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.
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RADAR review articles
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.
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.
Dabigatran (Pradaxa) for preventing venous thromboembolism after hip or knee replacement surgery
Dabigatran is an oral direct thrombin inhibitor anticoagulant. It is approved for short-term use to prevent deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after total hip or total knee replacement surgery.
In Brief
- Colchicine for acute gout: updated information about dosing and drug interactions
- Postmarketing reports of acute pancreatitis with sitagliptin products (Janumet, Januvia)
- Rizatriptan (Maxalt) 10 mg wafers for migraine, and revised listings for other 5HT1 agonists (‘triptans’)
- Extended PBS listings for zoledronic acid 5mg (Aclasta)
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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