Published: 2 June 2016

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MARC's Remarks: March 2016 Meeting

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Prescriber Update 37(2): 27
June 2016

The Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee (MARC) met on 10 March 2016 to discuss a number of medicine-related safety issues.

The MARC discussed the association between the risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension and interferons alfa and beta. The MARC concluded that it would be helpful to prescribers to include pulmonary hypertension as an adverse event in the data sheets for both interferon alfa and beta.

The MARC reviewed the available evidence regarding the weight-based efficacy of a levonorgestrel contraceptive implant (Jadelle). The MARC considered that the evidence suggests a reduction in efficacy with increasing weight. Further information can be found in this edition of Prescriber Update.

The MARC discussed the risk of cardiovascular events in patients taking sulfonylureas. The MARC considered that the available evidence indicated an increased risk of cardiovascular effects with glibenclamide compared to gliclazide. Further information can be found in this edition of Prescriber Update.

Following the 164th meeting held on 3 December 2015, the European class warning regarding the use of hormone replacement therapy and the risk of ovarian cancer was published. The MARC considered that the European wording is suitable in the New Zealand environment. Consequently, the MARC recommended that Medsafe request sponsors update data sheets for hormone replacement therapy products with the European wording.

Further information on the 165th meeting held on 10 March 2016 can be found on the Medsafe website(www.medsafe.govt.nz/profs/adverse/Minutes165.htm).