Rivamer 3 Mg Capsule (10 Cap)

RIVAMER 3 MG CAPSULE

RIVAMER 3 MG CAPSULE by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD. is a medication primarily used for the management of dementia symptoms.

• Name

  • Brand Name: Rivamer 3 mg Capsule
  • Common Name: Rivastigmine (as Rivastigmine Tartrate)

• Composition

  • Each capsule contains Rivastigmine 3 mg. Rivastigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the levels of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain vital for memory and thinking, by inhibiting enzymes that break it down.

• Uses

  • Rivamer 3 mg Capsule is prescribed for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease.
  • It is also used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate dementia in patients with Parkinson's disease. The medication aims to improve cognitive functions such as memory, thinking, attention, and awareness.

• Dosage and Administration

  • RIVAMER 3 MG CAPSULE should be taken orally, as directed by a healthcare professional.
  • It is typically recommended to take it with food to minimize stomach upset. The capsule should be swallowed whole with water.
  • Initial Dose: Often starts at Rivastigmine 1.5 mg twice a day.
  • Dose Titration: If well-tolerated after a minimum of two weeks, the dose may be increased to 3 mg twice a day, and further to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day, based on tolerability and clinical response.
  • Maintenance Dose: The effective dose is usually 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day, aiming for the highest well-tolerated dose.
  • Re-initiation of Therapy: If treatment is interrupted for more than several days, re-initiation should start at 1.5 mg twice daily, followed by titration as described.

• Side Effects

  • Common Side Effects: Nausea (38%), vomiting (23%), loss of appetite, indigestion, stomach discomfort, weight loss, dizziness, weakness, tremors, headache, and diarrhea. These often occur during dose titration and may subside as the body adjusts.
  • Serious Side Effects: Patients may experience increased gastric acid secretion, exacerbation of urinary obstruction and seizures, bradycardia (slow heart rate), and worsening of extrapyramidal symptoms.

• Precautions

  • Hypersensitivity: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to Rivastigmine or other carbamate derivatives.
  • Medical Conditions: Caution is advised for patients with sick sinus syndrome or other conduction defects, respiratory diseases (like asthma), peptic ulcer disease, gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney impairment, and mild to moderate hepatic impairment. Monitor body weight regularly.
  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use during pregnancy only if clearly necessary, as clinical data are limited. Rivastigmine is excreted into animal milk, and it is unknown if it passes into human milk, so breastfeeding is generally not recommended.
  • Driving and Machinery: May cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
  • Drug Interactions: Rivastigmine, as a cholinesterase inhibitor, may exaggerate the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants during anesthesia. It should not be given concomitantly with other cholinomimetic substances and may interfere with anticholinergic medications. Inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal products being taken.

• Storage

  • Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light and moisture, and away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.

RIVAMER 3 MG CAPSULE (10 CAP) by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD. - Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rivamer 3 mg Capsule used for?

Rivamer 3 mg Capsule is primarily used for the symptomatic treatment of mild to moderately severe dementia associated with Alzheimer's disease. It is also used to treat mild to moderately severe dementia in patients with Idiopathic Parkinson's disease. This medication helps manage symptoms and may slow down the progression of dementia, but it does not cure these conditions.

How does Rivamer 3 mg Capsule work?

Rivamer 3 mg Capsule contains Rivastigmine, which is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by preventing the breakdown of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain that is crucial for memory and thinking. By inhibiting the enzymes (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase) responsible for breaking down acetylcholine, Rivamer increases its levels in the brain, thereby improving cognitive functions.

What is the usual dosage of Rivamer 3 mg Capsule?

The initial dose of Rivamer is typically 1.5 mg twice a day. If this dose is well tolerated after a minimum of two weeks, the dose may be increased to 3 mg twice a day. Further increases to 4.5 mg and then 6 mg twice a day can be considered after a minimum of two weeks at each dose level, based on tolerability. The effective maintenance dose usually ranges from 3 mg to 6 mg twice a day, with a recommended maximum daily dose of 6 mg twice a day. Rivamer capsules should be taken with food.

What are the possible side effects of Rivamer 3 mg Capsule?

Common side effects often include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, indigestion, and stomach discomfort, especially during the initial phase of treatment or when the dose is increased. Other potential side effects include weight loss, dizziness, weakness, tremors, and drowsiness. If side effects are severe or persistent, it is important to consult your doctor.

Is Rivamer 3 mg Capsule safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Rivamer 3 mg Capsule is generally not recommended during pregnancy unless clearly necessary, as there is definite evidence of risk to the developing baby. For breastfeeding mothers, it is advised not to breastfeed while taking Rivamer, as it is not known if the medicine is excreted into human milk and could potentially harm the baby.

Can Rivamer 3 mg Capsule be taken with other medications?

Rivamer 3 mg Capsule can interact with certain medications. It may enhance the effects of succinylcholine-type muscle relaxants used during anesthesia. It should not be taken with other cholinomimetic substances and may interfere with anticholinergic medications. Caution is also advised when taken with beta-blockers (which may increase the risk of low blood pressure) and NSAIDs (which may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding). It is important to inform your doctor about all medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are taking.

What precautions should be taken while using Rivamer 3 mg Capsule?

Patients with certain conditions should use Rivamer 3 mg Capsule with caution. These include individuals with sick sinus syndrome or other heart conduction defects, respiratory diseases like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), peptic ulcer disease, urinary obstruction, and a history of seizures. Close monitoring is advised for patients with liver or kidney impairment. It may also worsen extrapyramidal symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. Since Rivamer can cause dizziness or drowsiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medication affects you. Regular monitoring of body weight is also recommended.

What happens if a dose of Rivamer 3 mg Capsule is missed?

If you miss a dose of Rivamer 3 mg Capsule, take it as soon as you remember, preferably with a meal. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one. If you have stopped taking the medication for more than several days (e.g., 3 days), you should consult your doctor before restarting treatment, as it may need to be re-initiated at a lower dose.

How should Rivamer 3 mg Capsule be stored?

Rivamer 3 mg Capsule should be stored in a cool and dry place, protected from direct sunlight, moisture, and heat, typically below 30°C or 25°C. Keep the medicine out of sight and reach of children and pets. Ensure that any unused or expired medicine is disposed of properly.