Prescribing Advice for GPs

SMC Update - October 2010

October 18, 2010 at 9:14 am | In Prescribing Extra - Drugs | Print | No Comments

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on new medicines.

Roflumilast (Daxas^®) has been rejected as an add on to bronchodilator treatment in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (forced expiratory volume in 1 second post-bronchodilator <50% predicted) associated with chronic bronchitis in adult patients with a history of frequent exacerbations. The manufacturer did not present a sufficiently robust economic analysis.

Four combined oral contraceptive pills (Rigevidon^®, Gedarel^®, Millinette^® and TriRegol^®) were all accepted for use in patients where these products would provide an appropriate form of contraception. They provide an alternative to the existing preparations at a lower cost.

Action: Clinicians should be aware of the recommendations of the SMC. Routine use of rejected and restricted medicines should be avoided.