home
RSS
Stop selling higher dose Alzheimer's drug, group says
May 18th, 2011
05:05 PM ET

Stop selling higher dose Alzheimer's drug, group says

A specific dose of Alzheimer’s drug should be pulled from the market because it poses a risk to patients, according to a consumer  group.

The drug, donepezil, sold under the brand Aricept, is administered in several doses – the highest being 23 milligrams – for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease.

It is prescribed to improve mental function, such as memory, attention and reasoning by increasing a brain chemical. Aricept which is taken daily,  could slow the mental decline, but it does not cure or prevent Alzheimer's. 

The Public Citizen’s Health Research Group called the 23-milligram dose of Aricept “significantly more toxic” than the 10-milligram dose and said it  “should be immediately withdrawn from the market.”

The group says that the drug in higher dose compared with the 10-milligrams could pose increased adverse effects such as slowed pulse rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, urinary incontinence, fatigue, dizziness and agitation.  The group also said the higher dose does not appear to give any benefits to the patients.

Three stages of Alzheimer's

Patients often stop taking the higher dose because of its strong side effects such as vomiting. And Alzheimer’s patients are particularly sensitive to vomiting because it can lead to other problems such as pneumonia, massive gastrointestinal bleeding, esophageal rupture and even death, the group said.

In response, Pfizer, which co-promotes Aricept with another company, Eisai, wrote in an emailed statement: "We are reviewing the petition and will respond accordingly; however, it is important to note that the Aricept (donepezil HCl) 23 mg tablet has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of moderate-to-severe Alzheimer’s disease. "

Dr. James Lah, director of the cognitive neurology program at Emory University"s Department of Neurology, regularly prescribes Aricept to patients, but doesn't prescribe the 23-milligram dose.

“Being Americans, the notion is that bigger is better, more is better... it’s simply not true in this particular instance,” Lah said.

He said he was concerned when the FDA approved the 23-milligram version.

“There is very little evidence that it’s superior,” Lah, an Alzheimer's clinician and associate professor said.  “There is a lot of evidence that it’s worse in terms of causing side effects.  If you look at the one study, only one clinical trial reported about the 23 versus 10 milligram Aricept. The results were entirely mixed in terms of effectiveness.”


soundoff (35,740 Responses)
  1. Svetlanakcz

    urenrjrjkvnm

    February 17, 2021 at 01:46 | Report abuse | Reply
  2. frolep rotrem

    I truly enjoy reading through on this internet site, it contains good blog posts. "Something unpredictable but in the end it's right, I hope you have the time of your life." by Greenday.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 02:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  3. frolep rotrem

    I will right away grasp your rss as I can not in finding your email subscription hyperlink or e-newsletter service. Do you've any? Kindly permit me recognise so that I may subscribe. Thanks.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 03:08 | Report abuse | Reply
  4. froleprotrem

    You are my breathing in, I own few web logs and infrequently run out from brand :). "Truth springs from argument amongst friends." by David Hume.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 05:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  5. froleprotrem

    Great post however I was wanting to know if you could write a litte more on this topic? I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Appreciate it!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 05:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  6. froleprotrem

    I think this is one of the most vital information for me. And i am glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is perfect, the articles is really nice : D. Good job, cheers

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 05:41 | Report abuse | Reply
  7. frolep rotrem

    Nice post. I be taught one thing tougher on completely different blogs everyday. It's going to at all times be stimulating to learn content from other writers and apply a little one thing from their store. I’d favor to use some with the content on my weblog whether or not you don’t mind. Natually I’ll give you a link on your net blog. Thanks for sharing.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 06:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  8. froleprotrem

    As a Newbie, I am continuously searching online for articles that can be of assistance to me. Thank you

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 06:30 | Report abuse | Reply
  9. frolep rotrem

    I used to be very pleased to seek out this web-site.I wished to thanks for your time for this excellent read!! I definitely having fun with each little little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 06:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  10. froleprotrem

    Keep working ,splendid job!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 07:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  11. froleprotrem

    You completed a number of fine points there. I did a search on the matter and found most persons will agree with your blog.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 07:21 | Report abuse | Reply
  12. froleprotrem

    Outstanding post, you have pointed out some great points, I besides conceive this s a very wonderful website.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 07:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  13. froleprotrem

    I was just searching for this information for a while. After 6 hours of continuous Googleing, at last I got it in your website. I wonder what's the lack of Google strategy that don't rank this type of informative websites in top of the list. Generally the top sites are full of garbage.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 07:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  14. JbnvCrulk

    construction loan no money down how are interest rates and fees calculated on payday loans visa prepaid card cash advance

    February 17, 2021 at 07:32 | Report abuse | Reply
  15. froleprotrem

    hey there and thanks for your information – I’ve certainly picked up anything new from proper here. I did then again expertise a few technical points the usage of this site, as I skilled to reload the site a lot of occasions prior to I could get it to load properly. I have been considering in case your web host is OK? Now not that I'm complaining, but sluggish loading instances instances will very frequently affect your placement in google and can damage your high quality rating if ads and ***********|advertising|advertising|advertising and *********** with Adwords. Well I’m adding this RSS to my email and could look out for much more of your respective intriguing content. Make sure you update this once more very soon..

