Work

An overview of the rivastigmine 13.3 mg/24h transdermal patch as a treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease

Year: 2025

Type: review

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, was first approved for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia more than 20 years ago. Initially available as an oral formulation, a transdermal system was subsequently developed with the aim of improving tolerability while providing similar efficacy. Transdermal rivastigmine is approved for the treatment of severe AD as well as mild-to-moderate AD. AREAS COVERED: Herein, the authors review randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, and post-marketing observational studies involving the rivastigmine 13.3 mg/24 h patch for the treatment of patients with AD. EXPERT OPINION: Cholinesterase inhibitors are a mainstay of the symptomatic treatment of patients with AD. Rivastigmine is available as oral and transdermal formulations, with the latter providing improved tolerability and convenience while maintaining efficacy. The high-dose 13.3 mg/24 h patch might offer benefits for some patients compared to the lower dose patch (4.6 mg/24 h) in patients with mild-to-moderate or severe AD, showing improvements in daily functioning and global clinical status on top of the cognitive benefits. The ability to titrate up to a dose of 13.3 mg/24 h provides an option for patients with severe AD or with an inadequate response to lower doses of rivastigmine.

Source: Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics

DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2025.2527211

Authors: Juan Fortea, Elena Ferrer-Picón

Institutions: Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Biomedical Research Networking Center on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Almirall (Spain)

Language: English

Topic: Cholinesterase and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Subfield: Pharmacology (medical)

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Almirall