On March 14, 2022, Adlarity (donepezil hydrochloride) received FDA approval for the treatment of patients with mild, moderate, or severe Alzheimer’s dementia. Adlarity is as effective as other cholinesterase inhibitors. It delivers donepezil through a once-weekly transdermal patch (versus the daily rivastigmine [Exelon] patch). Advantages include its ability to treat swallowing-compromised patients, fewer GI side effects, and convenience for caregivers. The Adlarity patch is applied to a patient’s back, upper buttock, or outer thigh once a week and is available in doses that deliver 5 mg/day or 10 mg/day of donepezil over seven days. 

Adlarity is expected to be available in fall 2022. While its cost has not yet been announced, we expect it to be much higher than its generic competitors, including the rivastigmine daily patch. Another disadvantage is that doses >10 mg/day have not been evaluated. For now, patients are recommended to wear only one patch at a time. 

—Stephanie Collier, MD, MPH, and Talia Puzantian, PharmD. Dr. Collier and Dr. Puzantian have disclosed no relevant financial or other interests in any commercial companies pertaining to this educational activity.