FDA Urged to Ban 'Dangerous' Alzheimer's Drug

A consumer advocacy group and professor of geriatric medicine are urging the Food and Drug Administration to yank the strongest dosage of a popular Alzheimer's medication from the market, because they're concerned that it is dangerous and ineffective.

Donepezil, which is marketed by Eisai and Pfizer under the brand name Aricept, has been approved by the FDA in 5 to 10 milligram (mg) doses for patients with mild to moderate cases of Alzheimer's disease, and doses of 10 to 23 mg for patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's.