

What is Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) used for?

How Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) works

The rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It's not completely known how the medication helps treat dementia. But it's thought to work by blocking a protein called cholinesterase. It causes a natural chemical called acetylcholine to stick around in your brain longer. This helps your brain cells communicate with each other better, which is important for memory, attention, and thinking skills.

Are you looking for information on rivastigmine capsules instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsExelon
Drug ClassAcetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) essentials

Health: alzheimers-disease: GettyImages-1367761819

Donepezil vs. Rivastigmine Patches for Alzheimer’s-Related Dementia

Written by Hindu Rao, PharmD, APh, BCACP
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What are the side effects of Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Nausea (7%)
  • Vomiting (6%)
  • Diarrhea (6%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Weakness
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Allergic skin reaction: rash, skin redness, swelling, blisters
  • Too much medication in the body: severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, blurry vision, trouble breathing

Source: DailyMed

More on Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) side effects

Health: Rivastigmine: senior man nausea 1307465634

8 Rivastigmine (Exelon) Side Effects You Should Know About

Written by Austin Ulrich, PharmD, BCACP

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

difficult, burning, or painful urination

frequent urge to urinate

lower back or side pain

Less common

Blurred vision

dizziness

headache

loss of bladder control

nervousness

pounding in the ears

slow or fast heartbeat

Rare

Abdominal or stomach pain or tenderness

arm, back, or jaw pain

chest pain, tightness, heaviness, or discomfort

confusion

convulsions

decreased urine

difficult or troubled breathing

dilated neck veins

extreme fatigue

false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts

irregular breathing

irregular heartbeat

loss of consciousness

rapid breathing

seizures

severe nausea or vomiting

shortness of breath

sunken eyes

swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs

wrinkled skin

Incidence not known

Blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin

burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

hives or welts

itching

itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur:

Symptoms of overdose

Blurred vision

dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

increasing muscle weakness

irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing

pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin

slow or irregular heartbeat

sweating

unusual tiredness or weakness

watering of mouth

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Diarrhea

discouragement

fear

feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings

feeling sad or empty

irritability

lack of appetite

lack or loss of strength

loss of interest or pleasure

nausea

redness at the application site

sensation of spinning

stomach pain

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble sleeping

upper stomach pain

vomiting

weight loss

Rare

Blindness

burning, stinging, or pain at application site

continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in the ears

decreased vision

difficulty with moving

eye pain

hearing loss

itchy skin

muscle pain or stiffness

pain in the joints

pale skin

tearing

troubled breathing with exertion

unusual bleeding or bruising

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)

thumbs-up

Pros

A treatment option for dementia related to Alzheimer's or Parkinson's

A patch that's applied directly to the skin once per day

Less common to cause side effects than rivastigmine capsules

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't cure dementia

Can cause skin irritation where the patch gets applied

Can worsen the symptoms of other medical conditions (e.g., lung problems, stomach ulcers, trouble urinating)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)

pharmacist

  • Apply the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) once per day onto clean, dry, and hairless skin. Place the patch on the left or right upper arm or the left or right side of the chest, upper back, or lower back. Choose a different area of skin for each patch to prevent skin irritation; don't use the same spot within 14 days.

    • Only wear 1 rivastigmine patch (Exelon) at a time. Change the patch every 24 hours. Remember to take the old patch off before putting a new one on.

      • Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) commonly causes upset stomach. Your care team can suggest tips and tricks to help prevent or ease this side effect. But contact your prescriber if stomach upset becomes too bothersome.

        • The rivastigmine patch (Exelon) can sometimes make people dizzy or tired. This can affect the ability to concentrate, think, and react. Avoid activities that require focus, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.

          • To apply the patch: Remove the patch from its pouch. Peel off one side of the adhesive liner and stick the patch to the skin. Then, peel off the other side of the liner. Press down on the patch firmly for 30 seconds and make sure the edges are smoothed down. Save the pouch for when you need to remove the patch.

            • To remove the patch: Gently pull on one edge of the patch to take it off. Then, fold the patch in half so the sticky sides are together. Put the folded patch back in the pouch that you saved, and throw it away in the trash.

              • Wash your hands well with soap and water right away after applying or removing a rivastigmine patch (Exelon), especially if you accidentally touched the sticky side of the patch (either a new or used one). The sticky side of the patch contains medication. Don't use hand sanitizer or alcohol-based cleansers.

                • You can shower, bathe, or swim with the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) on, but be sure to check whether the patch becomes loose afterwards.

