The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) have published new or updated guidance for the month of October 2021. This month there is one technology appraisal and one guideline that impact upon primary care.
The Inclisiran for treating primary hypercholesterolaemia or mixed dyslipidaemia technology appraisal has been published. This treatment is recommended as an option for treating primary hypercholesterolaemia (heterozygous familial and non-familial) or mixed dyslipidaemia as an adjunct to diet in adults. It is recommended only if:
- there is a history of any of the following cardiovascular events:
- acute coronary syndrome (such as myocardial infarction or unstable angina needing hospital admission)
- coronary or other arterial revascularisation procedures
- coronary heart disease
- ischaemic stroke or
- peripheral arterial disease, and
- low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) concentrations are persistently 2.6 mmol/l or more, despite maximum tolerated lipid-lowering therapy, that is:
- maximum tolerated statins with or without other lipid-lowering therapies or,
- other lipid-lowering therapies when statins are not tolerated or are contraindicated, and
- the company provides inclisiran according to the commercial arrangement.
It would be expected that treatment would be commenced and supervised by a clinician with a special interest however there is a unique funding arrangement in place that includes a new section in the Drug Tariff (DT) that will encourage use in primary care.
The Looked-after children and young people guideline has been published. It covers how organisations, practitioners and carers should work together to deliver high-quality care, stable placements and nurturing relationships for looked-after children and young people. It aims to help these children and young people reach their full potential and have the same opportunities as their peers.
Action: Clinicians should be aware of this month's new guidance and implement any necessary changes to practice.