4 August 2008

A new medicine available for type 2 diabetes may be an option for some who live with this health condition, but it may not be right for you, the National Prescribing Service Limited (NPS) writes in the latest edition of Medicine Update.

Medicine Update is a publication from the NPS that helps to answer some of the questions commonly asked about medicines when they first become available through the PBS. It gives important information about how to use a medicine, as well as how it compares with other medicines for the condition.

The latest editions review sitagliptin (Januvia), a new medicine that reduces the amount of glucose in the blood in people with type 2 diabetes, and duloxetine (Cymbalta), which is used to treat major depression. These editions also remind people that every medicine has risks as well as benefits – and that these differ between medicines and from person to person.

NPS Deputy CEO, Karen Kaye encouraged people to read Medicine Update if they are thinking of taking or have just started taking either sitagliptin or duloxetine – and to talk with their doctor to find the treatment that is right for them.

“This new medicine for type 2 diabetes is suitable for people who have been receiving treatment for some time. It is used in addition to other medicines, not on its own,” she said.

Ms Kaye reminded people that sitagliptin has been through the required tests and clinical trials but, like all new medicines, its long-term benefits and side effects are not fully known.

She said it’s important to know that it may take time to find the right medicines for you, especially for people who are taking antidepressants.

“Like all antidepressants, duloxetine takes time to work, perhaps up to 2–3 weeks to have its full effect and it works best if used for 6 months or longer. Also, like all antidepressants, duloxetine works in about half the people who use it and this is why it is so important to talk to your doctor,” she said.

Ms Kaye also said that it’s important to remember that medicines may not be the only treatment for you.

“If you have diabetes or depression, your treatment may include non-medicine approaches such as a healthy eating plan and regular exercise.

“If your doctor suggests a medicine, find out as much as you can about the benefits, any possible side effects, how to take it, what to do while taking it, and how long to take it for so that you achieve the maximum benefits,” Ms Kaye said.

For information on best use of sitagliptin and duloxetine, download Medicine Update from the consumer section of the NPS website or use your favourite search engine to search Australia for “Medicine Update”. You can also read the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) sheet, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or contact the NPS Medicines Line on 1300 888 763 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm EST) and speak to a pharmacist.

ENDS

Medicine Update is a quality use of medicines newsletter that provides independent information about a number of medicines that are newly available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme or have a change in listing. It is a consumer version of NPS RADAR (Rational Assessment of Drugs And Research), a newsletter for health professionals.

NPS is an independent, Australian organisation for Quality Use of Medicines, funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing.