FDA Approves Alzheimer’s Patch
The FDA has approved the first transdermal patch for the treatment of Alzheimer’s dementia. The drug rivastigmine, known by the prescription brand Exelon, has been available since 1997 in capsule and in tablet form, but only now has the drug been approved by the FDA as a transdermal method of ingestion. Exelon in a patch form provides benefit for the entire day, as opposed to just peak and trough levels twice daily.
The Exelon transdermal patch is manufactured in Germany and distributed by Novartis Pharmaceuticals, and is unique in its kind in treatment for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s dementia. In 2001 Novartis issued a warning about danger due to rupture of the esophagus.