Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with patient instructions and patient information leaflet. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

To use the patch:

  • Make sure you wash your hands with soap and water before and after applying the patch.
  • Remove the patch from the refrigerator. Allow the pouch to reach room temperature before opening and applying the patch. Do not apply a cold patch. Do not use heat (including microwave, hair dryer, heating pad, or direct sunlight) to warm the patch.
  • Donepezil skin patches are packaged in sealed pouches. Do not use this medicine if the pouch seal is broken, or if the patch is cut, damaged, or changed in any way. Do not remove the patch from the sealed pouch until you are ready to apply it.
  • This medicine is available in 2 different strengths and patch sizes. Make sure you have the right strength patch that has been prescribed for you.
  • When handling the skin patch, be careful not to touch the adhesive (sticky) surface with your hand. The adhesive part of the system contains some donepezil, which can be absorbed into your body too fast through the skin of your hand.
  • Do not put cream, lotion, or powder on the skin area where the patch will be placed.
  • Apply the patch to clean, dry, intact skin on your upper back, lower back, upper buttocks, or upper outer thighs that has very little to no hair. Do not shave the skin where you will apply the patch. You may cut the hair with a pair of scissors. Do not put the patch over burns, cuts, or irritated skin. Avoid putting the patch over skin folds, across the spine, or on areas where it could be rubbed by tight clothing or undergarments.
  • Remove the liner covering the sticky side of the skin patch. Place the sticky side against the skin. Slowly peel the blue tinted liner while applying gentle pressure with fingers of your other hand to smooth the patch firmly in place, press the patch firmly with the palm of your hands for 30 seconds to make sure there is good contact with your skin, especially around the edges of the patch.
  • If the patch falls off after applying it, throw it away and apply a new patch in a different area.
  • Do not touch your eyes after applying the patch. Rinse it off right away with water if it does get in your eyes or if your eyes becomes red after touching the patch.
  • Remove the patch after 7 days, or as directed by your doctor. Choose a different place on your skin to apply the next patch. If possible, use a place on the other side of your body. Wait at least 2 weeks (14 days) before using the first area again.
  • After you remove the patch, you may use baby or mineral oil to remove any excess medicine. Do not use alcohol or nail polish remover.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For transdermal dosage form (skin patch):
    • For dementia:
      • Adults—At first, 5 milligrams (mg) once a week. After 4 to 6 weeks, your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 10 mg per day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you forget to wear or change a patch, put one on as soon as you can. If it is almost time to put on your next patch, wait until then to apply a new patch and skip the one you missed. Do not apply extra patches to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Store the patches in the original package. Use the patch within 24 hours of removing from the refrigerator.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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