The Rivastigmine Patch: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to using the patch if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Rivastigmine Patch Drug Interactions
How Does the Rivastigmine Patch Work?
The rivastigmine patch is part of a group of medications known as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. These medications work by preventing a specific enzyme, known as acetylcholinesterase, from breaking down acetylcholine in the brain. Acetylcholine is a chemical that aids in many brain functions, including memory, attention, reason, and language. It is thought that problems with inadequate acetylcholine in the brain may contribute to some of the
symptoms of dementia associated with
Alzheimer's disease or
Parkinson's disease.
Rivastigmine products (including rivastigmine patches as well as capsules and liquid) are the only acetylcholinesterase inhibitors approved to treat
dementia due to Parkinson's disease. The other medications in this class are approved to treat
Alzheimer's dementia only.