Exelone Patch

Battle Parkinson’s Blog

12 Nov, 2007 Treating Parkinson's
The FDA has announced approval of the Exelon Patch (rivastigmine transdermal system) as an alternative to oral administration of Exelon to patients with mild to moderate Parkinson’s Disease Dementia (PDD).
What is Exelon?
Exelon prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, a chemical that is important to the process of thinking, memory and reasoning. People with dementia usually have a diminished level of acetylcholine. The changes in Parkinson’s dementia involve the neuronal pathways in the brain. Exelon therapy enhances these neuronal functions by increasing the concentration of acetylcholine thereby moderating the effects of dementia. But, Exelon’s effect may lesson when the disease progresses as fewer neurons remain functionally intact.
How well does it work?
The effectiveness of Exelon was proven by a clinical test using the Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study - Clinician’s Global Impression of Change (ADCS-CCIC).
541 patients were randomly chosen and treated with either Exelon, or a placebo. In two months there was little if any change in the patients, but after six months 56% of the untreated patients worsened and after 12 months 81% had worsened. Only 2% of the Exelon treated patients showed minimal worsening.
Dosage and Administration
The starting dose of Exelon is 3 mg a day in two 1.5 mg doses. The dosage may be increased to 3 mg, 4.5 mg and 6 mg based on tolerability with a minimum of four weeks at each dose.
Exelon can be taken orally, capsules or liquid, and now, through a transdermal patch. Exelon comes as a liquid in a 2mg/mL, clear, yellow solution in a 4 oz bottle with an oral dosing syringe, and as a 1.5 mg yellow capsule, a 3 mg orange capsule, a 4.5 mg red capsule, and a 6 mg orange and red capsule. Exelon patches are available in a 4.6 mg/24 hours and 9.5 mg/24 hours versions.
More details about the Exelon patch can be found here.
What other information should I know?
It is important to use Exelon regularly to receive the most benefit.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose only. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
If you stop taking our medication for any reason you may have to restart it at the lower dosage.
Take Exelon with food. Swallow the capsule with a full glass of water. Stir the liquid form into a glass of water, fruit juice or soda. It can also be swallowed directly from the provided oral syringe.
If you need to have any type of surgery tell the surgeon you are taking Exelon.
Exelon Side Effects
Exelon use can cause significant stomach-related side effects including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite and weight loss. Treatment should be reinstated at the lowest daily dose if an interruption in therapy occurs longer than several days.
Summary
Exelon is the first drug approved by the FDA specifically for the effective treatment of mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease dementia. The Exelon Patch is a significant development in the administration of the drug by improving tolerability, and by providing a continuous delivery of medication through the skin over a 24 hour per
13 Comments so far »
big daddy said
am December 11 2007 @ 7:42 pm
Hi!
The patch is a swell idea. Two most common effects of PD is fatigue and tremors. In moderate cases of PD, these symptoms might be slight and a transdermal patch will ensure that patients will receive the required dose regularly without being reminded or having to go fetch and handle a glass of water.
Thanks for the info.
Sonny said
am December 11 2007 @ 9:28 pm
Exelon will be a great help if your following the instruction mentioned. Patients must take a note and paste it somewhere where he could easily find it.I think the place is the ref, you can always see the instructions there.
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