NPS recommendations for the use of valsartan (Diovan)

The National Prescribing Service Limited (Australia) issues a publication called NPS RADAR. In this issue valsartan (Diovan) is reviewed, this is the summary: Valsartan reduces blood pressure to a similar extent as other angiotensin II-receptor antagonists. If blood pressure is not controlled by valsartan 160 mg, add a second drug rather than increasing the dose […]

SMC recommendations for doripenem : second or third line treatment of intra-abdominal infections

The Scottish Medicines Consortium issued an advice on the current indications for doripenem (Doribax): Doripenem (Doribax) is accepted for restricted use within NHS Scotland for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal infections in adults. In patients with complicated intra-abdominal infection, doripenem is associated with clinical cure rates non-inferior to those of another carbapenem. Doripenem should be […]

Etravirine (Intelence) for HIV infection: not recommended by the Scottish Medicines Consortium

This is an excerpt from the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) advice on etravirine (Intelence). ADVICE: following a full submission etravirine  (Intelence),  in  combination  with  a  boosted  protease  inhibitor and  other antiretroviral medicinal  products,  is not  recommended  for use within NHS Scotland  for  the treatment  of  human  immunodeficiency  virus  type  1  (HIV-1)  infection  in  antiretroviral treatment-experienced […]

MHRA: Tibolone (Livial) increases risk of breast cancer recurrence

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK) warned in the February 2009 Drug Safety Advice about the increased breast cancer recurrence in patients treated with tibolone (Livial): Treatment for breast cancer (e.g., tamoxifen) can commonly exacerbate menopausal symptoms. Although tibolone is contraindicated in women with known or suspected breast cancer, and in those with […]

EMEA reviewed methylphenidate (Ritalin) for ADHD and issued recommendations for its safer use

EMEA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has reviewed methylphenidate for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Quoting the press release issued 22 January 2009: The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has concluded that methylphenidate-containing medicines remain suitable for the treatment of children aged six years or older and adolescents with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It has […]

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