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ARICEPT vs EXELON

Independent side-by-side comparison.

Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated August 20, 2026·How we rate

Possible drug interaction. ARICEPT and EXELON are different prescription medicines. Combining or switching between them can cause interactions — talk to a pharmacist or prescriber before making changes. This page is not medical advice.

Rating

New
70/100

Pharmacy pays

~$1.43 /30
~$6.05 /30

Type

RX
RX

Active ingredient

DONEPEZIL HYDROCHLORIDE
RIVASTIGMINE TARTRATE

Manufacturer

Dosage forms

Tablet
Patch, extended release

Drug class

Cholinesterase Inhibitor
Cholinesterase Inhibitor

Boxed warning

None
None

Half-life

about 70 hours

Treats

Alzheimer Disease
Alzheimer Disease

Frequently asked questions

Which is cheaper, Aricept or Exelon?

Aricept costs pharmacies less to acquire — about $1.43 vs $6.05 for a 30-count supply, per the CMS NADAC survey. That gap is in the pharmacy's cost of goods, not necessarily in what you pay: your price is set afterwards by your insurer and the pharmacy.

What is the difference between Aricept and Exelon?

Aricept contains Donepezil Hydrochloride, while Exelon contains Rivastigmine Tartrate — they have different active ingredients.

Ratings are based on FDA regulatory (recall-safety) data. This comparison is for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before choosing or switching a medication.