New Drug for Alzheimer's disease

      FDA OKs New Drug for Alzheimer's patients.

Novartis Pharmaceuticals' Exelon, has received approval by the Food and Drug Administration. Exelon - Rivastigmine, works in the brain the same way as the other two Alzheimer's drugs, Aricept and Cognex. They inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical vital for nerve cells to communicate with each other. The longer acetylcholine remains in the brain, the longer those cells can call up memories. The drugs offer modest relief for mild to moderate Alzheimer's symptoms.
Exelon's label bears a strong warning about a significant risk: It can cause nausea and vomiting severe enough that patients lose weight. The nausea and weight loss did end once affected patients stopped the drug.
Exelon, will be available by the end of May 2000, It is expected to cost $130 for a month's supply.