Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.
Breathing conditions: Exelon (Rivastigmine) may cause breathing problems to worsen. If you have a history of Asthma or obstructive lung disease (e.g., emphysema, chronic Bronchitis), discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Exelon (Rivastigmine) may cause dizziness or drowsiness, mainly when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Your doctor will advise you whether it is safe for you to drive vehicles and operate machinery. If you feel dizzy or drowsy, do not drive, use machines, or perform any other tasks that require your attention.
Heart disease: People with certain types of heart disease (e.g., Congestive Heart Failure, Coronary Artery Disease) are more likely to experience symptoms of heart disease as a result of Exelon (Rivastigmine) slowing down the heart rate. If you have heart disease, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Kidney function: If you have reduced kidney function or Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Exelon (Rivastigmine). People with severely reduced liver function should not use Exelon (Rivastigmine).
Low body weight: People who weigh less than 50 kg may experience more side effects than people who weigh more than 50 kg. Discuss with your doctor any concerns you may have about using Exelon (Rivastigmine).
Seizures: People who have a history of seizures may experience an increase in seizures when using Exelon (Rivastigmine). If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stomach problems: The use of Exelon (Rivastigmine) is associated with significant stomach side effects including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and weight loss. If these side effects persist or bother you, speak to your doctor. If you have a history of stomach ulcers or are at risk of developing ulcers discuss with your doctor how Exelon (Rivastigmine) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Exelon (Rivastigmine), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping and restarting treatment: If you miss more than several days' worth of treatment, talk to your doctor about how to safely restart the medication.
Surgery: If you are going to have surgery, make sure you let all the doctors, including dentists, know that you are using Exelon (Rivastigmine).
Pregnancy: Exelon (Rivastigmine) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Exelon (Rivastigmine), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if rivastigimine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Exelon (Rivastigmine), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Exelon (Rivastigmine) have not been established for children.
