Generic name: donepezil (skin patch) [ doe-NEP-e-zil ]
Brand name: Adlarity
Dosage form: transdermal film (10 mg/24 hr; 5 mg/24 hr)
Drug class: Cholinesterase inhibitors

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 26, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is donepezil patch?

Donepezil is used in adults to treat dementia related to Alzheimer's disease. Donepezil can help improve mental function, but it does not work the same in all people.

Donepezil is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease. This condition will worsen over time, even in people who use donepezil patch.

Donepezil may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Donepezil patch side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using donepezil patch and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• slow heartbeats;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• new or worsening stomach pain, heartburn, nausea, or vomiting;

• a seizure;

• painful or difficult urination;

• new or worsening breathing problems; or

• stomach bleeding--bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.

Common side effects of donepezil may include:

• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

• loss of appetite;

• muscle cramps;

• sleep problems (insomnia); or

• feeling tired.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use donepezil if you are allergic to donepezil or certain other drugs. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines.

You should not use donepezil patch if you have had a skin reaction called allergic contact dermatitis to previous donepezil patch use.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• heart problems including fast, slow or uneven heart rate;

• a stomach ulcer or bleeding;

• urination problems;

• a planned surgery or procedure;

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;

• a seizure; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use donepezil patch?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not stop using donepezil patch without your doctor's advice.

Your dose needs may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

Apply the donepezil patch to clean, dry, hairless skin. Press firmly into place for about 10 seconds. Leave the patch on while bathing, showering, or swimming.

Apply the donepezil patch once a week. Remove the skin patch after 7 days and replace it with a new one.

If a patch falls off, try sticking it back into place or put on a new patch and leave it on for the rest of your wearing time. Do not change your patch change schedule.

Choose a different place on your body each time you apply a new patch. Do not apply to the same skin area for at least 2 weeks.

Do not wear more than one patch at a time. Never cut a skin patch.

Keep used and unused skin patches out of the reach of children or pets. A patch could be fatal to a child or pet who accidentally chews on it. Seek emergency medical attention if this happens.

Read and carefully follow the instructions provided with donepezil patch about how to safely dispose of any used patch.

If you need surgery or any medical or dental procedure, tell the surgeon or dentist ahead of time that you are using donepezil patch.

Store the donepezil patch in the refrigerator, do not freeze. Keep the patch in the foil pouch until you are ready to use it.

Take the donepezil patch out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before using. Do not warm the donepezil patch with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave. Do not leave the patch out for longer than 24 hours.

Donepezil dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Alzheimer's Disease:

Initial dose: 5 mg orally once a day, in the evening prior to retiring

Mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease:
-Maintenance dose: 10 mg orally once a day, after the patient has been on an initial dose of 5 mg once a day for 4 to 6 weeks

Moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease:
-Maintenance dose: 23 mg orally once a day, after the patient has been on a dose of 10 mg once a day for at least 3 months

Comments: A higher dose of 10 mg may or may not provide a statistically significantly greater clinical benefit than a 5 mg dose. Prescriber and patient's preference should be considered.

Uses: For mild, moderate, and severe Alzheimer's type dementia

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you miss a donepezil patch dose, apply the patch as soon as you can and stay on your once-weekly schedule. Do not apply two patches at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using donepezil patch?

Avoid sunlight, tanning beds, sunrooms, or heating pads for long periods of time while using donepezil patch.

Do not get medicine in your eyes after applying a donepezil patch. If contact does occur, rinse with water.

What other drugs will affect donepezil patch?

Ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam, and others. Using an NSAID with donepezil patch may increase your risk of stomach ulcer.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

Other drugs may affect donepezil, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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