Drug Detail:Adlarity (Donepezil)
Generic Name: Donepezil hydrochloride 5mg
Dosage Form: patch
Drug Class: Cholinesterase inhibitors
2.1 Recommended Dosage
The recommended starting dosage of ADLARITY is 5 mg/day. After 4 to 6 weeks, the dosage may be increased to the maximum recommended dosage of 10 mg/day. Administer ADLARITY as one transdermal system applied to the skin once weekly [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].
Doses of the transdermal system higher than the 10 mg/day equivalent have not been evaluated.
2.2 Switching to ADLARITY from Donepezil Hydrochloride Tablets or Donepezil Hydrochloride ODT
Patients treated with donepezil hydrochloride 5 mg or 10 mg tablets may be switched to ADLARITY:
• A patient who is being treated with a total daily dose of 5 mg of oral donepezil hydrochloride can be switched to the once weekly 5 mg/day ADLARITY transdermal system. If a patient has been on 5 mg oral donepezil hydrochloride for at least 4-6 weeks, the patient may be switched immediately to the once weekly 10 mg/day transdermal system.
• A patient who is being treated with a total daily dose of 10 mg of oral donepezil hydrochloride can be switched to the once weekly 10 mg/day ADLARITY transdermal system.
Instruct patients or caregivers to apply the first transdermal system with the last administered oral dose.
Administration Information
Each ADLARITY transdermal system delivers either 5 mg or 10 mg of donepezil daily for 7 days (one week cycle). At the end of 7 days, the used transdermal system is removed, and a new transdermal system is applied. Only one transdermal system should be applied at a time.
See the Instructions for Use for step-by-step instructions.
Preparation
• Remove one ADLARITY transdermal system from the refrigerator and allow the pouch to reach room temperature before opening.
o Do not use external heat sources to warm ADLARITY.
o Do not apply a cold transdermal system.
o Use within 24 hours of removing from the refrigerator.
• Ensure the ADLARITY pouch seal has not been broken. Do not use ADLARITY if the transdermal system is damaged, cut, or altered in any way.
• Select application site:
o The recommended application site is the back (avoiding the spine). If needed, the upper buttocks or the upper outer thigh may be used [see Clinical Studies (14.3)]. Use a location that will not be rubbed by tight clothing.
o Do not use the same location of an application site for at least 2 weeks (14 days) after removal of a transdermal system from that location.
o Do not apply to an area on skin where medication, cream, lotion, or powder has recently been applied.
o Do not apply to skin that is red, irritated, or cut.
o Do not shave the site.
Application
• Apply ADLARITY to skin immediately after removing from the pouch.
• Apply to clean, dry, intact healthy skin with no to minimal hair (see Preparation).
• Press down firmly for 30 seconds to ensure good contact with skin at the edges of the transdermal system.
• ADLARITY use does not need to be interrupted due to bathing or hot weather. Avoid long exposure to external heat sources (e.g., excessive sunlight, saunas, solariums or heating pads).