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NPS RADAR: independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and the latest research for doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals.NPS RADAR: independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and the latest research for doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals.
Find out more about NPS RADAR.
RADAR review articles
Asenapine (Saphris) for schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder (acute mania or maintenance)
Asenapine has a similar spectrum of benefits and harms to that of other antipsychotics. Asenapine wafers must be taken sublingually twice daily, with no food or drink for 10 minutes afterwards, and are ineffective if swallowed.
Oxycodone-with-naloxone controlled-release tablets (Targin) for chronic severe pain
The tablets provide equivalent analgesia to that of oxycodone controlled release tablets. The addition of naloxone reduces, but does not eliminate, opioid-induced constipation.
Indacaterol (Onbrez) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Indacaterol is a new long-acting beta2-agonist PBS listed for maintenance treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). It is not indicated for people with acutely deteriorating COPD and should not be used in people with asthma.
Ticagrelor (Brilinta) for acute coronary syndrome
The combination of ticagrelor and aspirin reduces the incidence of vascular deaths and myocardial infarctions more than clopidogrel and aspirin. Weigh this against an increased risk of adverse events. Clopidogrel and aspirin may be a better option for people at high risk of bleeding or at increased risk of dyspnoea or bradycardia.
In Brief
- How do we select topics for NPS RADAR reviews?
- NPS RADAR in prescribing software
- Sumatriptan fast-disintegrating tablets (Imigran FDT) and substitution with other PBS-listed brands
- Another dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (‘gliptin’) for add-on therapy in type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Apixaban (Eliquis) for preventing venous thromboembolism after knee or hip replacement surgery
- Generic losartan (Cozavan) PBS listed for hypertension
- Budesonide with eformoterol (Symbicort Turbuhaler) for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Long-acting intramuscular injectable form of paliperidone (Invega Sustenna) for schizophrenia
- Dabigatran (Pradaxa) safety update: assess and monitor kidney function
- Drugs for Alzheimer’s disease: PBS criteria no longer include referral to a specialist
- Buprenorphine with naloxone (Suboxone Sublingual Film) for opiate dependence
Download the
NPS RADAR April 2012 complete issue in PDF
All RADAR Articles
Date published: 2012-04-01 00:00:00
Reasonable care is taken to provide accurate information at the date of creation. This information is not intended as a substitute for medical advice from a qualified health professional. Health professionals should rely on their own expertise and enquiries when providing medical advice or treatment. Where permitted by law, NPS disclaims all liability (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or injury resulting from reliance on or use of this information. Read our full disclaimer.
References to brands should not be taken as an endorsement by NPS.
