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

SMC Update - December 2021

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

Olopatadine / mometasone nasal spray (Ryaltris®) has been accepted for restricted in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older for the treatment of moderate to severe nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis. The restriction limits use to patents where monotherapy with either intranasal antihistamine or glucocorticoid is not considered sufficient.

Tirbanibulin ointment (Klisyri®) has been accepted for use in the field treatment of non-hyperkeratotic, non-hypertrophic actinic keratosis (Olsen grade 1) of the face or scalp in adults.

Nitisinone capsules (Orfadin®) has been rejected for use in adult patients with alkaptonuria (AKU). The manufacturer failed to make a submission for this indication. The SPC notes that treatment should be initiated and supervised by a physician experienced in the treatment of AKU patients.

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