¿What is Exelon?

Exelon improves the function of nerve cells in the brain. It works by preventing the breakdown of a chemical called acetylcholine (ah see til KO leen). People with dementia usually have lower levels of this chemical, which is important for the processes of memory, thinking, and reasoning.Exelon (skin patch) is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.Exelon may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

¿What is the most important information I should know aboutExelon?

Before usingExelon, tell your doctor if you have a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats), an enlarged prostate, urination problems, asthma, obstructive pulmonary disease, or a seizure disorder such as epilepsy. Stop usingExelon and call your doctor at once if the medicine causes you to have nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, or weight loss. If you stop usingExelon for any reason, do not restart the medication without talking to your doctor first. You may need to restart treatment with a lower dose. If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are usingExelon.Exelon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

¿What should I avoid while using Exelon?

Do not use any cream, lotion, ointment, oil, or powder on the skin where you plan to apply a skin patch. The patch may not stick well to the skin. Avoid applying heat to the skin where the patch is worn, because it may increase the amount of medicine your body absorbs. Heat sources include hot tubs, heating pads, heat lamps, saunas, heated water beds, and direct sunlight.Exelon can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.Exelon side effects Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop usingExelon and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, weight loss;
• black or bloody stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck, tremor (uncontrolled shaking);
• sudden numbness or weakness, headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• confusion, hallucinations; or
• pain or burning when you urinate.
  

Less serious side effects may include:

• diarrhea;
• headache, tired feeling;
• redness, itching, or swelling where the patch was worn;
• dizziness, spinning feeling; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).
  

This list is not complete and other side effects may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.