Rivastigmine

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE EXELON PATCH is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor indicated for treatment of: • Mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (AD). ( 1.1 ) • Mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD). ( 1.2 ) 1.1 Alzheimer’s Disease EXELON PATCH is indicated for the treatment of dementia of the Alzheimer’s type (AD). Efficacy has been demonstrated in patients with mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer’s disease. 1.2 Parkinson’s Disease Dementia EXELON PATCH is indicated for the treatment of mild-to-moderate dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease (PDD).

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Apply patch on intact skin for a 24-hour period; replace with a new patch every 24 hours. ( 2.1 , 2.4 ) • Initial Dose: Initiate treatment with 4.6 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH. ( 2.1 ) • Dose Titration: After a minimum of 4 weeks, if tolerated, increase dose to 9.5 mg/24 hours, which is the minimum effective dose. Following a minimum additional 4 weeks, may increase dosage to maximum dosage of 13.3 mg/24 hours. ( 2.1 ) • Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease and Parkinson’s Disease Dementia: EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily. ( 2.1 ) • Severe Alzheimer’s Disease: EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours once daily. ( 2.1 ) • For treatment interruption longer than 3 days, retitrate dosage starting at 4.6 mg per 24 hours. ( 2.1 ) • Consider dose adjustments in patients with ( 2.2 ): o Mild-to-moderate hepatic impairment ( 8.6 ) o Low (less than 50 kg) body weight ( 8.7 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosing Initial Dose Initiate treatment with one 4.6 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH applied to the skin once daily [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)] . Dose Titration Increase the dose only after a minimum of 4 weeks at the previous dose, and only if the previous dose has been tolerated. For mild-to-moderate AD and PDD patients, continue the effective dose of 9.5 mg/24 hours for as long as therapeutic benefit persists. Patients can then be increased to the maximum effective dose of 13.3 mg/24 hours dose. For patients with severe AD, 13.3 mg/24 hours is the effective dose. Doses higher than 13.3 mg/24 hours confer no appreciable additional benefit, and are associated with an increase in the incidence of adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild-to-Moderate Parkinson’s Disease Dementia The effective dosage of EXELON PATCH is 9.5 mg/24 hours or 13.3 mg/24 hours administered once per day; replace with a new patch every 24 hours. Severe Alzheimer’s Disease The effective dosage of EXELON PATCH in patients with severe Alzheimer’s disease is 13.3 mg/24 hours administered once per day; replace with a new patch every 24 hours. Interruption of Treatment If dosing is interrupted for 3 days or fewer, restart treatment with the same or lower strength EXELON PATCH. If dosing is interrupted for more than 3 days, restart treatment with the 4.6 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH and titrate as described above. 2.2 Dosing in Specific Populations Dosing Modifications in Patients with Hepatic Impairment Consider using the 4.6 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH as both the initial and maintenance dose in patients with mild (Child-Pugh score 5 to 6) to moderate (Child-Pugh score 7 to 9) hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . Dosing Modifications in Patients with Low Body Weight Carefully titrate and monitor patients with low body weight (less than 50 kg) for toxicities (e.g., excessive nausea, vomiting), and consider reducing the maintenance dose to the 4.6 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH if such toxicities develop. 2.3 Switching to EXELON PATCH from EXELON Capsules or EXELON Oral Solution Patients treated with EXELON Capsules or Oral Solution may be switched to EXELON PATCH as follows: • A patient who is on a total daily dose of less than 6 mg of oral rivastigmine can be switched to the 4.6 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH. • A patient who is on a total daily dose of 6 mg to 12 mg of oral rivastigmine can be switched to the 9.5 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH. Instruct patients or caregivers to apply the first patch on the day following the last oral dose. 2.4 Important Administration Instructions EXELON PATCH is for transdermal use on intact skin. (a) Do not use the patch if the pouch seal is broken or the patch is cut, damaged, or changed in any way. (b) Apply the EXELON PATCH once a day. • Press down firmly for 30 seconds until the edges stick well when applying to clean, dry, hairless, intact healthy skin in a place that will not be rubbed against by tight clothing. • Use the upper or lower back as the site of application because the patch is less likely to be removed by the patient. If sites on the back are not accessible, apply the patch to the upper arm or chest. • Do not apply to a skin area where cream, lotion, or powder has recently been applied. (c) Do not apply to skin that is red, irritated, or cut. (d) Replace the EXELON PATCH with a new patch every 24 hours. Instruct patients to only wear 1 patch at a time (remove the previous day’s patch before applying a new patch) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1), Overdosage (10)] . If a patch falls off or if a dose is missed, apply a new patch immediately, and then replace this patch the following day at the usual application time. (e) Change the site of patch application daily to minimize potential irritation, although a new patch can be applied to the same general anatomic site (e.g., another spot on the upper back) on consecutive days. Do not apply a new patch to the same location for at least 14 days. (f) May wear the patch during bathing and in hot weather. Avoid long exposure to external heat sources (excessive sunlight, saunas, solariums). (g) Place used patches in the previously saved pouch and discard in the trash, away from pets or children. (h) Wash hands with soap and water after removing the patch. In case of contact with eyes or if the eyes become red after handling the patch, rinse immediately with plenty of water, and seek medical advice if symptoms do not resolve.

