Health Library

Donepezil (Absorbed through the skin)

Donepezil (doe-NEP-e-zil)

Treats Alzheimer's disease.

Brand Name(s):

Adlarity

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Patch

• Your doctor will tell you how many patches to use, where to apply them, and how often to apply them. Do not use more patches or apply them more often than your doctor tells you to. .
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying a patch.
• Leave the patch in its sealed wrapper until you are ready to put it on. Tear the wrapper open carefully. NEVER CUT the wrapper or the patch with scissors. Do not use any patch that has been cut by accident. Do not use this medicine if the pouch seal is broken or if the patch is damaged in any way.
• Allow the pouch to reach room temperature before opening and applying the patch. Do not apply a cold patch. Do not use heat (including microwave, hair dryer, heating pad, or direct sunlight) to warm the patch.
• The patient instructions will show the body areas where you can wear the patch. When putting on each new patch, choose a different place within these areas. Do not put the new patch on the same place you wore the last one. Be sure to remove the old patch before applying a new one. Do not put a new patch in the same place for at least 14 days.
• Apply the patch to clean, dry, intact skin on your upper back, lower back, upper buttocks, or upper outer thighs that has very little to no hair. Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch over skin folds, across the spine, or on areas where it could be rubbed by tight clothing or undergarments.
• Press the patch firmly in place with the palm of your hand for about 30 seconds. Make sure there is good contact with your skin, especially around the edges of the patch.
• Do not put cream, lotion, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed. Do not shave the skin where you will apply the patch. You may cut the hair with a pair of scissors.
• Do not touch your eyes after applying the patch. Rinse it off right away with water if it does get in your eyes or if your eyes becomes red after touching the patch.
• Put on a new patch if the old one has fallen off and cannot be reapplied.
• After you remove the patch, you may use baby or mineral oil to remove any excess medicine. Do not use alcohol or nail polish remover.
• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
• Missed dose: If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the patches in the refrigerator in the original package. Do not freeze. Use the patch within 24 hours of removing from the refrigerator.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how donepezil works. Tell your doctor if you are using bethanechol, carbamazepine, dexamethasone, ketoconazole, phenobarbital, quinidine, phenytoin, rifampin, or NSAIDs.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, seizures, trouble urinating, or a history of lung or breathing problems (including asthma) or stomach ulcers.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Skin site reactions
  • Heart problems
  • Stomach or bowel problems, including bleeding or ulcers
• Keep the patch away from heat, including excessive sunlight, saunas, sun rooms, or heating pads.
• Make sure any doctor who treats you knows that you have this patch before having a surgery or other medical procedures.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Blistering, peeling, itching, redness, or swelling of the skin where the patch is applied
• Change in how much or how often you urinate
• Chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting
• Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting
• Fast, slow, or uneven heartbeat
• Seizures
• Severe stomach pain, red or black stools, vomiting of blood

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Trouble sleeping

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 9/6/2024