Product Details: Exelon (Rivastigmine)

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Novartis

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat loss of memory and thinking problems due to Alzheimer or Parkinson disease. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Directions

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.

Cautions

DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, dizziness, drowsiness, increased sweating, tremor, weakness, unusual fatigue, weight loss, stomach pain, indigestion, or gas. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Rivastigmine