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 08:07 | Report abuse | Reply
  16. บาคาร่า

    I am regular reader, how are you everybody? This piece of writing posted at this web page is actually
    fastidious.

    February 17, 2021 at 08:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  17. froleprotrem

    I've been surfing online more than three hours today, but I by no means discovered any interesting article like yours. It?¦s lovely worth sufficient for me. In my view, if all web owners and bloggers made just right content as you did, the net will be much more helpful than ever before.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 09:29 | Report abuse | Reply
  18. froleprotrem

    I actually wanted to make a brief word in order to thank you for all the wonderful solutions you are showing on this website. My time intensive internet lookup has at the end of the day been honored with reliable content to go over with my companions. I would assert that many of us visitors are very endowed to live in a fine site with many perfect people with good suggestions. I feel really grateful to have encountered your website and look forward to so many more fabulous times reading here. Thank you once more for all the details.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 09:54 | Report abuse | Reply
  19. froleprotrem

    Loving the info on this web site, you have done great job on the content.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 10:14 | Report abuse | Reply
  20. froleprotrem

    Wow! Thank you! I continuously needed to write on my website something like that. Can I take a portion of your post to my site?

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 10:50 | Report abuse | Reply
  21. froleprotrem

    What’s Going down i am new to this, I stumbled upon this I've found It absolutely helpful and it has helped me out loads. I'm hoping to contribute & assist other customers like its aided me. Good job.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 12:47 | Report abuse | Reply
  22. Ivanxeh

    news

    February 17, 2021 at 13:18 | Report abuse | Reply
  23. frolep rotrem

    Hello my friend! I wish to say that this post is awesome, nice written and come with almost all vital infos. I¦d like to see more posts like this .

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 14:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  24. Alexjao

    coin

    February 17, 2021 at 14:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  25. froleprotrem

    I really enjoy studying on this web site, it contains excellent content. "Wealth and children are the adornment of life." by Koran.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 14:24 | Report abuse | Reply
  26. frolep rotrem

    Hey there! Someone in my Facebook group shared this site with us so I came to look it over. I'm definitely enjoying the information. I'm bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Great blog and great design and style.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 15:01 | Report abuse | Reply
  27. frolep rotrem

    Wow, incredible blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The overall look of your web site is magnificent, as well as the content!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 15:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  28. froleprotrem

    Thank you so much for giving everyone an extraordinarily remarkable possiblity to check tips from this web site. It's usually so nice plus packed with a great time for me and my office acquaintances to visit the blog nearly three times in 7 days to study the latest guidance you have. And lastly, we are always impressed with the amazing pointers you serve. Certain 3 tips in this post are basically the most beneficial I have had.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 16:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  29. froleprotrem

    There may be noticeably a bundle to know about this. I assume you made sure good points in options also.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 19:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  30. frolep rotrem

    I enjoy the efforts you have put in this, thanks for all the great articles.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 19:13 | Report abuse | Reply
  31. Sergxms

    Novosti

    February 17, 2021 at 21:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  32. froleprotrem

    Hello.This article was extremely fascinating, particularly since I was browsing for thoughts on this matter last Monday.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 21:31 | Report abuse | Reply
  33. froleprotrem

    I'm not sure exactly why but this web site is loading very slow for me. Is anyone else having this issue or is it a issue on my end? I'll check back later on and see if the problem still exists.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 22:00 | Report abuse | Reply
  34. froleprotrem

    Amazing! This blog looks exactly like my old one! It's on a totally different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and design. Great choice of colors!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 22:28 | Report abuse | Reply
  35. froleprotrem

    I conceive this internet site has got very superb written written content articles.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 22:39 | Report abuse | Reply
  36. frolep rotrem

    Its superb as your other blog posts : D, appreciate it for posting. "If Christ were here now there is one thing he would not be–a christian." by Mark Twain.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 23:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  37. froleprotrem

    Howdy would you mind letting me know which hosting company you're working with? I've loaded your blog in 3 completely different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks, I appreciate it!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 17, 2021 at 23:22 | Report abuse | Reply
  38. frolep rotrem

    Good info. Lucky me I reach on your website by accident, I bookmarked it.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 00:02 | Report abuse | Reply
  39. frolep rotrem

    It is really a great and useful piece of information. I am satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 01:48 | Report abuse | Reply
  40. frolep rotrem

