NPS RADAR December 2009NPS RADAR December 2009

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 2009 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.
Olanzapine depot injection (Zyprexa Relprevv) for schizophrenia Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review Olanzapine pamoate is a long-acting injectable form of olanzapine. Post-injection syndrome can occur: monitor for signs and symptoms for at least 3 hours after administration.
Prasugrel (Effient) for acute coronary syndrome in people undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review Prasugrel is an alternative to clopidogrel for acute coronary syndrome managed by percutaneous coronary intervention in combination with aspirin. It reduces the risk of atherothrombotic events more than clopidogrel, but at the expense of more bleeding.
Immediate-release pramipexole (Sifrol) and extended-release pramipexole (Sifrol ER) for Parkinson’s disease Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Review Pramipexole is a non-ergot dopamine agonist for treating early Parkinson’s disease. Sleep attacks and compulsive behaviour have been reported with pramipexole and other dopamine agonists
Montelukast (Singulair) PBS listed for exercise-induced asthma in children aged 6–14 years Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item The PBS listing for montelukast 5 mg tablets was extended on 1 December 2009 to include preventing exercise-induced asthma in children aged 6–14 years.
New pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (Synflorix) added to the national immunisation schedule Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item The PBAC has recommended listing the 10-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine, Synflorix, on the National Immunisation Program.
Etoricoxib (Arcoxia): be aware of hypertension risk Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item The PBAC has rejected an application to list etoricoxib on the PBS for osteoarthritis, concluding that there was no demonstrated need to list another COX-2 selective NSAID and that etoricoxib appears to cause more episodes of hypertension than celecoxib.
Varenicline (Champix) safety update: serious neuropsychiatric and dermatological adverse events Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Brief item Serious neuropsychiatric symptoms and severe skin reactions have been reported in people taking varenicline. Updated advice on managing neuropsychiatric symptoms and a precaution about rare but potentially fatal skin reactions have been added to the product information.
Child–Pugh classification of liver disease Professional publication - NPS RADAR - Web only item Provides classification used to assess the prognosis of chronic liver disease (mainly cirrhosis) as additional content to prasugrel use for acute coronary syndrome.

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: 2009-12-01 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.