NICE to consider Zyban and NRT
Smoking cessation treatments, including Zyban (amfebutamone [bupropion]) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products, are to be examined by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence as part of its fourth programme of technology appraisals and guidance. The Department of Health and the National Assembly for Wales have asked the NICE to carry out eight more technology appraisals and to issue guidance on nine subjects (see below). Full details of committee meetings and dates when the guidance will be published will be given by the NICE in the near future.
Two of the subjects for appraisal, the use of ramipril (Tritace) and growth hormone replacement therapy, are to be the subject of consultation with relevant pharmaceutical companies.
Technology appraisals
- Zyban and NRT
- Ramipril
- Newer atypical antipsychotic drugs for the treatment of schizophrenia
- Etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximab (Remicade) for rheumatoid arthritis
- Routine anti-D prophylaxis for
rhesus-negative pregnant women
- Human growth hormone for children and adults
- Inhaler devices for the treatment of asthma in older children
- Infliximab as a second-line treatment for Crohn's disease
Clinical guidelines
- Heart failure (with audit package)
- Eating disorders
- Treatment of depression
- Management of type I diabetes
- Caesarean section
- Initial assessment, management and referral of head injuries
- Management of asthma in children and adults in primary and secondary care
- Infection control in primary and secondary care and hospital-acquired infection
- Management of common medical emergencies in primary care