Canada’s health agency, Health Canada, issued a warning December 21st, about serious skin and allergic reactions linked to Alertec (modafinil). Alertec, made by Shire Canada, Inc., is a drug that is prescribed to relieve excessive sleepiness resulting from obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy and shift-work sleep disoders.
Health Canada warned of skin rash and hives, sores in the mouth, blisters and peeling skin, swelling in the face, lips, eyes, tongue or throat, trouble swallowing or a hoarse voice. They agency recommended that anyone who is taking Alertec seek immediate medical attention if they experienced any of these symptoms.
Two of the more severe skin reactions are Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. These may quickly develop into serious conditions and there are no know factors that can be used to predict the risk or severity of a rash.
Alertec is also reported to cause depression, anxiety, hallucinations, mania and suicidal thoughts, though these are rare.
Those who are currently taking Alertec are advised to ensure their physician is aware of any chest pains, heart attack, heart problems or history of psychiatric disorders.
Alertec has not received Canadian approval for use in children for any condition.
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