Exelon may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.
You should not take oral Exelon if you have ever had severe redness, itching, or skin irritation caused by wearing a Exelon transdermal skin patch.
Call your doctor at once if you have severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, heavy sweating or hot and dry skin, black or bloody stools, coughing up blood, tremors (uncontrolled shaking), or restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck.
Before using Exelon, tell your doctor if you have liver disease, a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), recent weight loss or lack of appetite, an enlarged prostate, urination problems, a seizure disorder, asthma or allergies, tremors or uncontrolled muscle movements, or a history of stomach ulcer.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Exelon if you are allergic to rivastigmine or similar medicines, such as felbamate, meprobamate, or carisoprodol.
To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
an ulcer or stomach bleeding;
a seizure;
heart problems;
liver or kidney disease;
urination problems; or
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I take Exelon?
Exelon is usually taken twice per day. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Do not wear a Exelon transdermal skin patch at the same time you are taking Exelon capsules or oral liquid.
Take Exelon with food.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
You may swallow the liquid medicine directly from the syringe or mix the medicine with a small glass of water, fruit juice, or soda. Stir and drink this mixture within 4 hours after mixing. Add a little more water to the glass, swirl gently and drink right away.
After using the syringe, wipe the outside of it with a clean tissue and put the syringe back into its protective case. Close the medicine bottle using the child-resistant closure.
Call your doctor if you are sick with vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking Exelon.
Rivastigmine doses are based on weight. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine.
If you stop taking this medicine for any reason, do not restart the medicine without talking to your doctor first. You may need to start with a lower dose.
Store in an upright position at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not allow the liquid medicine to freeze.
