First skin patch for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease
The first and only skin patch treatment for mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease is now available in Australia and will be subsidised on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme from 1 July 2008.
Exelon(r) (rivastigmine) Patch is a once-daily patch that provides smooth and continuous delivery of medication through the skin over 24 hours, offering people with Alzheimer’s disease an easy to use, well tolerated and effective treatment to address their symptoms.
“Exelon Patch is the first major advancement in Alzheimer’s disease for many years, offering people an alternative to current oral medications,” said Associate Professor Michael Woodward, head of aged care at Austin Health, Heidleberg, Victoria.
“The novel delivery system enables a continuous release of medication into the bloodstream over 24 hours, contributing to fewer side effects and therefore potential for improved outcomes in patients.”
In studies, the use of Exelon Patch resulted in significant improvements in memory and thinking compared to placebo and patients were better able to perform everyday activities. Patients also reported three times fewer gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and vomiting than those taking the oral form of the medication.
Designed with compliance in mind, Exelon Patch was preferred by more than seven in 10 carers as a method of drug delivery because it helped them to follow treatment schedules, interfered less with their daily life and was easier to use than oral medication.
“Exelon Patch is an important new addition to existing treatments,” said Professor Henry Brodaty, director of the Primary Dementia Collaborative Research Centre, University of New South Wales.
“The benefits of the patch may allow carers to better manage, treat and therefore reduce some of the burden associated with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease.”
