Cardiovascular problems and ARICEPT (Donepezil)

Dear Doctor, My father, 68 years old, takes ARICEPT 5mg daily according to his doctor order for the last 7 months. This treatment seems to be effective and he feels considerable improvement. Patient’s information states that: “When should the preparation not be used? Do not take this medicine without consulting a doctor before starting treatment: …. if you are suffering, or have suffered in the past, from impaired function of: the respiratory system (e.g. asthma)’ the heart andor vascular system, the liver, the digestive system (e.g. ulcer), the nervous system” My father sufferssuffered from: - Coronary atherosclerosis - Myocardial infraction anteroseptal (June 1995) - Dressler’s syndrom (1995) - Agioplasty removal of coronary artery (1998) - Colon and rectum adenomatous polyp – excs. (1992) - Hypothyroidismmyxedema (since 1982) My father is treated with: - Tritace 5 mg - daily - Lipidal 10 mg - daily - Eltroxin 100 mcg - daily - Micropirin 100 mg - daily - Zantab 150 mg - seldom - Bondormin 0.25 mg - seldom I would like to know if his medical situation permits the use of ARICEPT Does he need to take special precautions or have special examinations or periodic follow-up while using ARICEPT due to his medical situation and history, especially his cardiovascular condition ? I will appreciate any information you can give me. Sincerely yours, Dorit Grinberg E-mail address: [email protected]

לצערי אין כל נסיון עם תרופה זו. אני מציע לשאול את הניאורולוג שרשם את התרופה האם ידועות התוויות נגד לתרופה בחולים כמו אביך... סליחה עכל כך שלא עזרתי לך