7 December 2010

The latest edition of NPS Medicine Update is out now and provides consumers with independent reviews of the following new medicines:

Exenatide (brand name Byetta) – aninjectable medicine that is given every day for people with type 2 diabetes. Exenatide is a new type of medicine which is different to insulin. It can be used by people whose blood glucose levels are not well controlled with other diabetes medicines, but it’s currently recommended for use with other diabetes medicines - not on its own. Like all new medicines, the long-term benefits and potential side effects are not fully known.

Denosumab (brand name Prolia) – an injection given once every 6 months to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Denosumab works differently to other osteoporosis medicines. It has been shown to slow bone loss and prevent fractures, but it’s not yet known if it is better at preventing fractures, or has fewer side effects than other osteoporosis medicines. As with all osteoporosis medicines, people prescribed denosumab should continue to take calcium and vitamin D supplements if these have been recommended by a doctor.

Paracetamol and Caffeine (brand name Panadol Extra) – a new pain relief combination available from pharmacies. It contains two active ingredients – paracetamol and caffeine – and improves pain relief for some people when compared with paracetamol on its own. Caffeine can cause anxiety and sleeplessness in some people. Although these side effects are very unlikely when Panadol Extra is used correctly, they might be experienced by people who consume high levels of caffeinated food or drinks while taking Panadol Extra. Remember that many pain relief and cold and flu remedies contain paracetamol so read the labels to avoid accidentally doubling up on paracetamol.

NPS Clinical Adviser, Danielle Stowasser, recommends anyone who is considering these new medicines reads Medicine Update before discussing it with their doctor or pharmacist.

“Before starting any new medicine, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about how they work, potential side effects and whether it is the best medicine for you. Educate yourself about your medicine options so you can have a well-informed discussion with your health professional and be an active partner in your own health care,” Dr Stowasser said.

To read the full reviews, which includes how these medicines differ from existing similar medicines, go to www.nps.org.au/medicineupdate

ENDS

Independent, evidence-based and not-for-profit,NPS enables better decisions about medicines and medical tests. We are funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.