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described below and elsewhere in the labeling: • Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Skin Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] • Other Adverse Reactions from Increased Cholinergic Activity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Most common adverse reactions (less than 5% and higher than with placebo): Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation at 1-888-669-6682 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. EXELON PATCH has been administered to 4516 patients with Alzheimer’s disease during clinical trials worldwide. Of these, 3005 patients have been treated for at least 26 weeks, 1771 patients have been treated for at least 52 weeks, 974 patients have been treated for at least 78 weeks, and 24 patients have been treated for at least 104 weeks. Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Disease 24-Week International Placebo-Controlled Trial (Study 1) Most Common Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions in patients administered EXELON PATCH in Study 1 [see Clinical Studies (14)] , defined as those occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in the 9.5 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH arm and at a frequency at higher than in the placebo group, were nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These reactions were dose-related, with each being more common in patients using the unapproved 17.4 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH than in those using the 9.5 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH. Discontinuation Rates In Study 1, which randomized a total of 1195 patients, the proportions of patients in the EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours, EXELON Capsules 6 mg twice daily, and placebo groups who discontinued treatment due to adverse events were 10%, 8%, and 5%, respectively. The most common adverse reactions in the EXELON PATCH-treated groups that led to treatment discontinuation in this study were nausea and vomiting. The proportions of patients who discontinued treatment due to nausea were 0.7%, 1.7%, and 1.3% in the EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours, EXELON Capsules 6 mg twice daily, and placebo groups, respectively. The proportions of patients who discontinued treatment due to vomiting were 0%, 2.0%, and 0.3% in the EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours, EXELON Capsules 6 mg twice daily, and placebo groups, respectively. Adverse Reactions Observed at an Incidence of Greater than or Equal to 2% Table 1 lists adverse reactions seen at an incidence of greater than or equal to 2% in either EXELON PATCH-treated group in Study 1, and for which the rate of occurrence was greater for patients treated with that dose of EXELON PATCH than for those treated with placebo. The unapproved 17.4 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH arm is included to demonstrate the increased rates of gastrointestinal adverse reactions over those seen with the 9.5 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH. Table 1: Proportion of Adverse Reactions Observed With a Frequency of Greater Than or Equal to 2% and Occurring at a Rate Greater Than Placebo in Study 1 Abbreviation: ARs, adverse reactions. *Vomiting was severe in 0% of patients who received EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours, 1% of patients who received EXELON PATCH 17.4 mg/24 hours, 1% of patients who received the EXELON Capsule at doses up to 6 mg twice daily, and 0% of those who received placebo. **Weight Decreased as presented in Table 1 is based upon clinical observations and/or adverse events reported by patients or caregivers. Body weight was also monitored at prespecified time points throughout the course of the clinical study. The proportion of patients who had weight loss equal to or greater than 7% of their baseline weight was 8% of those treated with EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours, 12% of those treated with EXELON PATCH 17.4 mg/24 hours, 11% of patients who received the EXELON Capsule at doses up to 6 mg twice daily and 6% of those who received placebo. It is not clear how much of the weight loss was associated with anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and the diarrhea associated with the drug. Adverse reaction EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 17.4 mg/24 hours EXELON Capsule 6 mg twice daily Placebo Total patients studied 291 303 294 302 Total percentage of patients with ARs (%) 51 66 63 46 Nausea 7 21 23 5 Vomiting* 6 19 17 3 Diarrhea 6 10 5 3 Depression 4 4 4 1 Headache 