Benzgalantamine Delayed-Release Tablets

What is this medication?

BENZGALANTAMINE (benz ga LAN ta meen) treats memory loss and confusion (dementia) in people who have Alzheimer disease. It works by improving attention, memory, and the ability to engage in daily activities.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): ZUNVEYL

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Heart disease
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
• Seizures
• Slow heartbeat
• Stomach ulcers, other stomach or intestine problems
• Trouble passing urine
• An unusual or allergic reaction to benzgalantamine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the tablets whole. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Keep taking this medication unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss more than 3 days of your medication, contact your care team. You may need to lower your dose.

What may interact with this medication?

• Antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold
• Atropine
• Bethanechol
• Certain medications for bladder problems, such as oxybutynin
• Certain medications for Parkinson disease, such as benztropine or trihexyphenidyl
• Certain medications for stomach problems, such as dicyclomine or hyoscyamine
• Certain medications for travel sickness, such as scopolamine
• Certain medication that relax muscles for surgery, such as succinylcholine
• Ipratropium
• NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol may alter the effects of your medication. Serious side effects may occur.

Make sure you stay hydrated while taking this medication. Drink water often. Eat fruits and veggies with lots of water. Drink more water when it is hot or you are active.

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

This medication can cause serious ulcers and bleeding in the stomach. It can happen with no warning. Tobacco, alcohol, older age, and poor health can also increase risks. Call your care team right away if you have stomach pain or blood in your vomit or stool.

If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Peptic ulcer—burning stomach pain, loss of appetite, bloating, burping, heartburn, nausea, vomiting
• Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• Seizures
• Slow heartbeat—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, confusion, trouble breathing, unusual weakness or fatigue
• Stomach bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds
• Trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Loss of appetite with weight loss
• Nausea
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, take the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.