The Pharmaceutical Journal
Vol 270 No 7255 p881
28 June 2003

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MeReC Extra (more)

Reserve new statin for difficult to treat

Rosuvastatin (Crestor) should probably be reserved for patients with hypercholesterolaemia that is difficult to treat with existing drugs, according to the latest issue of MeReC Extra. Rosuvastatin should be used cautiously, with careful monitoring, it says.

MeReC Extra also considers whether ibuprofen should be avoided by patients taking low-dose aspirin because of suggestions that ibuprofen may reduce its cardioprotective effects. It concludes that more robust evidence is needed before a policy decision can be made. Other topics covered by MeReC Extra include new guidelines on the use of buprenorphine for opioid dependence and how and when to prescribe anti-obesity drugs.

A copy of MeReC Extra is included with this week's issue of The Journal sent to pharmacists in England. It is also available via the National Prescribing Centre website and via the NHSnet (nww.npc.ppa.nhs.uk).