Japan. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in Japan has added a new warning on the possibility of rhabdomyolysis associated with the use of donepezil (Aricept), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor drug. The Ministry enforced this action following the death of a 70 year-old man with Alzheimer's disease and other complications who was treated with this drug. The warning advises that treatment should be halted if muscle pain, elevated urine/blood myoglobin levels or acute kidney failure are detected.

Reference:

Scrip World Pharmaceutical News No. 3067, 29 June 2005 (http://www.scripnews.com).