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| |  Ritalin Campaign Launched by Ciba to Encourage Appropriate Use SUMMIT, N.J., March 26, 1996 -- Ciba Pharmaceuticals has begun a nationwide campaign to better inform medical professionals, parents and patients about the appropriate use of Ciba's product, Ritalin(R) (methylphenidate hydrochloride), used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The use of Ritalin and its responsible supervision have recently been the focus of increased attention and concern in many settings including academic, professional and patient communities. Recently, incidents of improper use and abuse of the medication have come to the attention of Ciba and to government agencies responsible for the regulatory monitoring of Ritalin and other controlled substances. Recognizing the need to emphasize that Ritalin only be used properly, Ciba has mailed specially-developed educational materials to over 100,000 pharmacies and medical institutions as well as to about 110,000 physicians around the country. Intended for parents and school nurses who care for children diagnosed with ADHD and who are prescribed Ritalin, the materials focus on the three "R's" of Ritalin use: Read about ADHD and Ritalin; Respect the medication; and take Responsibility for its proper administration. Ciba is asking pharmacists to share this information with their patients diagnosed with ADHD and with their parents or guardians. "Only through a concerted, nationwide campaign of information and education, designed for the ultimate benefit of the patient, can we be confident that we are meeting our responsibility to better ensure the appropriate use of Ritalin," said Dr. Joyce Moscaritola, vice president of medical affairs for Ciba. In the United States, about three to five percent of school-aged children are thought to have ADHD. The disorder is sometimes diagnosed in children who have difficulty focusing on certain tasks, in their inability to filter out distractions that prevent the completion of those tasks, and who may exhibit inappropriate, impulsive behavior. Hyperactivity may also be associated with the disorder in some children. Ritalin, a mild central nervous system stimulant, has been prescribed successfully for many years by physicians for their patients diagnosed with ADHD as part of a total treatment program. Ciba Pharmaceuticals is a division of Ciba-Geigy Corporation of Tarrytown, N.Y., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ciba-Geigy Limited of Basel, Switzerland. Ciba is a leading developer and manufacturer of healthcare and agricultural products and specialty chemicals for industry. Ciba Pharmaceuticals is dedicated to discovering, developing, manufacturing and marketing innovative pharmaceuticals that meet unmet medical needs and improve patients' quality of life. The most common adverse events with Ritalin are nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite and abdominal pain. Ritalin may lower the seizure threshold. Ritalin is contraindicated in patients with motor tics or with a family history or diagnosis of Tourette's syndrome. Ritalin should be given with caution to emotionally unstable patients and those with a history of drug dependence and alcoholism. Chronic abuse can lead to marked tolerance and psychic dependence. Frank psychotic episodes can occur especially with parenteral abuse.
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