Rivastigmine helps to reduce symptoms of dementia such as memory loss, confusion, and problems with thinking and reasoning in Alzheimer's disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions) or in Parkinson's disease (a brain disease that affects movement).
Rivastigmine cannot cure Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease, but it can improve the quality of life for people who have these illnesses.
Take Rivastigmine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Always take Rivastigmine with food. You may take it immediately after a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
If you are taking the oral capsule, swallow it whole with a glass of water.
If you are using the oral solution, use the oral dosing syringe provided to draw out the dose from the bottle. The solution may be swallowed directly from the syringe. To make it easier to swallow, you may choose to mix it with a small glass of cold fruit juice or a fizzy drink. However, do make sure the solution is taken within 4 hours of mixing. Do not leave the medicine to stand after you have mixed it.
Rivastigmine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Rivastigmine even when there are signs of improvement which can take a few weeks for you to notice. Do not stop taking Rivastigmine unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If Rivastigmine has been missed for more than a few days, ask the doctor before restarting it.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- slow or irregular heartbeat
- stomach ulcer
- asthma and other lung diseases
- seizures or fits
- prostate or bladder problems
- kidney disease
- liver disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you are going for an operation, including minor surgery or dental work, inform the surgeon or dentist that you are taking Rivastigmine.
Rivastigmine may cause dizziness, tiredness, and weakness. It may also cause you to suddenly fall asleep during your daily activities such as eating and watching television. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other common side effects of Rivastigmine include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, stomach pain, chest pain, indigestion, headache, difficulty sleeping, confusion and anxiety.
Sometimes, the doctor may adjust your treatment by increasing the dose slowly over a period of time. During this dose adjustment period, you may experience side effects previously not experienced
Let your doctor know if you experience worsening of Parkinsonian symptoms e.g. tremor, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, imbalance while walking, uncontrollable movements such as twitching and jerking
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for urinary problems e.g. oxybutynin, tolterodine.
- medicines to trigger muscle contractions e.g. neostigmine, bethanechol
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Rivastigmine.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, such as traditional Chinese medicine, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
The oral solution should be used within 1 month after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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