Product Overview:
The Hetriva Transdermal Patch is a brand of Rivastigmine, a medicine used to treat dementia.
Composition: Each patch contains Rivastigmine in dosages of 9, 18, and 27 mg.
Mechanism of Action:
- Dual inhibition: Rivastigmine blocks both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, boosting acetylcholine levels in the brain and improving cognitive function.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Bioavailability: About 60-72% of the medicine is absorbed into the body.
- Metabolism: The medicine is processed by the liver.
- Elimination: The body gets rid of the medicine in about 2 hours, and 97% of it is excreted in urine.
Dosing & Administration:
The Hetriva patch is prescribed in a step-up or "titration" process:
- Start: Use the 9 mg patch to begin treatment.
- Maintenance: After 4 weeks, the dosage is increased to the 18 mg patch.
- Continue: After another 4 weeks, the dosage can be increased to the 27 mg patch.
Note: For severe GI side effects or if treatment is missed >3 days, pause or restart with the 9 mg patch.
Switching from Oral to Patch
- For patients on low oral dose (< 6 mg/day):Switch directly to 9 mg patch.
- For patients on higher oral dose (6–12 mg/day): Switch directly to 18 mg patch.
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity: History of reaction to carbamate derivatives
- Skin reactions: History of allergic dermatitis to patches
- Hepatic/Renal impairment: Use with caution in severe cases
- Pregnancy: Use only if potential benefit outweighs risk
- Breastfeeding: Use only if potential benefit outweighs risk
- Cardiac conduction abnormalities: Monitor closely
Drug Interactions:
- Avoid concomitant use with other cholinesterase inhibitors
- Use caution with drugs like digoxin, diazepam, warfarin, or fluoxetine due to potential interactions.
Clinical Evidence
- RCTs confirm improved cognition and daily functioning in Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s dementia.
- Patch shows ~30–40% fewer GI side effects compared to oral rivastigmine.
- Demonstrates higher adherence (>70%) versus oral formulations (~50%).
- Well-tolerated with sustained efficacy in long-term therapy.
Storage & Handling
- Storage: Store at 20–25°C in a dry place.
- Dispose of used patches responsibly
- Keep sealed until use to prevent drug loss
Patient Suitability
- Mild to moderate Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s dementia.
- Patients unable to swallow pills.
- Those needing steady once-daily therapy with better GI tolerance.
Supporting Tools & Resources
- Patient Guides: Patch application & titration instructions
- Monitoring Charts: Track cognition & daily function
- Clinic Posters: Reinforce adherence & caregiver education
- Mantra Bot: Smart reminders & adherence tracking for your patients