Accurate, balanced evidence-based information about medicines
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SmallerNPS 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
Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (‘gliptins’) for type 2 diabetes mellitus
Vildagliptin (Galvus) is the second ‘gliptin’ to be added to the PBS. Like sitagliptin (Januvia), it can be prescribed with metformin or a sulfonylurea when a combination of these drugs is contraindicated or not tolerated. Both gliptins improve glycaemic control, but their effect on diabetes-related complications and mortality is not known.
Adrenaline autoinjector (Anapen) for acute allergic anaphylaxis
Anapen is a new autoinjector for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis. It has a substantially different administration technique to that of EpiPen.
Methoxyflurane (Penthrox) for analgesia (doctor’s bag listing)
Methoxyflurane provides rapid-acting short-term analgesia for use in initial management of acute trauma, via an inhaler device. To avoid renal toxicity, do not exceed maximum doses or use in people with renal impairment.
Melatonin prolonged-release tablets (Circadin) for primary insomnia in older people
Prolonged-release melatonin may be used short-term for primary insomnia in people aged ≥ 55 years. It improves quality of sleep and morning alertness in about one-third of patients.
In Brief
- Paracetamol with caffeine (Panadol Extra) available over the counter from pharmacies
- PBS listing of extended-release pramipexole (Sifrol ER) for Parkinson’s disease
- Exenatide (Byetta): first in another new class of diabetes drugs
- Anakinra (Kineret) to be deleted from the PBS
- Colchicine for acute gout: updated information about dosing and drug interactions
The information contained in this material is derived from a critical analysis of a wide range of authoritative evidence. Any treatment decisions based on this information should be made in the context of the clinical circumstances of each patient.
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