Adlarity vs. Donepezil for Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Adlarity

(donepezil)

Donepezil

(Aricept)

Summary for Adlarity

Prescription only

Adlarity (donepezil) is a patch that's placed on the skin. It's used for dementia in people living with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Adlarity (donepezil) can be used for all stages of AD, ranging from mild to severe. It works as an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor to relieve symptoms of dementia. The patch is applied once a week, and only one patch should be worn at a time. Common side effects include headache, itching where the patch is, and trouble sleeping. There's currently no generic version of the patch available.

Indications for Adlarity

Dementia in people with Alzheimer's disease

Pros and Cons for Adlarity

Pros

Only applied once a week
Applied to the skin, so a good choice for people who don't like taking pills
Can choose from a few different spots to apply the patch (the back, upper buttock, or upper outer thigh)
A first-choice option for helping with thinking and memory problems related to Alzheimer's

Cons

Can cause irritation where it's applied
Need to avoid heat exposure, like saunas and a lot of sunlight
Must store patches in the refrigerator
Not a cure for Alzheimer's

Common Side Effects for Adlarity

Headache (15%)
Itching at the application site (9%)
Muscle spasms (9%)
Trouble sleeping (7%)
Rash or skin irritation at the application site (6%)
Stomach pain (6%)
Constipation (6%)

Warnings for Adlarity

Skin reactions at the application site
Slow heart rate and fainting
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
Possible stomach bleeding and ulcers
Possible seizures
Caution use in people with lung problems

Summary for Donepezil

Prescription only

Donepezil (Aricept) is a medication that's used to help adults with symptoms of dementia related to Alzheimer's disease (AD). It belongs to the drug class called cholinesterase inhibitors. Donepezil (Aricept) is taken once a day. It comes as both a brand-name and generic tablet that you swallow. There's also a generic orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) that melts on the tongue. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, and trouble sleeping.

Indications for Donepezil

Dementia related to Alzheimer's disease (AD)

Pros and Cons for Donepezil

Pros

First-choice treatment option for Alzheimer's disease
Can help with all stages of Alzheimer's disease (mild, moderate, or severe)
Taken once a day with or without food
Dissolvable pills available for some people who have trouble swallowing pills (5 mg and 10 mg only)

Cons

Not a cure for Alzheimer's
Often causes nausea and diarrhea
Can have interactions with anticholinergic medications like oxybutynin and scopolamine (Transderm Scop)
Might not be a good option for people with a history of stomach ulcers or breathing problems