Other / Generic Exelon

Exelon is used for:

Treating mild to moderate impairment of memory, judgment, and abstract thinking, as well as changes in personality caused by Alzheimer disease.

Exelon is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by slowing the breakdown of a chemical in the brain, which increases the amount of that chemical in the brain. This chemical is thought to have an effect on memory and thinking ability. There is no evidence that Exelon alters the course of Alzheimer disease.

Do NOT use Exelon if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Exelon.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Exelon :

Some medical conditions may interact with Exelon. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines or other substances
• if you have heart problems (eg, slow or irregular heartbeat, sick sinus syndrome), breathing problems (eg, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]), seizures (eg, epilepsy), ulcer, kidney problems, or urinary blockage

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Exelon. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Cholinergic agonists (eg, bethanecol), cholinesterase inhibitors (eg, donepezil), or neuromuscular blockers (eg, succinylcholine) because the actions and side effects of both medicines may be increased
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because the risk of side effects, such as stomach bleeding, may be increased
• Anticholinergics (eg, oxybutynin, scopolamine) because their effectiveness may be decreased by Exelon

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Exelon may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Exelon :

Use Exelon as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Exelon with food.
• Exelon comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Exelon refilled.
• Swallow Exelon whole with a beverage. Do not open or crush the capsules.
• If you miss a dose of Exelon , take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once. If you miss your dose for more than 2 days, contact your doctor.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Exelon.

Important safety information:

• Exelon may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Exelon. Using Exelon alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• Exelon may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Alcohol, hot weather, exercise, and fever can increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness, lightheadedness, or weakness.
• Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using Exelon.
• Exelon is not recommended for use in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you plan to become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Exelon during pregnancy. It is unknown if Exelon is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Exelon.

Possible side effects of Exelon :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Appetite loss; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; general body discomfort; gas; headache; increased sweating; indigestion; nausea; stomach pain; tiredness; tremor; vomiting; weakness; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black or bloody stools; chest pain; coffee ground-like vomit; decreased urination; fainting; heart attack; heart failure; mental/mood changes; seizures; severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; severe stomach pain; slow or irregular heartbeat.