Risperdal-Causing Deaths in Elderly
http://www.yourvitalhealth.com/drugalerts/da33.cfm

April 25, 2003 – MedWatch
Janssen Pharmaceutica and FDA revised the WARNINGS section of the
prescribing information for Risperdal (risperidone), indicated for the
treatment of schizophrenia. Cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g.,
stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, were
reported in patients in trials of risperidone in elderly patients with
dementia-related psychosis. In placebo-controlled trials, there was a
significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events in
patients treated with risperidone compared to patients treated with
placebo. RISPERDAL has not been shown to be safe or effective in the
treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Dr. Hansen’s Notes:
Although you may think that this information is not relevant for you,
I report it to you because once a drug is approved for sale, it can be
prescribed for other diagnoses than the one for which it was
originally intended.. Last month’s Drug Alert was about just such a
drug: Lamictal, which is an anti-epileptic drug that is now being
prescribed for bi-polar depression.

Some doctors may be prescribing Risperdal for patients with dementia
or Alzheimer’s disease, or just because they are irritable and old and
unwilling to cooperate with nursing home staff. You should check your
parents’ meds if they are in a nursing home.

Risperdal-Causing Deaths in Elderly
http://www.yourvitalhealth.com/drugalerts/da33.cfm

April 25, 2003 – MedWatch
Janssen Pharmaceutica and FDA revised the WARNINGS section of the
prescribing information for Risperdal (risperidone), indicated for the
treatment of schizophrenia. Cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g.,
stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, were
reported in patients in trials of risperidone in elderly patients with
dementia-related psychosis. In placebo-controlled trials, there was a
significantly higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events in
patients treated with risperidone compared to patients treated with
placebo. RISPERDAL has not been shown to be safe or effective in the
treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Dr. Hansen’s Notes:
Although you may think that this information is not relevant for you,
I report it to you because once a drug is approved for sale, it can be
prescribed for other diagnoses than the one for which it was
originally intended.. Last month’s Drug Alert was about just such a
drug: Lamictal, which is an anti-epileptic drug that is now being
prescribed for bi-polar depression.

Some doctors may be prescribing Risperdal for patients with dementia
or Alzheimer’s disease, or just because they are irritable and old and
unwilling to cooperate with nursing home staff. You should check your
parents’ meds if they are in a nursing home.