1 August 2006

People with osteoarthritis should first consider an effective dose of paracetamol, and speak with their doctor if they need a medicine to manage the pain, Dr Peter Roush, of the National Prescribing Service, said.

The National Prescribing Service has just released a review of lumiracoxib (Prexige) in the independent drug newsletter, NPS RADAR.

‘NPS RADAR concludes that paracetamol is still the first-line treatment for managing pain in osteoarthritis rather than the class of medicines known as NSAIDs, including lumiracoxib,’ Dr Roush said. ‘For some people, lumiracoxib may be an appropriate alternative to other medicines in the same class.’

‘With all drugs, the potential benefits of use must be balanced against the risks of use. This medicine has benefits for people at risk of a stomach ulcer, but we don’t know everything about its risk to the heart and brain,’ he said.

Lumiracoxib is the first COX-2 selective NSAID to become available in Australia after Vioxx was withdrawn. It can be prescribed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme for osteoarthritis from 1 August 2006.

‘A large study showed lumiracoxib causes fewer serious ulcer complications such as bleeding, than the NSAIDs naproxen or ibuprofen, but people who are likely to have stomach trouble should use lumiracoxib with caution, as it does not eliminate the risk of getting an ulcer.

‘There’s limited evidence available about the long-term risk to your heart when using this medicine, but we do know you should not use it if you have, or are likely to have, cardiovascular disease.

‘NPS RADAR recommends this medicine should be used for the shortest possible time, such as when your symptoms flare up, or before painful activities.

‘Of course, you should always ask your doctor about potential benefits and harms of different medicines before taking it,’ Dr Roush said. ‘You should also get a Consumer Medicines Information leaflet from your doctor or pharmacist.’

ENDS

NPS RADAR provides independent information about new medicines and changes to PBS listings important to GPs, pharmacists and other health professionals involved in primary care management of patients.