    What i do not understood is in truth how you are not really a lot more neatly-preferred than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You know thus considerably in the case of this matter, produced me in my opinion believe it from so many varied angles. Its like men and women are not interested until it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs nice. All the time handle it up!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 03:15 | Report abuse | Reply
  41. froleprotrem

    Hi there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it's really informative. I am going to watch out for brussels. I’ll appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 03:23 | Report abuse | Reply
  42. froleprotrem

    I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an shakiness over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this increase.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 04:04 | Report abuse | Reply
  43. froleprotrem

    I got good info from your blog

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 04:51 | Report abuse | Reply
  44. froleprotrem

    I am forever thought about this, thanks for posting.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 04:58 | Report abuse | Reply
  45. froleprotrem

    This is a very good tips especially to those new to blogosphere, brief and accurate information… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 06:05 | Report abuse | Reply
  46. froleprotrem

    You have remarked very interesting details ! ps decent website .

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 06:12 | Report abuse | Reply
  47. frolep rotrem

    Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a team of volunteers and starting a new project in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us beneficial information to work on. You have done a wonderful job!

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 08:10 | Report abuse | Reply
  48. froleprotrem

    Merely wanna input that you have a very nice internet site, I like the style it really stands out.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 10:09 | Report abuse | Reply
  49. Viktorimip

    Cinema

    February 18, 2021 at 10:11 | Report abuse | Reply
  50. frolep rotrem

    Throughout the awesome pattern of things you actually get a B+ just for effort and hard work. Exactly where you misplaced me personally was first in the specifics. You know, it is said, details make or break the argument.. And that couldn't be more correct in this article. Having said that, allow me tell you what did work. Your article (parts of it) is actually really powerful and that is possibly why I am making an effort to opine. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Next, while I can easily notice the leaps in logic you come up with, I am definitely not sure of exactly how you seem to unite your ideas which in turn help to make your conclusion. For the moment I will, no doubt subscribe to your position but trust in the foreseeable future you connect the dots better.

    http://www.froleprotrem.com/

    February 18, 2021 at 10:38 | Report abuse | Reply
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250 251 252 253 254 255 256 257 258 259 260 261 262 263 264 265 266 267 268 269 270 271 272 273 274 275 276 277 278 279 280 281 282 283 284 285 286 287 288 289 290 291 292 293 294 295 296 297 298 299 300 301 302 303 304 305 306 307 308 309 310 311 312 313 314 315 316 317 318 319 320 321 322 323 324 325 326 327 328 329 330 331 332 333 334 335 336 337 338 339 340 341 342 343 344 345 346 347 348 349 350 351 352 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 360 361 362 363 364 365 366 367 368 369 370 371 372 373 374 375 376 377 378 379 380 381 382 383 384 385 386 387 388 389 390 391 392 393 394 395 396 397 398 399 400 401 402 403 404 405 406 407 408 409 410 411 412 413 414 415 416 417 418 419 420 421 422 423 424 425 426 427 428 429 430 431 432 433 434 435 436 437 438 439 440 441 442 443 444 445 446 447 448 449 450 451 452 453 454 455 456 457 458 459 460 461 462 463 464 465 466 467 468 469 470 471 472 473 474 475 476 477 478 479 480 481 482 483 484 485 486 487 488 489 490 491 492 493 494 495 496 497 498 499 500 501 502 503 504 505 506 507 508 509 510 511 512 513 514 515 516 517 518 519 520 521 522 523 524 525 526 527 528 529 530 531 532 533 534 535 536 537 538 539 540 541 542 543 544 545 546 547 548 549 550 551 552 553 554 555 556 557 558 559 560 561 562 563 564 565 566 567 568 569 570 571 572 573 574 575 576 577 578 579 580 581 582 583 584 585 586 587 588 589 590 591 592 593 594 595 596 597 598 599 600 601 602 603 604 605 606 607 608 609 610 611 612 613 614 615 616 617 618 619 620 621 622 623 624 625 626 627 628 629 630 631 632 633 634 635 636 637 638 639 640 641 642 643 644 645 646 647 648 649 650 651 652 653 654 655 656 657 658 659 660 661 662 663 664 665 666 667 668 669 670 671 672 673 674 675 676 677 678 679 680 681 682 683 684 685 686 687 688 689 690 691 692 693 694 695 696 697 698 699 700 701 702 703 704 705 706 707 708 709 710 711 712 713 714 715

Leave a Reply to Davidssasw


 

CNN welcomes a lively and courteous discussion as long as you follow the Rules of Conduct set forth in our Terms of Service. Comments are not pre-screened before they post. You agree that anything you post may be used, along with your name and profile picture, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and the license you have granted pursuant to our Terms of Service.

Advertisement
About this blog

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love.