ARICEPT® (donepezil HCl tablets) Alzheimer's Medicine

Questions & Answers

The ARICEPT team includes professional nurses who are experienced with Alzheimer's disease. When you join the free ARICEPT support program, you get to talk one-on-one with the nurses. They'll help guide you with caregiving and treatment issues. Join now.

Here, we asked them to answer some of the most common questions about Alzheimer's and ARICEPT.

What if my loved one is taking other medicines?
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.

How do I take ARICEPT?
ARICEPT should be taken once a day, as instructed by your healthcare professional.

If you are taking a 5 mg dose and are not seeing benefits, ask the doctor about taking a 10 mg dose. In studies, many people were increased to a 10 mg dose after 4 to 6 weeks.

Does ARICEPT come in another form besides a tablet?
Yes, it is also available as ARICEPT ODT (orally disintegrating tablets), which dissolves on the tongue. It should be followed with water. If swallowing pills is a problem, ask your doctor about ARICEPT ODT.

"You have to do the best for your loved one. In the case that they don't want to take the pill, ARICEPT also has the orally disintegrating pills that can be a lot easier to take." — Maria, ARICEPT nurse

How will I know ARICEPT is working?

What you may see

ARICEPT may not work the same for each person:

Symptoms may improve
Symptoms may not change
Symptoms may progress more slowly than without ARICEPT

Alzheimer's is an illness that gets worse over time. With Alzheimer's, no change or slower decline can also mean that ARICEPT is working.

It may take up to several months to start seeing the benefits of ARICEPT. Some people may experience an improvement in symptoms for several months, and then begin to see a decline. This is normal — it means that ARICEPT is working but the disease continues to progress.

If you are unsure if ARICEPT is working, don't stop taking it without talking to the doctor first. One study showed that when treatment was stopped, it led to a loss of benefits.

"The important thing to realize is that ARICEPT doesn't work the same in all people. Some people take it and do get noticeably better. Other people get better in small ways. Then others may stay the same or get worse more slowly. You may not really see that much of an improvement or change, but over time, the progression of their symptoms may be slowed down with ARICEPT." — Linda, ARICEPT nurse

Can ARICEPT be taken without food?
ARICEPT can be taken with or without food. It should always be taken whole. Never crush or break the tablets. If you miss a dose, don't take it. Instead, wait until it is time to take the next dose.

"Yes. Something you can do to help your loved one take ARICEPT at the prescribed time would be to make it a pleasant experience. Maybe a cup of tea or a nice meal together, and then medication. Try not to make it a battle. You just want to make that experience as easy as possible." — Linda, ARICEPT nurse

What if a dose of ARICEPT is missed?
When it comes to taking medicine, always follow the doctor's advice. 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.

"If you miss a dose of ARICEPT one day, it would be best to skip that dose and then take your regular dose at the regular time the next day. Don't try to make up for missed doses by taking two ARICEPT tablets in one day." — Linda, ARICEPT nurse

Will I be able to afford treatment with ARICEPT?
Most health insurance plans have a prescription drug benefit. ARICEPT is covered by a majority of these plans. Call your health insurance provider for details.

You or 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. Ask your doctor if you or your loved one might qualify. Read more about health insurance and ARICEPT.

"ARICEPT is covered by many private health insurance plans. Call the patient's health insurance provider for details. Plus, some government programs may help pay for ARICEPT treatment." — Maria, ARICEPT nurse

How long should ARICEPT be taken?
ARICEPT is approved for all stages of Alzheimer's disease — mild, moderate, and severe. Your doctor should determine how long to continue treatment with ARICEPT. Talk with your doctor before stopping ARICEPT treatment.

"I really encourage you to stay on ARICEPT as long as your doctor prescribes it." — Maria, ARICEPT nurse

What if I have more questions about ARICEPT?
If you would like to speak to an expert about ARICEPT or the free support program, call toll free 888-827-7035.

Next, learn how to care for someone with Alzheimer's

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 healthcare professional. You should not use this information for diagnosing a health problem or disease. In order for you to make intelligent healthcare decisions, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare 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.

This site is intended for residents of the United States only. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.

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