• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info
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What is rivastigmine?
Rivastigmine 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. Rivastigmine is used to treat mild to moderate dementia caused by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease. Rivastigmine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

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What is the price of this medication and similar alternatives?

This pricing information is subject to change at the sole discretion of DS Pharmacy. For the most current and up-to-date pricing information, please visit drugstore.com.

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What are the possible side effects of rivastigmine?

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 using rivastigmine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite;

• black, bloody, or tarry stools;

• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like blood or coffee grounds;

• feeling light-headed, fainting;

• chest pain;

• confusion, agitation, extreme fear; or

• pain or burning when you urinate.

Less serious side effects may include:

• upset stomach, diarrhea;

• weight loss;

• weakness, dizziness;

• swelling in your hands or feet;

• joint pain;

• cough, runny or stuffy nose;

• increased sweating;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• headache.

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

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How should I take rivastigmine?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication. Rivastigmine is usually taken twice a day, in the morning and evening. Follow your doctor's directions. Take rivastigmine with food. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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What is the most important information I should know about rivastigmine?
Before taking rivastigmine, 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 using rivastigmine and call your doctor at once if the medicine causes you to have stomach pain, nausea and vomiting, and loss of appetite. This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

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What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose. If you miss several doses in a row, call your doctor before taking any more of this medication.

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What other drugs will affect rivastigmine?
Before taking rivastigmine, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs: atropine (Donnatal, and others); belladonna; clidinium (Quarzan); dicyclomine (Bentyl); glycopyrrolate (Robinul); hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others); mepenzolate (Cantil); methantheline (Provocholine); methscopolamine (Pamine); propantheline (Pro-Banthine); or scopolamine (Transderm-Scop). This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with rivastigmine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

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Can I take this if I am pregnant or trying to get pregnant or if I am breastfeeding?

Rivastigmine has been assigned to pregnancy category B by the FDA. Animal studies have revealed evidence of slightly decreased fetal/pup weights. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy. Rivastigmine should only be given during pregnancy when the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

There are no data on the excretion of rivastigmine into human milk.

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Who should NOT use this medication?

• Known hypersensitivity to rivastigmine, other carbamates, or any ingredient in the formulation.

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What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, drooling, sweating, blurred vision, feeling light-headed, slow heartbeat, shallow breathing, muscle weakness, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking rivastigmine?
Before taking rivastigmine, tell your doctor if you have: a heart rhythm disorder such as "sick sinus syndrome" (slow heartbeats); an enlarged prostate or urination problems; epilepsy or other seizure disorder; or asthma or obstructive pulmonary disease. If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take rivastigmine. FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

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Can I stop taking the medication if I feel better?
As a general rule, you should always take your medications exactly as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop taking the medication without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

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I am on so many medications; do I have to take them all?
This is called polypharmacy—many different medications being used at the same time by one person. Sometimes, being on multiple medications is acceptable and appropriate but at other times it may be problematic. If you are receiving your medications from multiple physicians you need to ensure that they all know what medications you are taking. The best way to do this is to make a list of all the medications you are currently using, including all nutritional supplements, homeopathic remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter drugs (if possible, also include all the diseases you have been diagnosed with). Give a copy to every doctor who takes care of you so they have it on file, this way they can avoid duplicating medications and perhaps even try to consolidate some. After every doctor's visit remember to update the list accordingly. Also, as much as you possibly can, try to use the same pharmacy to fill all your prescriptions, this way any potential drug interactions can be caught and averted.

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Where can I get more information?
More Information

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