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

SMC September Update

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

Etoricoxib (Arcoxia®) has been rejected for the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis. The manufacturer failed to make a submission.

Brinzolamide/timolol eye drops (Azarga®) has been accepted for the treatment of raised intraocular pressure (IOP) in adult patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension for whom monotherapy provides insufficient IOP reduction. It was noted that the combination product allows patients to administer fewer drops at a modestly increased cost over separate administration of the constituents.

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