12 August, 2007

In light of the recent decision by the Therapeutic Goods Administration for the urgent recall of the drug Prexige, National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is today reminding people to practice caution whenever taking medicines.

According to NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes, patients need to remember that all medicines can have side effects. Sometimes the side effects are serious but most of the time they are not. "With all drugs, the potential benefits of use must be balanced against the risks of use," she said.

Patients with any concerns should immediately consult with their doctor or pharmacist to find the best possible management options for their condition.

NPS recommends that all NSAIDs should be used for the shortest possible time and used intermittently for symptomatic relief, or before painful activities.

"We ask all users of Lumiracoxib to discuss an alternative to the drug with their doctor. For patients who are unable to get to a doctor immediately, they can talk to their pharmacist or phone the toll free number of NPS’s Medicines Line on 1300 888 763.

In August 2006, NPS issued a review of Lumiracoxib, the active ingredient in Prexige, which is a non steroidal anti inflammatory drug (NSAID) and listed heart problems including heart attacks and strokes as well as stomach problems, such as nausea or heartburn, ulcers or stomach bleeding as some of those possible serious side effects.

NPS is currently running a national awareness campaign titled "Get to know your medicines". The campaign aims to increase consumer awareness and understanding about the medicines they are taking in order to minimize the possibilities of side effects and interactions.

Every year in Australia almost 200 million prescriptions are dispensed representing ten medications per person. "It is important to remember that 70% of Australians take at least one prescription medicine or non-prescription medicine at any one time," explained Dr Weekes.

Dr Weekes explained "there is a high incidence of preventable adverse medicines events in Australia." Statistics gathered over the past 10 years clearly show numerous problems associated with taking medicines. More than 140,000 people are hospitalised every year as a result of medication-related problems with evidence showing that between 50-75% of these are preventable.

ENDS

National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) is an independent, non-profit organisation for Quality Use of Medicines funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.