3 4 6 2 Anxiety 3 3 2 1 Anorexia/Decreased appetite 3 9 9 2 Weight decreased** 3 8 5 1 Dizziness 2 7 7 2 Abdominal pain 2 4 1 1 Urinary tract infection 2 2 1 1 Asthenia 2 3 6 1 Fatigue 2 2 1 1 Insomnia 1 4 2 2 Abdominal pain upper 1 3 2 2 Vertigo 0 2 1 1 48-Week International Active Comparator-Controlled Trial (Study 2) Most Common Adverse Reactions In Study 2 [see Clinical Studies (14)] of the commonly observed adverse reactions (greater than or equal to 3% in any treatment group), the most frequent event in the EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours group was nausea, followed by vomiting, fall, weight decreased, application-site erythema, decreased appetite, diarrhea and urinary tract infection (Table 3). The percentage of patients with these events was higher in the EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours group than in the EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours group. Patients with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and decreased appetite experienced these reactions more often during the first 4 weeks of the double-blind treatment phase. These reactions decreased over time in each treatment group. Weight decreased was reported to have increased over time in each treatment group. Discontinuation Rates Table 2 displays the most common adverse reactions leading to discontinuation during the 48-week, double-blind treatment phase in Study 2. Table 2: Proportion of Most Common Adverse Reactions (Greater Than 1% at any Dose) Leading to Discontinuation During 48-week Double-Blind Treatment Phase in Study 2 Abbreviation: ARs, adverse reactions. Adverse reaction EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours Total Total patients studied 280 283 563 Total percentage of patients with ARs leading to discontinuation (%) 9.6 12.7 11.2 Vomiting 1.4 0.4 0.9 Application-site pruritus 1.1 1.1 1.1 Aggression 0.4 1.1 0.7 Most Common Adverse Reactions Greater than or Equal to 3% Other adverse reactions of interest which occurred less frequently, but which were observed in a markedly higher percentage of patients in the EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours group than in the EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours group in Study 2, included dizziness and upper abdominal pain. The percentage of patients with these reactions decreased over time in each treatment group (Table 3). The adverse reaction severity profile was generally similar for both the EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours and 9.5 mg/24 hours groups. Table 3: Proportion of Adverse Reactions Over Time in the 48-week Double-Blind Treatment Phase (at least 3% in any Treatment Group) in Study 2 Abbreviations: DB, double blind; ARs, adverse reactions. *Decreased Weight as presented in Table 3 is based upon clinical observations and/or adverse events reported by patients or caregivers. Body weight was monitored as a vital sign at pre-specified time points throughout the course of the clinical study. The proportion of patients who had weight loss equal to or greater than 7% of their baseline weight was 15.2% of those treated with EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours and 18.6% of those treated with EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours during the 48-week double-blind treatment period. Cumulative Week 0 to 48 (DB Phase) Week 0 to 24 (DB Phase) Week > 24 to 48 (DB Phase) Adverse reaction EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours Total patients studied 280 283 280 283 241 246 Total percentage of patients with ARs (%) 75 68 65 55 42 40 Nausea 12 5 10 4 4 2 Vomiting 10 5 9 3 3 2 Fall 8 6 4 4 4 3 Weight decreased* 7 3 3 1 5 2 Application-site erythema 6 6 6 5 1 2 Decreased appetite 6 3 5 2 2 < 1 Diarrhea 6 5 5 4 2 < 1 Urinary tract infection 5 4 3 3 3 2 Agitation 5 5 4 3 1 2 Depression 5 5 3 3 3 2 Dizziness 4 1 3 < 1 2 < 1 Application-site pruritus 4 4 4 3 < 1 1 Headache 4 4 4 4 < 1 < 1 Insomnia 4 3 2 1 3 2 Abdominal pain upper 4 1 3 1 1 < 1 Anxiety 4 3 2 2 2 1 Hypertension 3 3 3 2 1 1 Urinary incontinence 3 2 2 1 1 < 1 Psychomotor hyperactivity 3 3 2 3 2 1 Aggression 2 3 1 3 1 1 Severe Alzheimer’s Disease 24-Week US Controlled Trial (Study 3) Most Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions The most common adverse reactions in patients administered EXELON PATCH in the controlled clinical trial, defined as those occurring at a frequency of at least 5% in the 13.3 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH arm and at a frequency higher than in the 4.6 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH were application-site