ARICEPT® (donepezil HCI) - Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs About ARICEPT

What if my loved one is taking other medicines?

A lot of people take more than one medicine. This is often true of older people. Many of them have more than one health problem. Always check with the doctor before taking other medicines with ARICEPT. And, be sure to tell the doctor about other medicines you take. Your doctor also needs to know if you take any over-the-counter drugs. These include herbal remedies and dietary supplements.

Which dosage strength of ARICEPT should be taken?

Always follow the doctor's advice about taking medicines. ARICEPT comes in 2 strengths: 5-mg and 10-mg. It also comes in 2 forms:

Tablets
ARICEPT ODT (orally disintegrating tablets)

ARICEPT ODT dissolves on the tongue. It should be followed with water. If your loved one has trouble swallowing pills, ask your doctor about ARICEPT ODT.

Your doctor may start with the 5-mg tablet once a day. After 4 to 6 weeks, your doctor may change the dose to 10 mg per day.

How will I know ARICEPT is working?

ARICEPT may not work the same for each person. Some studies have shown that symptoms may improve. If symptoms stay the same — or worsen more slowly than expected over time — this may also mean ARICEPT is working.

Can ARICEPT be taken without food?

Yes. ARICEPT and ARICEPT ODT can be taken with or without food. Remember, both ARICEPT and ARICEPT ODT should be taken whole. The tablets should not be broken in half or crushed. Your doctor can answer questions about when and how to take ARICEPT.

What if a dose of ARICEPT is missed?

When it comes to taking medicine, always follow the doctor's advice. If 1 dose of ARICEPT (5 mg or 10 mg) is missed, don't worry. Don't take the missed dose. Instead, wait until it is time to take the next dose. Do not take 2 doses of ARICEPT at the same time. If ARICEPT is missed for 1 week, call the doctor before any more ARICEPT is taken. To benefit from ARICEPT, it's important not to run out. Call for a refill ahead of time.

Will my loved one be able to afford treatment with ARICEPT?

ARICEPT is covered by many private health insurance plans. Call your loved one's health insurance provider for details. Plus, some government programs may help pay for your loved one's ARICEPT treatment. Your loved one may also be able to get help through the ARICEPT Patient Assistance Program. It is only offered through a doctor's office. So, ask your doctor if your loved one may qualify. Read more about health insurance and ARICEPT.

How long should ARICEPT be taken?

Your doctor should determine how long to continue treatment with ARICEPT. Talk with your doctor before stopping ARICEPT treatment.

Next, learn how to partner with your doctor

A free caregiver support program from ARICEPT

Is your loved one on ARICEPT?
Join a free program to receive:

A welcome kit to help your loved one get the most out of treatment

Phone calls from experienced nurses who offer caregiving support

Caregiver support materials

If you or someone you know needs help paying for medicine, click here.

ARICEPT^® (donepezil HCl tablets) is indicated for the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Important Safety Information

ARICEPT is well tolerated but may not be for everyone. People at risk for stomach ulcers or who take certain other medicines should tell their doctors because serious stomach problems, such as bleeding, may get worse. Some people who take ARICEPT may experience fainting. Some people may have nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bruising, or not sleep well. Some people may have muscle cramps or loss of appetite or may feel tired. In studies these were usually mild and temporary. For full prescribing information, please visit Prescribing Information.

This Web site contains information relating to various medical conditions and their treatment. Such information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a physician or other health care professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing a health problem or disease. In order for you to make intelligent health care decisions, you should always consult with a physician or other health care provider for your, or your loved one's, personal medical needs.

All quotes included in this Web site represent the individual experience of some doctors, some patients, and their caregivers. Individual responses to ARICEPT treatment may vary. Actual identities have been changed to protect individual privacy.

(i) The Licensed Material is being used for illustrative purposes only; and (ii) any person depicted in the Licensed Material, if any, is a model.

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