Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Exelon patch as follows:
- Exelon patch use can result in increased bladder contractions, increased frequency of urination, and consequently contribute to increased fluid volume loss and hypotension. Exelon patch must be used with caution in individuals with history of urge incontinence, as it can significantly increase the frequency of accidents. Individuals using diuretics for any reason can be at increased risk for excessive fluid volume deficit and low blood pressure with concomitant use of exelon patch and so, must exercise caution with close watch maintained for steeply increasing risk for fluid volume deficit and hypotensive symptoms.
- Exelon patch use carries the risk of lowering the heart rate and so, must be used with extreme caution in individuals with history of bradycardia/bradyarrhythmias. 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 exelon patch. This can lead to episodes of severely low heart rate and may even present with a heart block. Exelon patch can be avoided for a safer alternative or used with extreme caution in individuals with history of sick sinus or AV block.
