A new set of reports have been published by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) which assess the national implementation of its guidance across the NHS.
• Usage of the drugs peginterferon alfa and ribavirin, to treat hepatitis C, is increasing and there has been a reduction in the use of interferon alfa.
• There was a rapid uptake of the drugs for obesity, orlistat and sibutramine. Prescriptions continue to increase steadily in the primary care sector.
• In line with the shift to long acting reversible contraception methods, anticipated in the NICE guidance, prescriptions for implants (Implanon) and the intrauterine system (IUS) (Mirena) are steadily increasing.
Prescriptions for intrauterine devices (IUDs), although remaining relatively static, is also in line with the NICE guidance, which anticipated a slight long term reduction.
• Laparoscopic surgery for inguinal hernia repair is increasing.
• The upward trend in prescribing volume of statins continues, with a greater proportion being lower cost statin.
• Prescriptions for ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor antagonists, which are used in the management of hypertension, are increasing in volume. Beta-blockers are decreasing.
The reports can be viewed online at: www.nice.org.uk/ernie
