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Medicine Update issuesMedicine Update issues

A stack of Medicine Updates
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Medicine Update lets you know about new medicines and new PBS listings. Each issue provides an independent assessment of current information and research about a different medicine.

Find out more about Medicine Update.



Title Date Why read this
Asenapine (Saphris) for bipolar I disorder 2011-12-01 00:00:00 Asenapine (Saphris) is an antipsychotic medicine used to treat the ‘high’ or manic episodes associated bipolar I disorder. This Medicine Update includes unbiased information on what asenapine is, how it works and who can take it.
Asenapine (Saphris) for schizophrenia 2011-12-01 00:00:00 Asenapine (Saphris) is an antipsychotic medicine used to reduce psychotic symptoms in schizophrenia. This Medicine Update includes unbiased information on what asenapine is, how it works and who can take it.
Indacaterol (Onbrez) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) 2011-12-01 00:00:00 Indacaterol (Onbrez) is an inhaler medicine used to treat the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is inhaled once a day using a device called a Breezhaler to help relax the airways in the lungs. This Medicine Update includes information on what indacaterol is, how it works and who can use it.
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) for preventing stroke in people with atrial fibrillation 2011-08-05 00:00:00 This Medicine Update is about using dabigatran to prevent stroke in people with a condition called atrial fibrillation. Dabigatran can also be used after hip or knee replacement surgery (see the April 2010 Medicine Update issue).
Melatonin prolonged-release tablets (Circadin) for insomnia 2011-08-05 00:00:00 Melatonin prolonged-release tablets (Circadin) can be used by people over 55 years of age to treat sleeping problems (insomnia) not caused by other physical or psychological conditions.
Varenicline (Champix) for quitting smoking 2011-08-02 00:00:00 This Medicine Update tells you about varenicline (Champix), a medicine to help you quit smoking. Find out what varenicline does, its side effects, and how it compares with other medicines for quitting. Find out about ways to quit without medicines too.
Saxagliptin (Onglyza) for type 2 diabetes 2011-07-01 00:00:00 This Medicine Update tells you about saxagliptin (Onglyza), a new medicine to help control blood glucose in type 2 diabetes. Find out how it fits with other diabetes medicines, its side effects, and other ways to help manage type 2 diabetes.
Denosumab (Prolia) for postmenopausal osteoporosis. 2010-12-16 00:00:00 Information on denosumab, a medicine used for treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Exenatide (Byetta) for type 2 diabetes 2010-12-16 00:00:00 This issue provides information on exenatide (Byetta) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
Panadol Extra (paracetamol and caffeine) for pain 2010-12-16 00:00:00 This Medicine Update is for people who are taking, or thinking about taking, Panadol Extra.
Sitagliptin (Januvia) for type 2 diabetes 2010-08-20 00:00:00 This Medicine Update is for people who are taking, or thinking about taking, sitagliptin for type 2 diabetes.
Vildagliptin (Galvus) for type 2 diabetes 2010-08-20 00:00:00 This Medicine Update is for people who are taking, or thinking about taking, vildagliptin for type 2 diabetes.
Pramipexole (Sifrol and Sifrol ER) for Parkinson’s disease 2010-08-02 00:00:00 A new, long-acting form of pramipexole (Sifrol ER) is available for Parkinson’s disease. This revised Medicine Update describes the potential benefits, side effects and issues to be aware of with pramipexole (Sifrol) or the long-acting form (Sifrol ER).
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) for preventing blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery 2010-04-12 00:00:00 Dabigatran can be used to prevent blood clots forming after hip or knee replacement surgery. It works by thinning the blood.
Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) for preventing blood clots after hip or knee replacement surgery 2010-04-12 00:00:00 Rivaroxaban is a new medicine to prevent blood clots forming after hip or knee replacement surgery. It works by thinning the blood.
Zoledronic acid (Aclasta) for osteoporosis 2009-04-01 00:00:00 Information for consumers about zoledronic acid (Aclasta), a new treatment for osteoporosis. This treatment is used only once a year, and is given through a drip into a vein.
Tramadol for pain 2008-12-01 00:00:00 Information for consumers about tramadol, a painkiller prescribed by your doctor.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for major depression 2008-08-01 00:00:00 Information for consumers about duloxetine (Cymbalta), a new antidepressant for major depression.
Strontium ranelate (Protos) for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women 2008-04-01 00:00:00 Information for consumers about strontium ranelate (Protos) for osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
Alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis - preventing fractures in people with very fragile bones (low bone mineral density) 2008-01-01 00:00:00 Information for consumers about the drug Alendronate for preventing fractures in people with very fragile bones (low bone mineral density) and osteoporosis.
Fluticasone with salmeterol (Seretide) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 2008-01-01 00:00:00 Information for consumers about the drug Seretide, for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Lumiracoxib (Prexige) for osteoarthritis 2007-04-01 00:00:00 Since this issue of Medicine Update was published, lumiracoxib (Prexige) has been withdrawn by the Therapeutic Goods Administration.

Date published: 2009-07-31 00:00:00

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