erythema, fall, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight decreased, and nausea (Table 4). Patients in the lower-dose group reported more events of agitation, urinary tract infection, and hallucinations than patients in the higher-dose group. Discontinuation Rates In Study 3 [see Clinical Studies (14)] , the proportions of patients in the EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours (n = 355) and EXELON PATCH 4.6 mg/24 hours (n = 359), who discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions were 21% and 14%, respectively. The most frequent adverse reaction leading to discontinuation in the 13.3 mg/24 hours treatment group versus the 4.6 mg/24 hours treatment group was agitation (2.8% versus 2.2%), followed by vomiting (2.5% and 1.1%), nausea (1.7% and 1.1%), decreased appetite (1.7% and 0%), aggression (1.1% and 0.3%), fall (1.1% and 0.3%) and syncope (1.1% and 0.3%). Otherwise, all AEs leading to discontinuation were reported in less than 1% of patients. Most Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions Greater than or Equal to 5% Other adverse reactions of interest, which were observed in a higher percentage of patients in the EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours group than in the EXELON PATCH 4.6 mg/24 hours group, included application-site erythema, fall, insomnia, vomiting, diarrhea, weight decreased, and nausea (Table 4). Overall, the majority of patients in this study experienced adverse reactions that were mild (30.7%) or moderate (32.1%) in severity. Slightly more patients in the 4.6 mg/24 hours patch group reported mild events than in the 13.3 mg/24 hours patch group, while the numbers of patients reporting moderate events were comparable between groups. Severe adverse reactions were reported at a slightly higher percentage at the higher dose (12.4%) than at the lower-dose (10%) treatment groups. With the exception of severe adverse reactions of agitation (13.3 mg: 1.1%; 4.6 mg: 1.4%), fall (13.3 mg: 1.1%) and urinary tract infection (4.6 mg: 1.1%), all adverse reactions reported as severe occurred in less than 1% of patients in either treatment group. Table 4: Proportion of Adverse Reactions in the 24-week Double-BlindTreatment Phase (at least 5% in any Treatment Group) in Study 3 Abbreviation: ARs, adverse reactions. *Weight Decreased as presented in Table 4 is based upon clinical observations and/or adverse events reported by patients or caregivers. Body weight was monitored as a vital sign at prespecified time points throughout the course of the clinical study. The proportion of patients who had weight loss equal to or greater than 7% of their baseline weight was 11% of those treated with EXELON PATCH 4.6 mg/24 hours and 14.1% of those treated with EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours during the 24-week double-blind treatment. Adverse reaction EXELON PATCH 13.3 mg/24 hours EXELON PATCH 4.6 mg/24 hours Total number of patients studied 355 359 Total percentage of patients with ARs (%) 75 73 Application-site erythema 13 12 Agitation 12 14 Urinary tract infection 8 10 Fall 8 6 Insomnia 7 4 Vomiting 7 3 Diarrhea 7 5 Weight decreased* 7 3 Nausea 6 3 Depression 5 4 Decreased appetite 5 1 Anxiety 5 5 Hallucination 2 5 Application-Site Reactions Application-site skin reactions leading to discontinuation were observed in less than or equal to 2.3% of EXELON PATCH patients. This number was 4.9% and 8.4% in the Chinese population and Japanese population, respectively. Cases of skin irritation were captured separately on an investigator-rated skin irritation scale. Skin irritation, when observed, was mostly slight or mild in severity and was rated as severe in less than or equal to 2.2% of EXELON PATCH patients in a double-blind controlled study and in less than or equal to 3.7% of EXELON PATCH patients in a double-blind controlled study in Japanese patients. Parkinson’s Disease Dementia 76-week International Open-Label Trial (Study 4) EXELON PATCH has been administered to 288 patients with mild-to-moderate Parkinson’s Disease Dementia in a single, 76-week, open-label, active-comparator safety study. Of these, 256 have been treated for at least 12 weeks, 232 for at least 24 weeks, and 196 for at least 52 weeks. Treatment with EXELON PATCH was initiated at 4.6 mg/24 hours and if tolerated the dose was increased after 4 weeks to 9.5 mg/24 hours. EXELON Capsule (target maintenance dose of 12 mg/day) served as the active comparator and was administered to 294 patients. Adverse reactions are presented in Table 5. Table 5: Proportion of Adverse Reactions Reported at a Rate Greater Than or Equal to 2% During the Initial 24-Week Period in Study 4 Adverse reaction