Expert Warning On Dementia Drugs; Britain Warns Of Stroke Risk With Lilly, J&J Drugs

Eli Lilly's (NYSE:LLY) and Johnson & Johnson's (NYSE:JNJ) drugs Zyprexa and Risperdal should not be used to treat behavioural problems in older patients with dementia because of the risk of stroke, British authorities said on Tuesday. A safety committee review found there was around a three-fold increase in the risk of stroke when the medicines were used in this patient group, the Department of Health said in a statement. Both drugs are licensed to treat acute psychosis and schizophrenia, but they are also prescribed "off label" to treat behavioural problems in older people with dementia and clinical trials show some evidence of benefit to patients.

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