Drug Name

Reminyl (Galantamine)

Drug Uses

Reminyl is used for treating mild to moderate dementia (e.g., impairment of memory or judgment, abstract thinking, changes in personality) in patients with Alzheimer disease.

How Taken

Use Reminyl as directed by your doctor.

• Take Reminyl by mouth with the morning and evening meals, unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
• Drinking extra fluids while you are taking Reminyl is recommended. Check with your doctor for instructions.
• Take Reminyl on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it.
• Taking Reminyl at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Reminyl even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Reminyl.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Reminyl is a cholinesterase inhibitor. It works by increasing the amount of a certain substance (acetylcholine) in the brain, which may help reduce symptoms of dementia in patients with Alzheimer disease.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Reminyl and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Reminyl between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Reminyl out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Reminyl if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Reminyl;
• you have severely decreased liver or kidney function.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Reminyl may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Reminyl with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not take more than the recommended dose without checking with your doctor.
• When you begin taking Reminyl, your doctor will increase your dose slowly over several months. This may help to decrease the risk of certain side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea). Carefully follow the dosing schedule prescribed by your doctor.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Reminyl before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Reminyl should not be used in children; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Reminyl while you are pregnant. It is not known if Reminyl is found in breast milk. Reminyl is not approved for use in women who may be breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• diarrhea; dizziness; headache; loss of appetite; nausea; stomach upset; tiredness; vomiting; weight loss.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); bloody, black, or tarry stools; chest pain; decreased urination; depression; fainting; fever; seizures; severe or persistent tiredness or weakness; slow or irregular heartbeat; tremor.

More Information

If you have any questions about Reminyl, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Reminyl is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.