Exelon (Rivastigmine Tartrate) Now Available In US For Alzheimer's Disease EAST HANOVER, NJ -- June 21, 2000 -- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation announced today that Exelon (rivastigmine tartrate) capsules -- the first new Alzheimer's disease medication in three years -- is now on pharmacy shelves and available by prescription. Exelon is a cholinesterase inhibitor for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease (AD). The safety and efficacy of Exelon were demonstrated in the largest phase III clinical program to date of any Alzheimer's disease medication. Patients treated with Exelon demonstrated a significant benefit in global functioning based on evaluation of activities of daily living (ADLs), behavior and cognition. In controlled clinical trials, the most common adverse events were nausea, vomiting, anorexia, dyspepsia and asthenia. Exelon use is associated with significant gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including nausea and vomiting anorexia and weight loss. In the controlled studies, these side effects occurred more frequently as doses were increased. The weight loss associated with Exelon occurred more frequently among women receiving high doses in clinical trials. Exelon should be used with caution in patients with peptic ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and sick sinus syndrome or other supraventricular cardiac conduction conditions. In clinical studies, 3 percent of Exelon-treated patients experienced syncope compared to 2 percent of placebo-treated patients. (Please see important WARNINGS in complete prescribing information.
