Formulary News (Feb 2014)
Additions to the GGC Adult Formulary
Greater Glasgow and Clyde Area Drug and Therapeutics Committee (ADTC) met on 10th February 2014 and added the following medicines/indications/ formulations to the GGC Formulary. Additions are to the Total Formulary unless specified otherwise.
Bortezomib IV or sub-cutaneous injection (Velcade®), in combination with dexamethasone, or with dexamethasone and thalidomide, for the induction treatment of adult patients with previously untreated multiple myeloma who are eligible for high-dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is included in the GGC Adult Formulary for the indication in question pending protocol. It is restricted to specialist use as triple therapy in combination with dexamethasone and thalidomide in accordance with regional protocol (once finalised).
For relevant SMC advice click here
Fluocinolone acetonide Intravitreal implant (Iluvien®) for the treatment of vision impairment associated with chronic diabetic macular oedema (DMO), considered insufficiently responsive to available therapies is included in the GGC Adult Formulary for the indication in question. It is restricted to specialist use only in patients in whom the affected eye is pseudophakic (has an artificial lens after cataract surgery) and retreatment would take place only if the patient had previously responded to treatment with fluocinolone acetonide and subsequently best corrected visual acuity had deteriorated to less than 20/32.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Levonorgestrel tablets (Upostelle®) for emergency contraception within 72 hours of unprotected sexual intercourse or failure of a contraceptive method is included in the GGC Adult Formulary (Preferred List) for the indication in question.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Saxagliptin with metformin tablets (Komboglyze®), in combination with a sulphonylurea (i.e. triple combination therapy) as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus when the maximally tolerated dose of both metformin and the sulphonylurea does not provide adequate glycaemic control is included in the GGC Adult Formulary for the indication in question. Use of this combination is restricted to use only in those patients who have demonstrable compliance issues with the separate constituents.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Timolol Eye gel for single-dose (Tiopex®) for the reduction of elevated intraocular pressure in patients with ocular hypertension or chronic open-angle glaucoma is included in the GGC Formulary for the indication in question. This preparation is restricted to specialist initiation only in patients who have proven sensitivity to preservatives.
For relevant SMC advice click here
New medicines, indications and formulations not included in the GGC Adult Formulary or GGC Paediatric Formulary
The following are not included in the GGC Adult Formulary following the latest ADTC meeting. Where the reason is other than not recommended advice from SMC it is noted. NB: these medicines may be included in the Formulary for other indications or for other formulations. Please refer to Formulary.
Colestilan tablets, granules (BindRen®) for the treatment of hyperphosphataemia in adult patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5 receiving haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis is not included in the GGC Adult Formulary for the indication in question.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Fentanyl citrate buccal film (Breakyl®) for the treatment of breakthrough pain (BTP) in adults with cancer who are already receiving maintenance opioid therapy for chronic cancer pain is not included in the GGC Adult Formulary for the indication in question.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Golimumab injection (Simpomi®) for the treatment of moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis in adult patients who have had an inadequate response to conventional therapy including corticosteroids and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or azathioprine (AZA), or who are intolerant to or have medical contraindications for such therapies is not included in the GGC Adult Formulary for the indication in question.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Lomitapide capsules (Lojuxta®) as an adjunct to a low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering medicinal products with or without low density lipoprotein (LDL) apheresis in adult patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolaemia (HoFH) is not included in the GGC Adult Formulary for the indication in question.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Additions to GGC Paediatric Formulary
The following new medicines, indications or formulations have been considered for the GGC Paediatric Formulary Decisions
Tocilizumab IV infusion (RoActemra®), in combination with methotrexate (MTX) for the treatment of juvenile idiopathic polyarthritis in patients 2 years of age and older, who have responded inadequately to previous therapy with methotrexate (As monotherapy in case of intolerance to MTX or where continued treatment with MTX is inappropriate) is included in the GGC Paediatric Formulary for the indication in question. Use is restricted to specialists working within paediatric rheumatology.
For relevant SMC advice click here
Other Formulary Decisions
NICE Multiple Technology Appraisal TA300 - Peginterferon alfa and ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C infection in children and young people is noted and no changes to the GGC Adult or Paediatric Formulary are required.
For relevant NICE/HIS advice click here