The FDA in the US has approved a combination pill for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease in people already being treated with both drugs, reports Medicinenet.
The pill, called Namzaric, combines memantine hydrochloride extended-release (Namenda) and donepezil hydrochloride (Aricept).
The two drugs are often prescribed together. About 70% of people on Namenda XR are also on Aricept, says Dr David Nicholson, the senior vice president of global brands R&D for drug maker Actavis.
"Both Namenda XR and donepezil have proven efficacy and safety for the treatment of moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease," Nicholson says. Also, research shows that people who took the combo pill showed greater improvement overall, and with thinking, than those on donepezil alone, he says.
Full Medicinenet report
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=186017&ecd=mnl_week_010215