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| |  New Dosage of Antihypertensive Verelan® Approved by FDA PHILADELPHIA, May 20, 1996 -- Wyeth Ayerst Laboratories, a division of American Home Products Corporation (NYSE: AHP), announced today that Verelan(R) (verapamil HCl) 360 mg sustained-release pellet filled capsules have been approved for marketing by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Verelan, the only sustained-release verapamil available in a once-a-day, 360 mg capsule, is a calcium channel blocker, the class of drugs most widely prescribed to treat hypertension. "Improving patients' compliance with their antihypertensive medication is a very important part of physicians' efforts to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of coronary heart disease," said Marc Deitch, M.D., Vice President, Medical Affairs and Medical Director. "This new strength of Verelan is more convenient for patients who are prescribed more than 240 mg of verapamil daily, because they only need to take one capsule once a day for 24 hours of blood pressure control; in the past, these patients had to take multiple doses -- often an obstacle to compliance." Verelan, which is indicated for the management of essential hypertension, is also available in once-a-day dosages of 120 mg, 180 mg, and 240 mg. The introduction of the 360 mg strength expands the choices available so that dosages can be more precisely tailored to each patient. The patented SODAS(R) drug delivery system used in Verelan sustained-release capsules provides for gradual release of verapamil over a full 24 hours. In addition, unlike other sustained-release verapamils, Verelan can be taken without food, and, for patients who have difficulty swallowing, Verelan capsules may be opened and the pellets sprinkled on applesauce, and then swallowed without crushing or chewing. Compared to Verelan 240 mg, there is no increase in side effects with Verelan 360 mg. The most frequently reported side effects of verapamil are constipation, headache and dizziness, which can be easily managed in most patients. Through their physicians, eligible patients prescribed Verelan can enroll in "Hands-On Health," Wyeth Ayerst's physician-based, consumer education program that helps patients control their hypertension. More than 50 million Americans have high blood pressure and, consequently, are at increased risk for blocked coronary arteries, heart attack, aneurysm, stroke and kidney problems. Wyeth Ayerst Laboratories is a major research-oriented pharmaceutical company with leading products in the areas of women's health care, cardiovascular and metabolic disease therapies, central nervous system drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, vaccines and generic pharmaceuticals. American Home Products Corporation ranks among the world leaders in sales of pharmaceuticals and health-care products. It is also a leader in agricultural products, animal health care, medical devices and food products.
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