SMC rejects Rupafin, Axorid and Depodur

The following drugs have been rejected by the Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) for use within NHS Scotland, as a result of absent or insufficient submissions from manufacturers:

• Rupatadine (Rupafin) for allergic rhinitis and chronic idiopathic urticaria.
• Ketoprofen/omeprazole (Axorid) for rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and osteoarthritis in patients with a history or risk of NSAID-associated gastrointestinal ulceration or erosion.
• Extended-release epidural morphine (Depodur) for relief of post-operative pain following major orthopaedic, abdominal or pelvic surgery.

The drugs may be subject to re-appraisal.

Further information: SMC