- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

SMC Update - August 2011

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

Calcium carbonate and cholecalciferol (Kalcipos-D®) has been accepted for the prevention and treatment of calcium and vitamin D deficiency in the elderly and in addition to specific osteoporosis treatment of patients who are at risk of deficiency.

Darunavir (Prezista®) has been accepted for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in combination with low dose ritonavir.

Glucosamine sulphate (Dolenio®) has been rejected for symptomatic treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. The manufacturer failed to make a submission.

Glucosamine sulphate (Glusartel®) has been rejected for relief of symptoms in mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. The manufacturer failed to present a sufficiently robust economic case to gain acceptance.

Methotrexate 50mg/ml solution for injection (Metoject®) has been accepted for the treatment of polyarthritic forms of severe active juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It is an option for patients when the response to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs has been inadequate, a disease modifying drug is indicated and parenteral administration of methotrexate is appropriate.

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