Cod liver oil & rheumatoid arthritis
The results of a new five-year study show that cod liver oil can reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory drugs taken by rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients by over 30 per cent.
Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, are heavily prescribed to relieve pain for those with RA. However, fears are growing among consumers about the dangers of long-term use, with reported side-effects, including stomach bleeding, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks.
The study was conducted by investigators from rheumatology units at Dundee and Edinburgh Universities. The RA patients were recruited over a five-year period and randomly assigned to two treatment groups: Seven Seas cod liver oil 10g/day or a control group provided with a dummy pill. Results showed that by taking cod liver oil daily, nearly 40 per cent of patients were able to reduce their anti-inflammatory intake by over 30 per cent. Most importantly, this study showed that the reduction in intake of anti-inflammatory drugs in those taking the cod liver oil supplements was not associated with any worsening of pain or disease activity.
Source: Seven Seas
More NHF drugs
The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) nicotinic acid (prolonged release), used to treat patients with high cholesterol, and is an adjunct for diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and hypertension, has been added to the NHFcard Drug List.
The NHFcard subsidy for each 500mg tablet is $27 and for the 1000mg tablet, the subsidy is $54. This brings the total number of active ingredients on the NHFcard Drug List to 190.
Ten new generic drug brands for existing APIs have also been added to the NHFcard Drug List. Mr Rae Barrett, CEO NHF, says, "The regular addition of new products to the market, including generic drugs, has contributed to relatively low price increases seen for the APIs on the NHFcard drug list." He says in the past two years the average subsidy rate for NHFcard drugs has declined by five per cent to 57 per cent of the patient's cost for the prescription item. In addition, he notes 'more generic drugs on the market improves the availability and affordability of drugs and therefore assists patient compliance with their medication requirement'.
New generic labels
The new generic labels which have been added are Apo-Carvedilol (Carvedilol) tablets used in the treatment of ischaemic heart disease and hypertension, with subsidy of $4.58 per 6.25mg; Apo-Risperdone (Risperdone) used for the treatment of psychosis and major depression with a subsidy of $33.13 per milligram; Serenata (Sertraline) 50mg tablets used for treating major depression, with a subsidy of $32.77; Louten (Latanoprost) eye drops 0.005 per cent, 2.5 millilitre used in the treatment of glaucoma with a subsidy of $1,852.50; Simva (Simvastatin) tablets used in the treatment of high cholesterol, and as an adjunct for diabetes, ischaemic heart disease and hypertension, with a subsidy of $24.87 per 10mg; Mitotax (Paclitaxel) injection with a subsidy of $3,182.40.
The labels added for treating asthma are Beclosal Inhaler (Salbutamol and Beclomethasene) with a subsidy of $409.50; Beclocip Inhaler (Beclomethasone) with a subsidy of $325.66; Salvent Inhaler (Salbutamol) with a subsidy of $149.97, and Salmetide Inhaler (Salmetrol Xina and Fluticasone) with a subsidy of $2,636.00 for 125mcg and $2,937.23 for 250mcg.
Source: National Health Fund
