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Once-A-Day Aricept® (donepezil HCl)

Studies showed ARICEPT
slowed the progression of
Alzheimer's symptoms.
It improved cognition and
slowed the decline of
overall function.

ARICEPT may work
differently for each
person. For those who
respond, symptoms may
improve, they may
stabilize, or they may
progress more slowly
than without ARICEPT.

Questions & Answers

Get answers to some of the most common questions about Alzheimer's and ARICEPT.

The ARICEPT team includes professional nurses who are experienced with Alzheimer's disease.

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 is a small, once daily tablet that does not need to be taken with meals.

If you or your loved one is taking a 5 mg dose, talk with the doctor. In studies, many people's doses were increased to 10 mg after 4 to 6 weeks.

What are the most common side effects of ARICEPT?
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. In studies, side effects were usually mild and temporary.

Some people may:
  • Have nausea
  • Vomit
  • Experience diarrhea
  • Experience bruising
  • Not sleep well
  • Have muscle cramps
  • Lose their appetite
  • Feel tired

If you are concerned about side effects from ARICEPT, talk with your doctor. A doctor can help by perhaps changing the way you take ARICEPT.

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
It may take some time to see the benefits of ARICEPT. ARICEPT may work differently for each person. For those who respond:
  • Symptoms may improve
  • Symptoms may stabilize
  • 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 several weeks or longer 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 likely 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 more information about ARICEPT, call toll free 877-347-6686.

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

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