Attention deficit drug pulled from shelves
Date: Sept. 21, 1999
Time: 3:13 pm
Citing the potential for "serious liver complications including liver failure resulting in death" Health Canada has suspended sales of the attention deficit Hyperactivity Disorder medication Cylert (pemoline).
Abbott Laboratories, manufacturers of Cylert, informed physicians of the decision to suspend sales of Cylert in a letter earlier this week, after Health Canada's Therapeutic Products Programme determined that the risk of liver failure outweighs the benefits of continued use. The letter says that serious cases of fulminant hepatic failure have occurred after several months of treatment and that the company does not know whether discontinuing use of the drug at the first sign of hepatotoxicity will prevent the development of fulminant liver failure.
Physicians have been urged to establish other treatment options for their patients who are taking Cylert, although the drug will be available through Health Canada's Special Access Programme for situations in which its use is deemed necessary by the treating physician. In cases where Cylert use continues, physicians should discuss the risks with the patient or care giver and test hepatic enzyme levels every two weeks while the patient receives the drug.
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