SMC January Update
The Scottish Medicines Consortium has issued its monthly advice on new medicines.
Allergen extract of phleum pratense (Grazax®) has been rejected following a resubmission. Despite some modest clinical benefit the economic analysis was insufficiently robust to gain acceptance.
Beclometasone / formoterol metered dose inhaler (Fostair®) has been accepted for use in the treatment of asthma where a combination product is appropriate. This would be Step 3 of the British Thoracic Society Asthma Guidelines.
Latanoprost and timolol eye drops (Xalacom®) has been accepted for the treatment of raised intraocular pressure in patients with open angle glaucoma and ocular hypertension who are insufficiently responsive to topical beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogues.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of the recommendations of the SMC. Routine use of rejected medicines should be avoided.
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