FDA approves generic Alzheimer's disease drug

SILVER SPRING, Md. — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a generic drug for treating Alzheimer's disease, FDA records showed.

The agency announced the approval of Alvogen's donepezil hydrochloride, a generic version of Aricept, made by Pfizer and Eisai. The generic drug was approved in the 5 mg and 10 mg strengths.

More than 20 other companies also make generic versions of Aricept. The drug is used to treat mild to moderate Alzheimer's, as well as severe forms of the disease.