EXELON PATCH Total patients studied 288 Percentage (%) Psychiatric disorders Insomnia 6 Depression 6 Anxiety 5 Agitation 3 Nervous system disorders Tremor 7 Dizziness 6 Somnolence 4 Hypokinesia 4 Bradykinesia 4 Cogwheel rigidity 3 Dyskinesia 3 Gastrointestinal disorders Abdominal pain 2 Vascular disorders Hypertension 3 General disorders and administration-site conditions Fall 12 Application-site erythema 11 Application-site irritation, pruritus, rash 3; 5; 2 Fatigue 4 Asthenia 2 Gait disturbance 4 Additional adverse reactions observed during the 76-week prospective, open-label study in patients with dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease treated with EXELON PATCH: Frequent (those occurring in at least 1/100 patients): dehydration, weight decreased, aggression, hallucination visual. In patients with dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease, the following adverse drug reactions have only been observed in clinical trials with EXELON Capsules: Frequent: nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, restlessness, worsening of Parkinson’s disease, bradycardia, diarrhea, dyspepsia, salivary hypersecretion, sweating increased; Infrequent (those occurring between 1/100 to 1/1000 patients): dystonia, atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular block. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post approval use of EXELON Capsules, EXELON Oral Solution, or EXELON PATCH. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Cardiac Disorders : Tachycardia, QTc prolongation, torsades de pointes Hepatobiliary Disorders : Abnormal liver function tests, hepatitis Nervous System Disorders : Parkinson’s disease (worsening), seizure, tremor Psychiatric Disorders : nightmares Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders : Allergic dermatitis, application-site hypersensitivity, blister, disseminated allergic dermatitis, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, urticaria Vascular Disorders : Hypertension

12.3 Pharmacokinetics Absorption After the initial application of EXELON PATCH, there is a lag time of 0.5 to 1 hour in the absorption of rivastigmine. Concentrations then rise slowly typically reaching a maximum after 8 hours, although maximum values (C max ) can also occur later (at 10 to 16 hours). After the peak, plasma concentrations slowly decrease over the remainder of the 24-hour period of application. At steady state, trough levels are approximately 60% to 80% of peak levels. EXELON PATCH 9.5 mg/24 hours gave exposure approximately the same as that provided by an oral dose of 6 mg twice daily (i.e., 12 mg/day). Inter-subject variability in exposure was lower (43% to 49%) for the EXELON PATCH formulation as compared with the oral formulations (73% to 103%). Fluctuation (between C max and C min ) is less for EXELON PATCH than for the oral formulation of rivastigmine. Figure 2 displays rivastigmine plasma concentrations over 24 hours for the 3 available patch strengths. Figure 2: Rivastigmine Plasma Concentrations Following Dermal 24-Hour Patch Application Over a 24-hour dermal application, approximately 50% of the drug content of the patch is released from the system. Exposure area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity (AUC ∞ ) to rivastigmine (and metabolite NAP226-90) was highest when the patch was applied to the upper back, chest, or upper arm. Two other sites (abdomen and thigh) could be used if none of the 3 other sites is available, but the practitioner should be aware that the rivastigmine plasma exposure associated with these sites was approximately 20% to 30% lower. There was no relevant accumulation of rivastigmine or the metabolite NAP226-90 in plasma in patients with Alzheimer’s disease with daily dosing. The pharmacokinetic profile of rivastigmine transdermal patches was comparable in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and in patients with dementia associated with Parkinson’s disease. Distribution Rivastigmine is weakly bound to plasma proteins (approximately 40%) over the therapeutic range. It readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, reaching CSF peak concentrations in 1.4 to 2.6 hours. It has an apparent volume of distribution in the range of 1.8 to 2.7 L/kg. Metabolism Rivastigmine is extensively metabolized primarily via cholinesterase-mediated hydrolysis to the decarbamylated metabolite NAP226-90. In vitro , this metabolite shows minimal inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (less than 10%). Based on evidence from in vitro and animal studies, the major cytochrome P450 isoenzymes are minimally involved in rivastigmine metabolism. The metabolite-to-parent