The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has issued its monthly advice on newly licensed medicines.
Daridorexant (Quviviq®) has been accepted for restricted use in the treatment of adult patients with insomnia characterised by symptoms present for at least 3 months and considerable impact on daytime functioning. The restriction limits use to people who have failed cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or for whom CBT-I is unsuitable or unavailable. It is noted that the prescribing information recommends using this treatment for the shortest period possible.
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®) has been accepted for restricted use in the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise:
- as monotherapy when metformin is considered inappropriate due to intolerance or contraindications
- in addition to other medicinal products for the treatment of diabetes
The restriction limits use to combination treatment with other oral anti-diabetic medicines as an option when glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists would be considered. Monotherapy treatment is not recommended as the company's submission related only to its use in addition to other medicinal products.
Glycopyrronium / formoterol fumarate (Bevespi Aerosphere®) has been accepted for use as a maintenance bronchodilator treatment to relieve symptoms in adult patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Action: Clinicians should be aware of the recommendations of the SMC. Routine use of rejected and restricted medicines should be avoided.