Exelon Patch Patient Counseling Information

Patients and caregivers should be instructed on important administration instructions: The previous day's patch must be removed before applying a new one every day (see Overdosage).
The patch should be replaced by a new one after 24 hours. Only one patch should be worn at a time (see Overdosage).
The patch should be pressed down firmly for at least 30 seconds using the palm of the hand until the edges stick well.
If the patch falls off, a new one should be applied for the rest of the day, then it should be replaced at the same time as usual the next day.
The patch can be used in everyday situations, including bathing and during hot weather.
The patch should not be exposed to any external heat sources (e.g. excessive sunlight, saunas, solarium) for long periods of time.
The patch should not be cut into pieces.
Wash your hands with soap and water after removing the patch. In case of contact with eyes or if the eyes become red after handling the patch, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if symptoms do not resolve.
Where to apply your Exelon transdermal patch: Before you apply a patch, make sure that your skin is clean, dry and hairless, free of any powder, oil, moisturiser or lotion that could keep the patch from sticking to your skin properly, free of cuts, rashes and/or irritations.
Carefully remove any existing patch before putting a new one. Having multiple patches on your body could expose you to an excessive amount of this medicine which could be potentially dangerous.
Apply ONE patch per day to ONLY ONE of the possible locations: Left upper arm or right upper arm, left upper chest or right upper chest (avoid breast), left upper back or right upper back, left lower back or right lower back.
Every 24 hours, take off the previous patch before putting ONE new patch on to ONLY ONE of the following possible locations.
When changing the patch, you must remove the previous day's patch before you apply the new one to a different location of the skin each time (for example on the right side of your body one day, then on the left side the next day, and on your upper body one day, then on your lower body the next day). Do not apply a new patch to the same skin area twice within 14 days.
How to apply your Exelon transdermal patch: Exelon patches are thin, opaque, plastic patches that stick to the skin. Each patch is sealed in a sachet that protects it until you are ready to put it on. Do not open the sachet or remove a patch until just before you apply it.
Carefully remove the existing patch before putting on a new one.
For patients starting treatment for the first time and for patients restarting Exelon after treatment interruption: Each patch is sealed in its own protective sachet. You should only open the sachet when you are ready to apply the patch. Cut the sachet along the dotted line with scissors and remove the patch from the sachet.
A protective liner covers the sticky side of the patch. Peel off one side of the protective liner and do not touch the sticky part of the patch with the fingers.
Put the sticky side of the patch on the upper or lower back, upper arm or chest and then peel off the second side of the protective liner.
Then press the patch firmly in place for at least 30 seconds using the palm of the hand to make sure that the edges stick well.
If it helps you, you may write, for example, the day of the week, on the patch with a thin ball point pen.
The patch should be worn continuously until it is time to replace it with a new one. You may wish to experiment with different locations when applying a new patch, to find ones that are most comfortable for you and where clothing will not rub on the patch.
How to remove your Exelon transdermal patch: Gently pull at one edge of the patch to remove it slowly from the skin. In case the adhesive residue is left over on your skin, gently soak the area with warm water and mild soap or use baby oil to remove it. Alcohol or other dissolving liquids (nail polish remover or other solvents) should not be used.
You should wash your hands with soap and water after removing the patch. In case of contact with eyes or if the eyes become red after handling the patch, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice if symptoms do not resolve.
Can you wear your Exelon transdermal patch when you are bathing, swimming, or in the sun: Bathing, swimming or showering should not affect the patch. Make sure the patch does not loosen during these activities.
Do not expose the patch to any external heat sources (e.g. excessive sunlight, saunas, solarium) for long periods of time.
What to do if a patch falls off: If a patch falls off, apply a new one for the rest of the day, then replace it at the same time as usual the next day.