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Frequently asked questions about ADLARITY®
Find the information you’re looking for here.
About ADLARITY
What is ADLARITY?
ADLARITY is a once-weekly treatment that can be prescribed for mild, moderate, or severe dementia associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The active ingredient in ADLARITY is donepezil (duh-NEP-e-zil). ADLARITY is not a pill. It’s a transdermal system (your doctor might call it a “patch”). This means it delivers a consistent dose of donepezil through the skin while it’s worn.
Learn more about ADLARITYHow does ADLARITY work?
The active ingredient in ADLARITY is donepezil (duh-NEP-e-zil), a medicine believed to prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine (a-SEA-til-KOH-lean), a chemical important to brain function.
Learn more about how ADLARITY worksHow often do you use ADLARITY?
ADLARITY is applied once a week.
How do you store ADLARITY?
ADLARITY must be kept in the refrigerator. Allow ADLARITY to reach room temperature before applying it to the skin.
How to use ADLARITYHow do I talk to my/my loved one’s doctor about ADLARITY?
We created a Discussion Guide to help you have a conversation about ADLARITY with your doctor.
Download it hereApplying and wearing ADLARITY
Where can I learn how to apply ADLARITY?
There are several resources that can help you learn how to apply ADLARITY. You can watch the Application Guide Video or download the Application Guide. Please read the complete Instructions for Use before using and applying ADLARITY.
What do I need to know about wearing ADLARITY?
ADLARITY is worn continuously for 7 days. It can—and should—be worn during all daily activities, including showering, exercising, and sleeping. ADLARITY has been shown to stay on the skin even in temperatures up to 108 °F.
Learn more about wearing ADLARITYWhere can ADLARITY be worn on the body?
The recommended area is the back, but there are 8 skin areas where ADLARITY can be worn. They are: the upper back (right or left side), lower back (right or left side), upper buttocks (right or left side), and upper outer thighs (right or left side).
Learn more about wearing ADLARITYWhat if I have trouble removing ADLARITY?
If pieces of ADLARITY are stuck to the skin after removal, remove them with your fingers. ONLY mineral or baby oil can be used to help loosen them. Do not use alcohol or nail polish remover.
Download the Application GuideHow do I dispose of ADLARITY?
The proper way to dispose of ADLARITY is as follows:
- Fold ADLARITY in half (the sticky sides should stick together)
- Throw it away in the household trash ONLY
It is important to properly dispose of ADLARITY because there may still be medicine in it after the 7-day wear period is complete.
Download the Application GuideCan ADLARITY fall off? What should I do if that happens?
It is unlikely that this would happen before the 7-day wear period is over, but if does, here’s what you need to know:
- Do not try to reapply the one that fell off; throw it away properly
- Apply a new one to a different skin area (after it reaches room temperature)
- Adjust your schedule: wait 7 days before changing ADLARITY again
Paying for ADLARITY
How much does ADLARITY cost?
The cost of ADLARITY depends on your insurance coverage.
Learn more about costNeed help using ADLARITY or looking to learn about it?
Explore ADLARITY resourcesWhat is ADLARITY used for?
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not take ADLARITY?
Do not take ADLARITY if you:
- Are allergic to donepezil, certain medications called piperidine derivatives, or any of the ingredients in ADLARITY
What is ADLARITY used for?
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Who should not take ADLARITY?
Do not take ADLARITY if you:
- Are allergic to donepezil, certain medications called piperidine derivatives, or any of the ingredients in ADLARITY
- Have a history of a skin reaction called allergic contact dermatitis to ADLARITY
What Warnings should I know about ADLARITY?
- Some people experienced skin reactions that include redness and itching at the application site when using ADLARITY. Stop using ADLARITY and call your healthcare provider if you experience skin reactions that do not improve within 48 hours after the transdermal system is removed. Skin reactions include increased redness or swelling, peeling or blistering of the skin, or spreading beyond the application site.
- The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY may cause slow heartbeat and fainting. Call your doctor right away if you feel faint or lightheaded while using ADLARITY.
- Donepezil, the active ingredient in ADLARITY, may cause diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. In most cases these effects have been transient, although some cases lasted 1 to 3 weeks.
- The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY may cause more stomach acid. This increases the chance of ulcers and bleeding. The risk is higher for people who have had ulcers or take NSAIDs. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have heartburn or stomach pain that is new or does not go away, blood in your vomit, dark vomit that looks like coffee grounds, or bowel movements or stools that look like black tar.
- Although not observed in clinical trials of ADLARITY, problems passing urine may occur.
- The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY are believed to have some potential to cause seizures. However, seizures may also be caused by Alzheimer’s disease.
- The class of medicine that includes ADLARITY may cause worsening of lung problems in people with asthma or other lung disease.
What should I tell my health care provider?
Tell your doctor about all of your present or past health conditions, including:
- Any heart problems, including problems with irregular, slow, or fast heartbeats
- Stomach ulcers
- Problems passing urine
- Seizures
- Asthma or lung problems
- Pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ADLARITY can harm an unborn baby
- Breast-feeding. It is not known if donepezil passes into breast milk
- A previous skin reaction to the ADLARITY patch
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. ADLARITY and other medicines may affect each other when used at the same time. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Tell your healthcare provider or dentist that you use the ADLARITY transdermal system before you have surgery, medical procedures, or dental surgery or procedures.
What are the side effects of ADLARITY?
The most common side effects of ADLARITY (>3%) were headache (15%), application site itching (9%), muscle spasms (9%), sleeplessness (7%), abdominal pain (5%), application site skin irritation (6%), constipation (5%), diarrhea (4%), application site pain (4%), dizziness (4%), abnormal dreams (4%), and skin tearing (4%).
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/MedWatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.
Please click here for Full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.