AUC ∞ ratio was about 0.7 after EXELON PATCH application versus 3.5 after oral administration, indicating that much less metabolism occurred after dermal treatment. Less NAP226-90 is formed following patch application, presumably because of the lack of presystemic (hepatic first pass) metabolism. Based on in vitro studies, no unique metabolic routes were detected in human skin. Elimination Renal excretion of the metabolites is the major route of elimination. Unchanged rivastigmine is found in trace amounts in the urine. Following administration of 14 C-rivastigmine, renal elimination was rapid and essentially complete (greater than 90%) within 24 hours. Less than 1% of the administered dose is excreted in the feces. The apparent elimination half-life in plasma is approximately 3 hours after patch removal. Renal clearance was approximately 2.1 to 2.8 L/hr. Age Age had no impact on the exposure to rivastigmine in Alzheimer’s disease patients treated with EXELON PATCH. Gender and Race No specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate the effect of gender and race on the disposition of EXELON PATCH. A population pharmacokinetic analysis of oral rivastigmine indicated that neither gender (n = 277 males and 348 females) nor race (n = 575 Caucasian, 34 black, 4 Asian, and 12 Other) affected clearance of the drug. Similar results were seen with analyses of pharmacokinetic data obtained after the administration of EXELON PATCH. Body Weight A relationship between drug exposure at steady state (rivastigmine and metabolite NAP226-90) and body weight was observed in Alzheimer’s dementia patients. Rivastigmine exposure is higher in subjects with low body weight. Compared to a patient with a body weight of 65 kg, the rivastigmine steady-state concentrations in a patient with a body weight of 35 kg would be approximately doubled, while for a patient with a body weight of 100 kg the concentrations would be approximately halved [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)] . Renal Impairment No study was conducted with EXELON PATCH in subjects with renal impairment. Based on population analysis, creatinine clearance did not show any clear effect on steady-state concentrations of rivastigmine or its metabolite. Hepatic Impairment No pharmacokinetic study was conducted with EXELON PATCH in subjects with hepatic impairment. Following a single 3-mg dose, mean oral clearance of rivastigmine was 60% lower in hepatically impaired patients (n = 10, biopsy proven) than in healthy subjects (n = 10). After multiple 6-mg twice a day oral dosing, the mean clearance of rivastigmine was 65% lower in mild (n = 7, Child-Pugh score 5 to 6) and moderate (n = 3, Child-Pugh score 7 to 9) hepatically impaired patients (biopsy proven, liver cirrhosis) than in healthy subjects (n = 10) [see Dosage and Administration (2.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.6)] . Smoking Following oral rivastigmine administration (up to 12 mg/day) with nicotine use, population pharmacokinetic analysis showed increased oral clearance of rivastigmine by 23% (n = 75 smokers and 549 nonsmokers). Drug Interaction Studies No specific interaction studies have been conducted with EXELON PATCH. Information presented below is from studies with oral rivastigmine. Effect of Rivastigmine on the Metabolism of Other Drugs Rivastigmine is primarily metabolized through hydrolysis by esterases. Minimal metabolism occurs via the major cytochrome P450 isoenzymes. Based on in vitro studies, no pharmacokinetic drug interactions with drugs metabolized by the following isoenzyme systems are expected: CYP1A2, CYP2D6, CYP3A4/5, CYP2E1, CYP2C9, CYP2C8, CYP2C19, or CYP2B6. No pharmacokinetic interaction was observed between rivastigmine taken orally and digoxin, warfarin, diazepam, or fluoxetine in studies in healthy volunteers. The increase in prothrombin time induced by warfarin is not affected by administration of rivastigmine. Effect of Other Drugs on the Metabolism of Rivastigmine Drugs that induce or inhibit CYP450 metabolism are not expected to alter the metabolism of rivastigmine. Population pharmacokinetic analysis with a database of 625 patients showed that the pharmacokinetics of rivastigmine taken orally were not influenced by commonly prescribed medications, such as antacids (n = 77), antihypertensives (n = 72), beta-blockers (n = 42), calcium channel blockers (n = 75), antidiabetics (n = 21), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (n = 79), estrogens (n = 70), salicylate analgesics (n = 177), antianginals (n = 35), and antihistamines (n = 15). Figure 2: Rivastigmine Plasma Concentrations Following Dermal 24-Hour Patch Application