Suggestions for relief from itching from the Exelon patches

EGcaresformom99

My mother has been on Exelon for about 8 months. About 3 months into the prescription she started to complain constantly of itching where the patch was placed. Over the past 5 months I see her often scratching different places on her body - mostly where the patch is or was. Her neurologist recommended a cortisone cream or other anti-itch cream. My mother claims nothing works. Has anyone had a similar experience. Did you find a helpful solution?

Linda_Miami

Have you tried cleaning off the adhesive residue with alcohol?

ninalu

Hi EGcaresformom99,
Some people develop an allergy to the adhesive used to keep the patch in place. 
Can you see any irritation / redness on the skin? 

In our case, I've found that rotating patch location, keeping the skin well-moisturized and healthy, and using an OTC cortisone cream does help. Dry skin seems to make the itchiness much worse. 

I'm also keeping an eye on whether our allergy / sensitivity is progressing. I'm looking out for red, irritated skin, any rashes, any hives or swelling.

M1

It's almost certainly an allergy to the adhesive.  Rivastigmine is the active drug and is available in oral formulations also, I would ask about switching.  Allergy to patch adhesives is pretty common and hard to overcome, even with steroid cream.  it's a contact dermatitis like poison ivy, probably not going to get better without stopping the patch altogether.

Farm Gal

My husband got terrible red rash spots where the patches were so when I told the neurologist he switched from the patch to a pill for Exelon.  I think it might be best for you to do the same.

EGcaresformom99

Good idea.  We will try that one.

EGcaresformom99

Thanks for the suggestions.

EGcaresformom99

Thanks. Great suggestion

EGcaresformom99

I'm new to posting and responding here and I wanted to reply to everyone individually, but I don't know how yet. Suffice it to say, all helpful responses. My mom luckily has an appointment with the neurologist next week, so I will ask about the pills instead of the patch. In the meantime we'll clean the spots where she places the patches with alcohol to see if that helps. Again thanks to this community for your ideas and help.

mommyandme (m&m)

We use Aveeno Hydrocortisone cream.  For us, it works better than other hydrocortisone creams.