(RxWiki News) The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a once-weekly patch for Alzheimer's disease.
This patch is found under the brand name Adlarity with the active ingredient donepezil.
Donepezil is the active ingredient of Aricept, which has been on the market to treat Alzheimer’s for about 26 years. However, Aricept is available as a tablet and is to be taken by mouth.
This new approval is available as a patch and is approved for those with mild, moderate or severe Alzheimer’s disease.
The patch is available in 5 mg and 10 mg and is applied for seven days.
Not only is this drug the first patch of its kind approved to treat Alzheimer's, but it offers a few advantages over the oral option.
Because it is a patch and doesn't need to be taken by mouth, it bypasses the digestive system. In other words, the medication goes straight into the bloodstream. As a result, the chances for stomach side effects, such as the nausea and diarrhea seen with the oral formulation, may be less likely, the drug's manufacturer noted.
Plus, according to the manufacturer, because Adlarity is available as a patch that lasts for seven days, it may be easier for someone who has trouble remembering to take a medication by mouth every day.
At the place the patch is applied, some users may experience skin reactions.
This drug approval was granted to Corium. The company said it expected this medication to be available in early fall of 2022.
Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions.
