Product Details: Aricept (Donepezil)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND ARICEPT IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME ARICEP.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Eisai

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor used to treat loss of memory and thinking ability associated with Alzheimer's disease.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE in the evening, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are taking 1 dose daily at bedtime, skip the missed dose. DO NOT take the dose in the morning or take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product or to any piperidine derivative (such as glutethimide). DO NOT STOP TAKING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Keep all doctor and laboratory appointments while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness or dizziness. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, drowsiness, weight loss, muscle or joint pain, sleeplessness, or unusual dreams. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience headache, dizziness or fainting, vision problems, chest pain, joint pain, depression, unusual dreams, new mental changes, rash, stomach pain, frequent urination, unsteadiness. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience slow or irregular heartbeat, slurred speech, seizures, or black stools. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Donepezil