Medicine pack check sheet

Source-linked reading points

• First check ARICEPT, donepezil, tablet or orally disintegrating tablet, labelled strength per unit and target market. A “5”, “10” or “23” alone does not say how a person should use it or prove interchangeability with another pack.
• The current U.S. label distinguishes 5, 10 and 23 mg tablets and 5 and 10 mg orally disintegrating tablets; it states that the 23 mg tablet should not be split, crushed or chewed. Another market or product version needs checking against the current label for that exact product.
• The label identifies issues that may require attention involving heart rate, gastrointestinal effects, weight, anaesthesia and combinations with anticholinergic or other cholinergic medicines. When multiple memory, sleep, cold, pain or bladder products are at home, bring the complete list to a pharmacist rather than self-combining, substituting or stopping.
• For fainting, a marked heart-rate concern, persistent vomiting/dehydration, black stools or another acute symptom, seek timely medical assessment; a webpage and historical label cannot replace urgent judgement.