Formulary Group Decisions November 2006


Approved for use in NHS Grampian


Lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra®)
HIV infection BNF 5.3.1
Lopinavir 200mg/ritonavir 50mg tablet (Kaletra®) was approved for inclusion in the GJF for the treatment of HIV-1 infected adults and children above the age of 2 years, in combination with other antiretroviral agents [SMC No 326/06]. Available for restricted use under specialist supervision, hospital use only.
 
Travoprost/timolol eye drops (DuoTrav®) and Latanoprost/timolol eye drops (Xalacom®)
Treatment of glaucoma BNF 11.6
Travoprost/timolol eye drops (DuoTrav®) and Latanoprost/timolol eye drops (Xalacom®) were approved for inclusion in the GJF for patients in whom this is an appropriate combination of agents. They decrease pressure in the eye in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are insufficiently responsive to topical beta-blockers or prostaglandin analogues alone. Available for restricted use under specialist supervision, treatment may be initiated in the community on the recommendation of a consultant/specialist.
 
Triptorelin 11.25mg injection (Decapeptyl® SR)
Drugs affecting gonadotrophins, Gonadorelin analogues BNF 6.7.2
Triptorelin 11.25mg (15mg vial) was approved for inclusion in the GJF for the treatment of precocious puberty (onset before 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys) [SMC No 331/06].  Available for restricted use under specialist supervision, treatment may be initiated in the community on the recommendation of a consultant/specialist.

Zoledronic acid 5mg/100mL solution for infusion (Aclasta®)
Bisphosphonates and other drugs affecting bone metabolism  BNF 6.6.2
Zoledronic acid 5mg/100mL (Aclasta®) Black Triangle symbol indicating that the CHM and MHRA are intensively monitoring this product was approved for inclusion in the GJF for the treatment of Paget's disease of bone in patients for whom the use of a bisphosphonate is appropriate. Zoledronic acid infusion resulted in similar levels of pain relief but greater and more sustained reduction of serum alkaline phosphatase (a marker of bone turnover) than one course of an oral bisphosphonate. [SMC No 317].  Available for restricted use under specialist supervision, for hospital use only.


Approved by SMC, not requested by local clinicians - not approved for use in NHS Grampian


Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Cozaar-Comp®)
Drugs affecting the renin-angiotensin system, Angiotensin-II receptor antagonists BNF 2.5.5.2
Losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (Cozaar-Comp®) for the treatment of essential hypertension in patients whose blood pressure is not adequately controlled on hydrochlorothiazide or losartan monotherapy.
Approved by SMC, not requested by local clinicians - not approved for use in NHS Grampian.
 

Not approved for use in NHS Grampian


Sorafenib 200mg tablets (Nexavar®)
Other antineoplastic drugs BNF 8.1.5
Sorafenib (Nexavar®) Black Triangle symbol indicating that the CHM and MHRA are intensively monitoring this product is not recommended for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma [SMC No 321/06].
Not recommended by SMC for use within NHS Scotland - will not be included in Grampian Joint Formulary for this indication.

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