What's New in Medicine

The FDA has recently approved the use of a patch to deliver Exelon (rivastigmine) for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease; as well as, for mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease dementia. Exelon was previously available only in tablet form.

It has been under study for several years with regard to looking for new delivery systems such as this patch method. This patch is an advance for those patients who have had difficulty with the oral form due to the development of nausea and vomiting.

This patch is applied once daily to the upper arm, upper chest, or back area. A new patch is applied each day and rotated through these various locations. The patch is designed to deliver a steady blood level throughout the day in an effort to assist in controlling the symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. Patients who were unable to tolerate the oral form of Exelon now have another option due to this new delivery system of the patch to reattempt the use of this medication.

Please review the above with your physician or allied healthcare professional.

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