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Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 1.5mg capsule

rivastigmine

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

Rivastigmine is used to help adults with symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease. It belongs to the drug class called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. Rivastigmine capsules are taken by mouth twice per day. The dosage typically depends how well you can tolerate the medication. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The brand-name version of the capsule, Exelon, is no longer available. But you can still get the capsules as a generic.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Robert Chad Hakim, PharmD, BCCCP
reviewer
Allison Gourley, PharmD
Last reviewed on November 19, 2024
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostContraindicationsAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Rivastigmine?

What is Rivastigmine used for?

How Rivastigmine works

Rivastigmine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It's not completely clear how it helps treat dementia. But it's thought to work by blocking a protein called cholinesterase. This allows a natural chemical called acetylcholine to stick around in your brain longer. It 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 patch (Exelon) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsExelon (brand-name capsules no longer available)
Drug ClassAcetylcholinesterase inhibitor
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$170.05(save 88.24%)
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$20.00
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What are the side effects of Rivastigmine?

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 (47%)
  • Vomiting (31%)
  • Dizziness (21%)
  • Diarrhea (19%)
  • Headache (17%)
  • Loss of appetite (17%)
  • Stomach pain (13%)

Other Side Effects

  • Upset stomach
  • Tiredness
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Confusion
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Shaking (tremor)
  • Weight loss
  • More sweating
  • Fainting
  • 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

Source: DailyMed

More on Rivastigmine 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

thumbs-up

Pros

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

A pill that's taken by mouth

Available in several strengths

thumbs-down

Cons

Taken twice per day with food

Not available in a liquid form

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

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rivastigmine

pharmacist

  • Take rivastigmine by mouth every day in the morning and in the evening, about 12 hours apart. Take the medication with food to help it get absorbed into your body better.

    • Upset stomach is common with rivastigmine. Your care team can recommend some tips and tricks that you can try to help prevent or ease this side effect. But contact your prescriber if stomach upset gets too bothersome.

      • Rivastigmine can make you tired, sleepy, dizzy, or confused. This can lower your ability to focus, think, and react. Avoid activities that need your full attention, such as driving a car or operating machinery, until you know how this medication affects you.

        • Make sure to tell your care team about all of the medications you're taking. Don't start any new medications while you're taking rivastigmine without asking your care team first. They can check to make sure your medications are safe to take together. This is important because rivastigmine can have harmful interactions with a few medications, such as beta blockers and anticholinergic medications.

          • If you forget to take rivastigmine for more than 3 days in a row, contact your prescriber about restarting the medication. They might recommend that you restart at a lower dose to avoid side effects.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Rivastigmine

            How long does it take for rivastigmine to work?
            According to studies, it can take a few months of rivastigmine treatment to see improvements in cognitive scores. Discuss with the prescriber if you or your caregiver has concerns about how well rivastigmine is working or how long it's taking to help with symptoms of dementia.
            How long does rivastigmine work for?
            It's not exactly clear how long rivastigmine will work for. Although they don't cure dementia, studies suggest that cholinesterase inhibitors like rivastigmine might be able to help manage dementia over time for several years. Your prescriber will probably recommend that you continue taking rivastigmine as long as it's helping with your dementia and as long as you can tolerate the medication.
            Can rivastigmine make dementia worse?
            There's no clinical evidence to suggest that rivastigmine makes dementia worse. Contact your prescriber if you're concerned about how well rivastigmine 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 rivastigmine?
            Stopping rivastigmine can possibly cause your dementia to worsen. In addition, it's possible for some people to experience certain withdrawal symptoms after suddenly stopping the medication. Contact your prescriber for further instructions if you're interested in stopping rivastigmine.
            What's the difference between donepezil and rivastigmine?
            Both donepezil and rivastigmine are acetylcholinesterase inhibitors that are used to treat dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. Studies show that they work just as well as each other, but they do have some differences. They're both available as oral pills, but rivastigmine is taken twice per day whereas donepezil (Aricept) is taken once per day. In addition, both medications also come as patches that are worn on the skin. Rivastigmine patches (Exelon) are applied once per day, whereas donepezil patches (Adlarity) are applied once per week. Contact your prescriber if you have specific questions about the differences between donepezil and rivastigmine.
            What medications can interact with rivastigmine?
            Rivastigmine can interact with a few medications. It's not recommended to take rivastigmine with metoclopramide (Reglan) because this combination raises the risk for uncontrollable movement problems called extrapyramidal symptoms. In addition, don't take rivastigmine with cholinergic agonists because they have similar risks. Also, don't take anticholinergic medications with rivastigmine because they can affect how well each other work. Finally, taking rivastigmine and beta blockers together slow your heart rate down and make you lightheaded. Tell your care team about all of the medications you take so they can make sure they're safe to use together.
            Can rivastigmine capsules be opened?
            No, don't open the rivastigmine capsules. Contact your prescriber about your options if you're having trouble swallowing the capsules. You might be able to switch to the rivastigmine patch (Exelon).
            Can you switch from the rivastigmine patch to the capsules?
            Yes. Some people might be able to switch from the rivastigmine patch to the capsules if they develop an allergic skin rash from the patch. Keep in mind that the capsules are swallowed whole and taken twice a day. Stomach-related side effects also seem to be more common with the capsules than the patches. Talk to your prescriber if you're interesting in switching between rivastigmine products.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Rivastigmine?

            Rivastigmine 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

              Rivastigmine can cause many 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 rivastigmine or if your dose gets raised too quickly.

              Always take rivastigmine exactly as prescribed. Call your prescriber if you miss more than 3 days of medication. You might need to restart at a lower dose to avoid these side effects.

              risk-warning

              Other side effects from rivastigmine

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

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

                For example, rivastigmine 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 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 dose is safe for you and how often you should follow up with them.

                dosage

                Rivastigmine dosage forms

                The average cost for 60 capsules of 1.5mg of Rivastigmine is $20.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 88.24% off the average retail price of $170.05.
                capsule
                Capsule
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                1.5mg60 capsules$20.00$0.33
                3mg180 capsules$36.00$0.20
                4.5mg180 capsules$36.00$0.20
                6mg180 capsules$36.00$0.20

                Typical dosing for Rivastigmine

                The typical starting dose is 1.5 mg by mouth twice a day with food. The maximum dose is 6 mg by mouth twice a day.

                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 and other drugs

                Rivastigmine 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. 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.

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                How much does Rivastigmine cost?

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                Rivastigmine (generic)
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                Rivastigmine 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 will not be safe for you to take.
                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Rivastigmine?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rivastigmine. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Rivastigmine
                Used for:
                $20.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Donepezil (Aricept)
                Used for:

                • Dementia related to Alzheimer's disease (AD)

                $9.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Rivastigmine patch (Exelon)
                Used for:
                $50.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                images

                Rivastigmine images

                Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 1.5mg capsule
                capsule of rivastigmine 1.5mgRivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 1.5mg capsule
                Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 3mg capsule
                capsule of rivastigmine 3mgRivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 3mg capsule
                Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 4.5mg capsule
                capsule of rivastigmine 4.5mgRivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 4.5mg capsule
                Rivastigmine Coupon - Rivastigmine 6mg capsule
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                References

                Best studies we found

                Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). Rivastigmine tartrate capsule [package insert]. DailyMed.

                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.

                MedlinePlus. (2023). Dehydration.

                View All References (3)

                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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