Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with patient information leaflet and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

To use the skin patch:

  • Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the patch.
  • Do not use this medicine if the pouch seal is broken, or if the patch is cut, damaged, or changed in any way. Do not remove the patch from the sealed pouch until you are ready to apply it.
  • This medicine is available in 3 different strengths. Make sure you have the right strength patch that has been prescribed for you.
  • Cut the pouch along the dotted line to open and remove the patch. Do not cut or fold the patch. Peel off 1 side of the protective cover. Do not touch the sticky part with your fingers.
  • Do not put cream, lotion, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed.
  • Apply the patch to clean, dry, intact skin on your upper back, lower back, upper arms, or chest that has very little to no hair. Do not shave the skin where you will apply the patch. You may cut the hair with a pair of scissors. Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch over skin folds, across the spine, or on areas where it could be rubbed by tight clothing or undergarments.
  • Place the sticky side against the skin and peel off the other side of the protective cover. Press down on the patch firmly for 30 seconds to make sure that edges of the patch stick to your skin.
  • If the patch falls off, throw it away and apply a new patch in a different area.
  • Do not touch your eyes after applying the patch. Rinse it off right away with water if it does get in your eyes or if your eyes become red after touching the patch.
  • Choose a different place on your skin to apply the next patch. You may use the same area, but do not use the exact same spot for at least 14 days after your last application.
  • Fold the used patch in half and put it back into the pouch you saved.

Keep the patch away from heat, including excessive sunlight, saunas, sun rooms, or heating pads.

Do not stop using this medicine without asking your doctor. If you have not used your medicine for several days in a row, do not start using it again without talking to your doctor first. You may need to start the medicine again using a lower dose.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For transdermal dosage form (patch):
    • For dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease:
      • Adults—At first, one 4.6 milligram (mg) patch once a day. After at least 4 weeks, your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than one 13.3 mg patch per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Store the patches at room temperature in a closed container, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: June 01, 2024

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