                  • Avoid heat sources, such as saunas, heating blankets, or hot tubs, while you're wearing the rivastigmine patch (Exelon). The heat can cause too much medication to get released from the patch, which can raise your risk for serious side effects like severe vomiting and trouble breathing.

                    • If the patch falls off before you need to replace it: Put on a new patch right away. Then, replace the patch the next day when you typically do (at the same time as you normally would). Don't use any bandages or tape to stick a loose patch back on. Also don't try to stick back on the same patch.

                      • If you forget to change your patch: Put a new patch on as soon as you remember. Then, go back to your regular schedule to change the patch. It's okay if you wear a patch for less than 24 hours. Don't apply 2 patches to make up for this missed dose.

                        • If you forget to wear a rivastigmine patch (Exelon) for more than 3 days in a row: Contact your prescriber about restarting the medication. You might need to restart at a lower dose to avoid side effects.

                          faqs

                          Frequently asked questions about Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)

                          How long does it take for the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) to work?
                          Studies show that it can take a few months of using the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) before you see significant improvements in cognitive scores. Discuss with the prescriber if you or your caregiver is concerned about how well the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is working or how long it's taking to help with symptoms of dementia.
                          How long does the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) work for?
                          It's not exactly clear how long the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) can work for. Although it doesn't cure dementia, studies show that the medication can work for at least 1.5 years to help with memory and thinking. Other studies suggest that cholinesterase inhibitors like the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) might be able to help manage dementia over time for even several years. Your prescriber will probably recommend that you continue using the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) as long as it's helping your dementia and as long as you're not having any intolerable side effects.
                          Can the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) make dementia worse?
                          There isn't any clinical evidence suggesting that the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) makes dementia worse. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned with how well the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is working for you. They can look into adjusting your dose or making a change in your treatment plan.
                          What happens if you stop taking the rivastigmine patch (Exelon)?
                          Stopping the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) could possible cause your dementia to worsen. In addition, some people have experienced certain withdrawal symptoms after suddenly stopping the medication. Contact your prescriber for further instructions if you're interested in stopping treatment with the rivastigmine patch (Exelon).
                          What's the difference between donepezil and rivastigmine?
                          Both donepezil and rivastigmine can help with dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. They belong to the same drug class and they work similarly. Studies suggest that they work just as well as each other. But they do have some differences. Donepezil pills (Aricept)rivastigmine patch (Exelon) are taken once per day, whereas rivastigmine pills is taken twice per day. They're also both available as patches that are worn on the skin: the donepezil patch (Adlarity) is applied once per week, but the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is applied once per day. Contact your prescriber if you have specific questions about the differences between donepezil and rivastigmine patch (Exelon).
                          What medications can interact with rivastigmine patch (Exelon)?
                          The rivastigmine patch (Exelon) can have interactions with a few medications that could be harmful. Don't take anticholinergic medications with the patch on because they can affect how well each other work. Also don't take cholinergic agonists while you're using the patch because the medications have similar risks. In addition, beta blockers and the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) can slow your heart rate down and make you lightheaded. It's not recommended to take metoclopramide (Reglan) with the patch on because this combination raises the risk for uncontrollable movement problems called extrapyramidal symptoms. Tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking and planning to take. Your care team can make sure your medications are safe to take together.
                          Where should rivastigmine patch (Exelon) patches be placed?
                          Place the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) onto clean, dry, and hairless skin. You can put the patch onto few areas on the body: the left or right upper arm; or the left or right side of the chest, upper back, or lower back. The back is a good choice if the person wearing the patch might take it off. Don't apply the patch onto any areas with red, irritated, burned, or cut skin. Also avoid areas where the patch can get rubbed off by tight clothing or belts. Choose a different spot to apply the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) each time to prevent skin irritation; don't use the same area within 14 days. Ask your pharmacist or prescriber if you have other questions about where to place the rivastigmine patch (Exelon).
                          Can you switch from the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) patch to the capsules?
                          Yes. Some people might be able to switch from the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) patch to the capsules if they develop an allergic skin reaction from the patch. Keep in mind that the capsules are swallowed whole and taken twice a day. Stomach-related side effects seem to be more common with the capsules than the patches. Talk to your prescriber if you develop an allergic skin reaction to the patch or if you're interesting in switching between rivastigmine products.
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                          What are the risks and warnings for Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)?

                          Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                          risk-warning

                          Stomach upset and loss of appetite

                          • Risk factors: Taking higher doses of rivastigmine patch (Exelon)

                            Even though the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is placed on the skin, it can cause stomach-related side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and a loss of appetite. Severe or long-lasting side effects could potentially lead to dehydration and some weight loss. Stomach-related side effects are more likely to happen if you take higher doses of the patch or if your dose gets raised too quickly.

