The manufacturer of Tredaptive® (Nicotinic Acid and Laropiprant) has written to healthcare professionals advising that this product is being discontinued and will not be available with effect from 18th January 2013.
This medication was being studied in the HPS2-THRIVE trial. Preliminary results from the study failed to demonstrate a statistically significant reduction in cardiovascular events (heart attacks and strokes). Additionally the study also identified an increased risk of serious adverse events associated with treatment.
The European Medicines Agency have reviewed this new data and concluded that the benefits of this medicine no longer outweigh the risks associated with treatment. The manufacturer has agreed with this assessment and as a result the product is being withdrawn.
Retail pharmacists are being advised to refer patients prescribed this medication back to their doctor for a non-urgent review.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this product withdrawal. Patients currently prescribed this medicine may present for a review. It may be prudent to run clinical system searches to identify any patients who are currently prescribed this medication and invite them for a review.