Exelon Patches: FDA Approved Treatment for Dementia in Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s

In the United States, millions of adults either suffer from dementia complications associated with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, or know someone who does. For many patients, the dementia complications associated with these disorders is progressive and, ultimately, can impede on quality of life.

In an effort to remedy the complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation distributes an FDA approved prescription drug known as the Exelon Patch. The Exelon Patch has shown to be effective at controlling, to some extent, the dementia associated with these progressive, age-related, complications and can also be offered in capsule or tablet form.

When dosing the Exelon Patch, in the treatment of Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s related dementia, it is recommended as a progressive dosing plan. With the initial four weeks of treatment with recommended use of 4.6 milligram patches, once every 24 hours, and then progressing to 9.5 milligram patches, once per day, thereafter. This, of course, will depend on how well the initial dosing is tolerated and what, if any, side effects may have presented during the first four weeks of treatment.

Application of the Exelon patch is also quite simple with most healthcare professionals recommending application in the upper or lower back where the patient is unable to access or remove the patch during the day. For this reason, the major drawback to using the Exelon Patch is in the patient’s inability to self-administer the patch, often requiring the services of a medical aide to ensure it is applied correctly and in a bodily area where optimal therapeutic benefit is achieved.

As with most FDA approved drugs, the use of Exelon Patches, in the treatment of dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease or Alzheimer’s disease, does not come without side effects. As a general rule, most side effects will dissipate as treatment is applied and dosing is adjusted. When using Exelon Patches, side effects most commonly experienced by patients include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even gastrointestinal complications. If these symptoms seem excessive while using Exelon patches, resulting in extreme weight loss or further impaired cognitive function, it may be necessary to seek out the medical attention of a healthcare professional.

Contraindications, in the use of Exelon patches, to treat dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease is limited. With limited information regarding the effects of Exelon patches upon age, pediatrics, pregnancy, breastfeeding and even liver or kidney function, the Exelon patch must be used with caution in patients who are co-morbid for these complications. Discuss any healthcare issues with the prescribing physician.

As with any abnormal dementia related condition, the key to the management of the complications will lie in the early intervention, diagnosis and treatment, especially in those with Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease. For individuals who suffer from dementia complications, the use Exelon patches has shown to be effective at improving the dementia related symptoms, offering some slowed progression of the disease. When considering treatment options, the use of Exelon patches may provide relief and improve your overall quality of life and, ultimately, reduce the need for use of more advanced care in the age progression and disease process.