EXHIBIT 23.1



                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference  in this  registration  statement on Form S-8 of our reports  dated
January 25, 2001 included or incorporated by reference in American Home Products
Corporation's  Form  10-K  for the  year  ended  December  31,  2000  and to all
references to our Firm included in this registration statement.



                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


New York, New York
April 27, 2001