Alzheimers patch

Most patients with mild to moderate forms of Alzheimer's disease could benefit from this new patch, which delivers the drug Exelon directly into the bloodstream through the skin. Exelon is a drug that is already on the market in pill form, so many Alzheimer's patients are already using this drug and may prefer the patch when it's available.

Exelon is in a class of medications called cholinesterase inhibitors. Other cholinesterase medications include Aricept donepezil and Reminyl galantamine. Any patient who has benefited from these medications may benefit from this patch. What's the time frame for Food and Drug Administration approval and will this be approved?

Exelon is already approved in pill form, so the FDA has already decided that the drugs work and is safe for patients to take by mouth. The new skin patch sends Exelon straight into the bloodstream, which means it may not cause side effects like nausea and vomiting in the same way the Exelon pill does.

Also, because this is a patch, patients or caregivers can apply it once daily and don't have to remember to take multiple doses of a medication. Dehydration may result from prolonged vomiting or diarrhea and can be associated with serious outcomes. The incidence and severity of these reactions are dose related. Stop using EXELON PATCH and call your health care provider right away if you experience reactions that spread beyond the patch size, are intense in nature, and do not improve within 48 hours after the patch is removed.

Symptoms of ACD may be intense and include itching, redness, swelling, warmth or tenderness of the skin, or peeling or blistering of the skin, which may ooze, drain, or crust over.

Extrapyramidal symptoms e. EXELON PATCH should not be taken at the same time as metoclopramide used to treat heartburn, nausea, and vomiting and with medicines that have a similar effect on the body and the brain cholinomimetic agents or with anticholinergic medicines.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www. Novartis is proud to offer Patient Assistance Now , an easy-to-use, comprehensive resource that allows you to access programs that may help you pay for your Novartis medicines.

Use of website is governed by the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement. Select the Alerta kit that works for you. Our Kits contains a 1, 3 or 6 month supply of Alerta Patches and 1 portable receiver. The waterproof patch is worn on the upper back. The portable receiver has an audible alarm that notifies you instantly if your loved one wanders too far. Need even more patches or a spare battery?