NPS RADAR August 2008NPS RADAR August 2008

NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.

Find out more about NPS RADAR.



Title Why read this
NPS RADAR August 2008 Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Complete issue NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals.
Lercanidipine with enalapril (Zan-Extra) fixed-dose combination tablets PBS listed for hypertension Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item A new fixed-dose combination preparation of lercanidipine with enalapril (Zan-Extra) was PBS listed with a restricted dose range and dose titration cautions.
Palliative care drugs added to the Emergency Drug (Doctor’s Bag) Supplies Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item New PBS listings enable emergency use of hyoscine butylbromide injection (Buscopan) and clonazepam oral liquid (Rivotril) for palliative care patients.
Zolpidem and sleep-related behaviours Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item NPS has published a position statement on the zolpidem safety change and to describe its place in insomnia therapy.
Rivastigmine (Exelon) patch PBS listed for Alzheimer’s disease Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item Rivastigmine transdermal patches (Exelon) were PBS listed for mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease on 1 July 2008.
Change to methotrexate pack sizes due to safety concerns Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item On 1 April 2008 a smaller pack size of methotrexate tablets was PBS listed to reduce the chance of accidental overdose.
Memantine (Ebixa) for moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review Memantine has a different mechanism of action to the cholinesterase inhibitors. It provides modest improvements in cognitive, psychological and behavioural functioning, but the clinical importance of these improvements is yet to be established.
Duloxetine (Cymbalta) for major depressive disorder Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review Duloxetine is a serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) antidepressant, in the same class as venlafaxine. It provides another treatment option, but does not offer any particular advantages over existing therapies.
Escitalopram (Lexapro, Esipram) for generalised anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder (social phobia) Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review Escitalopram is the first selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) to be PBS listed for these indications. The listing does not cover mild anxiety states for which other forms of treatment are more appropriate. Patients are eligible for escitalopram on the PBS if they fail non-pharmacological therapies and have a GP Mental Health Care Plan, or have been assessed by a psychiatrist.
Automatic eGFR reporting — its role in screening for kidney disease and drug-dosing decisions Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review Information on the role of automatic eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) reporting in screening for kidney disease and drug-dosing decisions

Complete list of all NPS RADAR content.

Find out more about NPS RADAR.

Keep track of what's new by RSS FeedKeep track of what's new by RSS Feed
RSS FeedRSS feed

Date published: 2008-08-01 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.