Exelon is a drug used to treat mild to moderate symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. It is available in several forms, including a skin patch. Use of the drug in this form is associated with a lower chance of experiencing unwanted side effects, as opposed to taking Exelon by mouth.
History
In July 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of the medication patch, Exelon, to treat Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Exelon delivers the drug, rivastigmine, through the skin. Rivastigmine was formerly only prescribed in pill form and in a liquid taken by mouth. Although Exelon was available to be taken by mouth, it caused unwanted side effects. Some patients also had a hard time swallowing the pill. In 2006, researchers proposed that a medicated skin patch for the drug be developed to avoid these unwanted side effects and complications.
Effects
Some of the side effects associated with the Alzheimer's skin patch, Exelon, include abdominal pain, anxiety, aggression, confusion, constipation, depression, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, gas, insomnia, night sweats, loss of appetite, vomiting and weight loss. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of Exelon side effects. Taking Exelon in the patch form is less likely to cause nausea than taking it in pill form.
Warning
Exelon was not designed for women in their child-bearing years. It is unknown how the drug affects women that are pregnant or breastfeeding. Exelon hasn't been studied in children either. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist if the Alzheimer's skin patch will be used in combination with other drugs. Using Exelon at the same time as other medications can change the way the drug works in the body by increasing or decreasing the drug's effects. Exelon can make breathing problems worse. Similar drugs have been associated with a greater chance of developing stomach problems.
Function
Exelon, the Alzheimer's skin patch, is used to tread mild and moderate Alzheimer's. It can be placed on the arm, back or chest and should be changed every 24 hours. Alzheimer's disease symptoms include memory loss and changes in mood and behavior. Symptoms start with loss of memory, but eventually lead to impaired thinking and incapacitation followed by death. The Alzheimer's skin patch works by increasing the levels of the chemical messenger acetylcholine in the bloodstream. Exelon doesn't cure Alzheimer's disease, but it decreases its progress.
Time Frame
The drug in the Alzheimer's skin patch is delivered over a period of one full day. It is important to note that it can be as long as 12 weeks before the full effects take place so patience is required with the use of this form of Exelon.
Tags: skin patch, Alzheimer skin, , side effects, Alzheimer disease, associated with