HC Deb 19 March 2001 vol 365 c94W
Mr. Denis Murphy

To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many health authorities are prescribing(a) Aricept, (b) Exelon and (c) Reminyl to patients on the basis of need. [153140]

Mr. Denham

We have made no assessment of the prescribing of Aricept (donepezil), Exelon (rivastigmine) and Reminyl (galantamine).

In January this year, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence issued guidance to the National Health Service on the use of these medicines for the treatment of mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Health authorities and NHS trusts will be monitored to ensure they are taking full and proper account of this NICE appraisal.