The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines.
Cholecalciferol 25,000iu solution (InVita D3®) has been accepted for the the prevention and treatment of vitamin D deficiency.
Clindamycin / Tretinoin gel (Treclin®) has been accepted for the for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris when comedones, papules and pustules are present in patients 12 years or older.
Dolutegravir / Abacavir / Lamivudine (Triumeq®) has been accepted for the treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infected adults and adolescents above 12 years of age weighing at least 40 kg. It is noted that in patients for whom this combination is appropriate, it offers a single tablet at a lower cost per dose compared with the individual components.
Indacaterol / Glycopyrronium (Ultibro Breezhaler®) has been accepted for use as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is noted that for patients for whom this combination is appropriate, this product provides the two ingredients in a single hard capsule at a lower cost than the individual components.
Umeclidinium (Incruse®) has been accepted for use as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent studies of 12 and 24 weeks duration have demonstrated improvements in lung function and symptoms (such as dyspnoea) when compared with placebo. It is noted that umeclidinium is an alternative to other long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs).
Action: Clinicians should be aware of the recommendations of the SMC. Routine use of rejected and restricted medicines should be avoided.