Rivastigmine transdermal patch (Exelon[TM]) in clinical practice.

Rivastigmine transdermal patch (Exelon^TM) in clinical practice.

Haruyasu Yamaguchi¹, Yohko Maki¹, Tomoharu Yamaguchi¹, Mie Matsumoto², Tomoko Nakajima², Kazuhide Nonaka², Haruka Uchida² and Masamitsu Takatama²

¹Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences
²Geriatrics Research Institute and Hospital

Purpose:Practical clinical application of rivastigmine transdermal patch for Alzheimer-type dementia.
Participants:44 outpatients, aged 79.8±6.7y, of memory clinic.
Medication:Dose of rivastigmine transdermal patch (Exelon^TM) was increased up to 18mg (10cm²;9mg/day), if adverse effect was not appeared.
Evaluation:Cognitive function was evaluated by Mini-mental state examination (MMSE).
Results:In 44 subjects, 16 discontinued at 4 to 20weeks by adverse events:11 with skin irritation, 3 with mental irritability and 2 others. Remaining 28 subjects continued the medication, and MMSE score was significantly improved (n=20, p=0.022, Wilcoxon) from 18.0±6.6 to 20.2±6.2. We described clinical courses of 5 subjects, who showed marked improvement.
Conclusion:Treatment with the rivastigmine transdermal patch has significant benefit to maintain/improve cognitive function. However, high-frequency adverse events of skin irritation should be prevented.

Address Correspondence to Dr. Haruyasu Yamaguchi, Gunma University Graduate School of Health Sciences (3-39-15 Showa, Maebashi 371-8514, Japan)