                            Always use the rivastigmine patch (Exelon) exactly as prescribed. If you miss more than 3 days of the medication, contact your prescriber. They might tell you to restart at a lower dose to avoid these side effects.

                            risk-warning

                            Skin reactions

                            You might have skin irritation where you apply the rivastigmine patch (Exelon). This irritation typically improves within 48 hours of removing the patch.

                            But look out for skin reactions that spread further than the patch size; worsening redness, swelling, or blisters on the skin; or skin reactions that don't go away after a few days of removing the patch. These can be signs of an allergic skin reaction. Contact your prescriber right away if you have these symptoms so they can discuss with you about your options.

                            risk-warning

                            Other side effects from rivastigmine patch (Exelon)

                            • Risk factors: Movement problems | Seizures | Stomach bleeding or peptic ulcers | Heart rate or heart rhythm problems | Problems with urination | Breathing problems

                              Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) raises the levels of acetylcholine in your body, which can affect other functions of the body and cause other side effects.

                              For example, rivastigmine patch (Exelon) can cause or worsen movement problems, including shaking (tremors). The medication can also cause you to have more stomach acid, putting you at risk for stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding. In addition, it can slow down your heart rate, which can put you at risk of fainting or falling. Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) can also worsen breathing problems in people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

                              Make sure your care team knows about all of your medical conditions and medications you take. This will help your prescriber decide what rivastigmine patch (Exelon) dose is safe for you and how often you should follow up with them.

                              dosage

                              Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) dosage forms

                              The average cost for 1 carton of 30 patches of 4.6mg/24 hours of Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is $50.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 89.28% off the average retail price of $466.54.
                              carton
                              Carton
                              DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                              30 patches of 4.6mg/24 hours1 carton$50.00$50.00
                              30 patches of 9.5mg/24 hours1 carton$50.00$50.00
                              30 patches of 13.3mg/24 hours1 carton$50.00$50.00

                              Typical dosing for Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)

                              The rivastigmine patch (Exelon) is available in three strengths: 4.6 mg, 9.5 mg, and 13.3 mg. Each patch releases medication over 24 hours.

                              The typical starting dose is one 4.6 mg patch applied onto the skin every 24 hours. The maximum dose is one 13.3 mg patch applied every 24 hours.

                              Your prescriber might adjust the dose depending on how well the medication is helping you and whether you're having bothersome side effects.

                              interactions

                              Interactions between Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) and other drugs

                              Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rivastigmine patch (Exelon). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                              • Bromopride

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                              drug-cost

                              How much does Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) cost?

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                              Exelon (brand)
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                              contraindications-icon

                              Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) contraindications

                              Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) will not be safe for you to take.

                              • Previous allergic skin reaction to the rivastigmine patch (Exelon)

                              alternatives

                              What are alternatives to Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)?

                              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rivastigmine patch (Exelon). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                              Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)
                              Used for:
                              $50.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Donepezil (Aricept)
                              Used for:
                              $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              Memantine (Nameda)
                              Used for:
                              $11.40 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                              images

                              Rivastigmine patch (Exelon) images

                              Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 30 patches of 4.6mg / 24 hours carton
                              carton (30 patches) 4.6mg/24 hours of rivastigmineRivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 30 patches of 4.6mg / 24 hours carton
                              Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 30 patches of 9.5mg / 24 hours carton
                              carton (30 patches) 9.5mg/24 hours of rivastigmineRivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 30 patches of 9.5mg / 24 hours carton

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                              References

                              Best studies we found

                              Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC. (2024). Rivastigmine patch [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Gauthier, S., et al. (2013). Real-life effectiveness and tolerability of the rivastigmine transdermal patch in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease: The EMBRACE study. Current Medical Research and Opinion.

                              Greiman, T. L., et al. (2019). Adverse outcomes of abrupt switch and discontinuation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors in dementia with Lewy bodies: Case report and literature review. The Mental Health Clinician.

                              View All References (5)

                              MedlinePlus. (2023). Dehydration.

                              Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation. (2024). Exelon- rivastigmine patch, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.

                              Patel, P. H., et al. (2023). Rivastigmine. StatPearls.

                              Sam, C., et al. (2023). Physiology, acetylcholine. StatPearls.

                              Xu, H., et al. (2021). Long-term effects of cholinesterase inhibitors on cognitive decline and mortality. Neurology.

                              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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