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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Rivastigmine belongs to a family of medications known as cholinesterase inhibitors. It is used to treat symptoms of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease is caused by the constant degeneration of certain nerve cells in the brain that make a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is thought to be important for the processes of learning and memory. Rivastigmine prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine, thereby increasing its levels in the brain. Rivastigmine may improve cognitive function (memory, orientation, and language) and general ability to perform activities of daily living. Rivastigmine patch may take several weeks to begin working, and individual response varies.
Exelon Patch 5
Each patch of 5 cm² contains 9 mg rivastigmine base, with in vivo release rate of 4.6 mg/24 hours. The outside of the backing layer is beige and labeled with "PrEXELON* PATCH 5 (rivastigmine) 4.6 mg/24 h" and "AMCX". Nonmedicinal ingredients: acrylic copolymer, poly(butylmethacrylate, methyl-methacrylate), silicone adhesive applied to a flexible polymer backing film, silicone oil, and vitamin E.
Exelon Patch 10
Each patch of 10 cm² contains 18 mg rivastigmine base, with in vivo release rate of 9.5 mg/24 hours. The outside of the backing layer is beige and labeled with "PrEXELON* PATCH 10 (rivastigmine) 9.5 mg/24 h" and "BHDI". Nonmedicinal ingredients: acrylic copolymer, poly(butylmethacrylate, methyl-methacrylate), silicone adhesive applied to a flexible polymer backing film, silicone oil, and vitamin E.