Exelon Patch (rivastigmine) Side Effects in Parkinson's -- emedtv.com

Exelon Patch Side Effects

Nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite are the most commonly reported Exelon Patch side effects. Those that were seen in less than 1 percent of people (and which may or may not be related to the medication) include high cholesterol, glaucoma, and eczema. Certain side effects of the Exelon Patch are potentially serious and require immediate medical attention, such as depression, difficulty urinating, and seizures.

An Introduction to Exelon Patch Side Effects

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with the Exelon® Patch (rivastigmine patch); however, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, many people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with the Exelon Patch. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Exelon Patch side effects with you.)

Common Exelon Patch Side Effects

The Exelon Patch has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials. In these trials, one group of people was given the real medication, while another group was given a placebo (a patch with no active ingredients). This way, it is possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group who took the placebo.

It is important to note that these studies sometimes used an Exelon Patch dosage that is higher than is currently recommended, which increases the risk of side effects.

In these studies, the most common side effects of the Exelon Patch included:

* Nausea -- in up to 21 percent of people
* Vomiting -- up to 19 percent
* Diarrhea -- up to 10 percent
* Decreased appetite -- up to 9 percent
* Weight loss -- up to 8 percent (see Exelon Patch and Weight Loss).

Other common side effects, occurring in 2 to 7 percent of people, included:

* Dizziness
* Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
* Urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as a bladder infection
* Weakness
* Fatigue
* Insomnia
* A spinning sensation (vertigo).

Serious Exelon Patch Side Effects

Some Exelon Patch side effects, while occurring infrequently, are potentially serious and should be reported immediately to your healthcare provider. These include but are not limited to:

* Severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss
* Depression
* Anxiety
* A dangerously slow heart rate (bradycardia)
* Stomach ulcers or intestinal ulcers
* Difficulty passing urine
* Seizures
* Worsening of asthma
* A worsening of Parkinson's disease symptoms (in people using the patch for Parkinson's dementia)
* Uncontrollable body movements or twitches
* Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:

o Unexplained rash
o Hives
o Itching
o Swelling of the mouth or throat
o Wheezing
o Difficulty breathing.

Less Common Exelon Patch Side Effects

Rare Exelon Patch side effects occurred in less than 1 percent of people using the patch. Because these side effects are so uncommon, it is difficult to tell whether they are actually caused by the medication or something else. There is a good chance that these "side effects" could be completely unrelated to the Exelon Patch.

These rare side effects include but are not limited to:

* Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
* Glaucoma
* Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
* High cholesterol
* Muscle pain or muscle spasms
* Eczema.

Final Thoughts on Exelon Patch Side Effects

You may experience some or none of the Exelon Patch side effects listed in this article. Unfortunately, there is no way for your healthcare provider to know beforehand if you will have side effects from a medicine that you have never taken. Therefore, make sure to let your healthcare provider know if you develop any side effects while using the patch or if something "just does not seem right." While it may not be a side effect of the Exelon Patch, your healthcare provider will be able to diagnose and treat the problem.