Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while using Rivastigmine patch as follows:
- Rivastigmine patch use carries the risk of lowering the heart rate and so, must be used with extreme caution in individuals with history of bradycardia. Individuals with history of compromised function of the pacemakers of the heart (SA and AV nodes), can present with further compromise of the pacemaker function, secondary to use of Rivastigmine patch. This can lead to episodes of severely low heart rate and may even present with a heart block. Rivastigmine patch can be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of sick sinus or AV block. Use of Rivastigmine patch in individuals with history of orthostatic hypotension can contribute to severe lowering of blood pressure numbers. Rivastigmine patch must be used with extreme caution in individuals with such history, to avoid episodes of dizziness and confusion due to hypotension. This can help prevent falls and accidents due to sudden change of position. Maintain a log of every day blood pressure and heart rate readings, for an easy follow-up of the response to the medication intake. If the blood pressure and/or heart rate are being too low, notify your doctor on the same, so that, your plan of care could be revised.
- Change the patch as ordered. Usually, Rivastigmine patch is changed every 24 hours. Confirm with your physician and other health care personnel on the frequency of patch change.
