Rivastigmine
Rivastigmine (ri va STIG meen) is a generic medication prescribed to treat dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Rivastigmine belongs to a group of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
Rivastigmine (ri va STIG meen) is a generic medication prescribed to treat dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Rivastigmine belongs to a group of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
- Generic
- • Capsule
- • 1.5mg
- • 60 Capsules
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Intro
Introduction
Written by Julz Richterman, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Medically reviewed by Victor Nguyen, PharmD, MBA
Updated on October 11, 2023
Rivastigmine (ri va STIG meen) is a generic medication prescribed to treat dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Rivastigmine belongs to a group of drugs called acetylcholinesterase inhibitors.
These approved uses differ based on the form of rivastigmine your doctor prescribes.
This article doesn’t provide coupons for all forms of rivastigmine. To find coupons for rivastigmine transdermal patch, see this article.
Side effects
Side effects of rivastigmine
Rivastigmine may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of rivastigmine and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about rivastigmine’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for rivastigmine listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with rivastigmine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of rivastigmine you use.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about rivastigmine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for rivastigmine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Rivastigmine oral capsule’s mild side effects include:
- nausea or vomiting
- decreased appetite and weight loss
- indigestion (upset stomach)
- extrapyramidal symptoms (movement-related side effects), such as tremors
- mild allergic reaction*
Rivastigmine transdermal patch’s† mild side effects include:
- nausea or vomiting
- decreased appetite and weight loss
- diarrhea
- application site redness or discoloration
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for rivastigmine” section.
† A transdermal patch is a sticky patch that’s applied to the skin. It allows the drug to be absorbed through the skin.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of rivastigmine are listed below. These side effects may differ based on the form of rivastigmine you use.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about rivastigmine’s side effects based on the form, refer to the prescribing information for rivastigmine listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, rivastigmine’s serious side effects include:
- severe vomiting or diarrhea that leads to dehydration
- disseminated contact dermatitis (itchy, swollen, and red or discolored rash that’s spread to multiple areas of your skin)
- tremors
- ulcers (sores)
- trouble urinating
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for rivastigmine” section.
FAQ
Common questions about rivastigmine
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about rivastigmine.
What brand names are available for rivastigmine?
The brand name for rivastigmine is Exelon. It’s available as an oral capsule, oral liquid solution, and transdermal patch. A transdermal patch is a sticky patch that’s applied to the skin. It allows the drug to be absorbed through the skin. Rivastigmine is the generic version of Exelon.
A generic medication is an identical copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. (An active drug is the ingredient that makes a medication work.) Generic drugs are believed to be as effective and safe as brand-name drugs. And generic drugs typically cost less compared to brand-name drugs.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the differences between brand-name and generic medications.
How does rivastigmine work? And how long does it take to start working?
The exact mechanism of action (the way a drug works) of rivastigmine is unknown. But it’s thought to block the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine in your brain. This increases the level of acetylcholine, leading to better attention, focus, and memory. This can help with dementia (problems with thinking, memory, and communication).
Rivastigmine begins working within an hour. But it may take several weeks for dementia symptoms to ease.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is rivastigmine safe for older adults?
Yes, it’s safe. Most of the people in studies* of rivastigmine were older adults (ages 65 years and older). There were no differences in safety or how well the drug worked in younger adults compared with older adults.
Still, some older adults may be more sensitive to rivastigmine. In this case, doctors may prescribe a lower dose of the drug or monitor them more often.
If you would like to know more about the safety of rivastigmine in older adults, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* For details about rivastigmine‘s studies, see the drug’s prescribing information in the “Resources” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for rivastigmine
Below you’ll find information about rivastigmine’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of rivastigmine
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take rivastigmine, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for rivastigmine” section below.
Warnings for rivastigmine
Rivastigmine should be taken cautiously by certain people.
Rivastigmine could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether rivastigmine is a safe option for you. These warnings may differ based on the form of rivastigmine you use.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for rivastigmine, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Rivastigmine can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to rivastigmine or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe rivastigmine. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to rivastigmine, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of rivastigmine
If you take or apply rivastigmine, you should not take or apply more than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much rivastigmine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and rivastigmine
Information about rivastigmine and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Rivastigmine and pregnancy
It’s not known whether rivastigmine should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Rivastigmine and breastfeeding
Rivastigmine should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may recommend other ways to feed your child during treatment with rivastigmine.
Uses
Uses of rivastigmine
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as rivastigmine for certain conditions. Approved uses for rivastigmine are described below. These uses differ based on the form of rivastigmine prescribed.
Use for dementia related to Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
Doctors may prescribe rivastigmine oral capsule and transdermal patch* for treating dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
There are many types of dementia. But generally, with dementia, you have problems with thinking, memory, and communication. Symptoms may include:
- confusion
- problems with short-term memory
- difficulty with everyday tasks
- being repetitive
Parkinson’s disease causes loss of coordination and difficulty controlling muscle movements. Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia. Both diseases are progressive, which means they get worse over time. In Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s disease, there’s an imbalance of acetylcholine in your nervous system, which causes dementia.
Acetylcholine is a chemical messenger that helps carry signals in your brain and nervous system. It affects many functions of the body. These include moving your muscles, dilating your eyes, and making sweat or saliva. But in the brain, acetylcholine increases attention, focus, and memory.
Rivastigmine helps correct the imbalance of acetylcholine in your brain to ease dementia symptoms.
* A transdermal patch is a sticky patch that’s applied to the skin. It allows the drug to be absorbed through the skin.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know if you have questions about rivastigmine or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Should I take rivastigmine with food?
- What should I do if I miss a dose of rivastigmine or if I miss 3 or more days of my rivastigmine doses?
- Can rivastigmine make my Parkinson’s disease symptoms worse?
Resources
Resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Rivastigmine patch, extended release. (2019). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/9a250350-9e85-b152-e053-2a95a90ab97d/spl-doc
- Rivastigmine tartrate capsule. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/2bb5e0d6-f677-4021-9888-3ff90979ef7d/spl-doc
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
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