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Download PDFNPS RADAR December 2008 NPS RADAR December 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 December 2008 NPS RADAR>Full Issue>Health Professional Publication | NPS RADAR articles provide timely, independent, evidence-based assessment of new drugs, new PBS listings and research for health professionals. |
| Zoledronic acid (Aclasta) for osteoporosis NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication | The PBS listing of zoledronic acid has been extended and now covers osteoporosis in any postmenopausal woman aged 70 years or older who has a bone mineral density (BMD) T-score less than or equal to –3.0. The NPS RADAR review has been updated accordingly. |
| Once-daily tramadol extended-release (Durotram XR) for pain NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication | Three different formulations of tramadol are now available in Australia: immediate-release, taken every 4–8 hours; sustained-release, taken twice daily; and extended-release, taken once daily. Tramadol extended-release (Durotram XR) is a biphasic formulation of tramadol: 25% of the dose is released within 2 hours, while the remaining 75% is gradually released over 24 hours. Tramadol extended-release taken once daily has similar efficacy to that of twice-daily tramadol. |
| Alendronate with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (Fosamax Plus) for osteoporosis NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication | This new formulation of alendronate with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (Fosamax Plus) contains twice the cholecalciferol dose of the previous formulation — 5600 units in a once-weekly dose, equivalent to 800 units/day. The cholecalciferol 2800 unit formulation is gradually being phased out by the manufacturer. |
| Rosiglitazone (Avandia) and rosiglitazone with metformin (Avandamet) for type 2 diabetes mellitus NPS RADAR>Review>Health Professional Publication | Rosiglitazone improves glycaemic control but there is a lack of evidence that it improves diabetes–related clinical complications and mortality. Rosiglitazone is no longer indicated in combination with insulin or for triple oral therapy in combination with metformin and a sulfonylurea. Rosiglitazone is a third-line choice. It may still be considered as part of dual therapy when either metformin or a sulfonylurea is contraindicated or not tolerated. Insulin should also be considered instead of rosiglitazone in these scenarios. Do not use rosiglitazone in people with heart failure or a history of heart failure. |
| Prescribing for up to 12 months allowed for some medicines for some people with chronic conditions NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication | Repeat prescriptions may be written for up to 12 months for some medicines prescribed for some people with chronic conditions. |
| Erratum: Memantine (Ebixa) for dementia in moderately severe Alzheimer’s disease NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication | Information on the dose titration of memantine contained in Table 1 of the NPS RADAR review of memantine in the August issue was incorrect. The dose for the tablet formulation was correct but the dose for the oral solution was mistakenly halved. |
| Second human papillomavirus vaccine (Cervarix) included on the National Immunisation Program NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication | A second human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine (Cervarix) has been accepted for use through the National HPV Vaccination Program. |
| Nicotine patches for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication | Nicotine patches (Nicorette,15 mg per 16 hours) were authority listed on 1 December 2008 for nicotine dependence in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This is the only nicotine replacement therapy subsidised for people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. The listing is part of the 2004–05 Budget measure to improve access to medicines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. |
| Quetiapine extended-release tablets (Seroquel XR) PBS listed for schizophrenia NPS RADAR>Brief Item>Health Professional Publication | Quetiapine extended-release tablets (Seroquel XR) were added to the Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits on 1 November 2008 as a streamlined authority-required listing for schizophrenia. The extended-release tablets come in different strengths to the existing immediate-release tablets, and dosing and administration has changed slightly. Prescribers will need to instruct patients carefully to prevent confusion between the two formulations. |
| Rosiglitazone (Avandia) and rosiglitazone with metformin (Avandamet) for type 2 diabetes mellitus — Intolerance and contraindications to metformin NPS RADAR>Web Only Item>Health Professional Publication | Lists adverse effects of and contraindications to metformin, including gastrointestinal symptoms, lactic acidodis, and renal impairment. |
| Alendronate with cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) (Fosamax Plus) — Vitamin D deficiency and supplementation NPS RADAR>Web Only Item>Health Professional Publication | Describes risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in osteoporosis, sources of vitamin D and daily requirements. |
| Rosiglitazone (Avandia) and rosiglitazone with metformin (Avandamet) for type 2 diabetes mellitus --- New York Heart Association grading of heart failure (NYHA) NPS RADAR>Web Only Item>Health Professional Publication | Provides New York Heart Association grading of heart failure (NYHA) as additional content to rosiglitazone use for type 2 diabetes mellitus. |
Complete list of all NPS RADAR content.
Find out more about NPS RADAR.
Date published: 2008-12-01 00:00:00
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 clinical circumstances of each patient.
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