Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Aricept as follows:
- Narrowing of airways with Aricept use can increase the effort of breathing, especially in individuals with history of asthma and COPD. These individuals can increasingly present with exacerbation of shortness of breath with Aricept. Aricept must be administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of breathing disorders, with close watch to prevent exacerbation of acute dyspneic episodes.
- Aricept is partially metabolized in the liver to both active and some inactive metabolites. These metabolites along with a small unmetabolized portion of the drug are eliminated by in the urine and feces. If liver function is deficient, the metabolism of Aricept could be compromised. This can lead to increased blood levels of the medication for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity. So, in individuals with history of compromised liver function, Aricept could be used with caution and possible dose adjustments, periodical monitoring for liver functions and development of any toxicity symptoms with the medication.
