Rivastigmine oral solution

What is this medicine?

RIVASTIGMINE (ri va STIG meen) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use the measuring device that comes with your medicine to measure your dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Do not use household spoons. They are not accurate. You can mix your dose in a small amount of water, cold fruit juice, or soda just prior to taking it if you like. Do not use other liquids to dilute the dose. If you mix your dose with one of these beverages, be sure to mix the solution well and drink the entire mixture. Take with food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision or balance

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• increase in frequency of passing urine, or incontinence

• nervousness, agitation, or increased confusion

• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

• severe diarrhea

• slow heartbeat, or palpitations

• stomach pain

• sweating

• uncontrollable movements

• vomiting

• weight loss

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• headache

• indigestion or heartburn

• loss of appetite

• mild diarrhea, especially when starting treatment

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• atropine

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• glycopyrrolate

• ipratropium

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• medicines that relax your muscles for surgery

• other medicines for Alzheimer's disease

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of reach of children.

Store below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep upright. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty passing urine

• heart disease, or irregular or slow heartbeat

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lung or breathing disease, like asthma

• seizures

• stomach or intestine disease, ulcers, or stomach bleeding

• an unusual or allergic reaction to rivastigmine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Check with your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you.