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

SMC Update - April 2010

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

Metformin powder for oral solution (Glucophage®) has been accepted for restricted use in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in patients who are unable to swallow the solid dosage formulation.

Tacrolimus 0.03% ointment (Protopic®) has been accepted for restricted use as a maintenance treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis for the prevention of flares and the prolongation of flare-free intervals in children experiencing a high frequency of disease exacerbations provided it is initiated by a dermatologists in secondary care.

Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment (Protopic®) has been accepted for restricted use for the maintenance treatment of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis for the prevention of flares and the prolongation of flare-free intervals in adult patients experiencing a high frequency of disease exacerbations provided it is initiated by a dermatologists in secondary care.

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