FDA orders more disclosure of attention-deficit drugs

Eli Lilly and Co. and other companies that make drugs for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder have been ordered by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to develop handouts to give to patients warning of side affects.

Some patients with heart problems have died suddenly or sustained strokes and heart attacks after taking the drugs, the agency said. In rare cases, patients also can hear voices, become suspicious for no reason and develop other psychiatric problems.

Sales of Lilly’s Strattera ADHD treatment fell 7 percent to $156 million in the fourth quarter of 2006 partly due to overall health concerns about ADHD drugs.