To the Editor: Methylnaltrexone is a peripheral opioid antagonist registered for the treatment of opioid-induced constipation (OIC) on the basis of quality Phase III studies.1 Monitoring uptake of a new medication such as methylnaltrexone after it has been listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) is crucial to understanding how such medications can be best used in routine clinical practice.
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- 1. Thomas J, Karver S, Cooney GA, et al. Methylnaltrexone for opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness. N Engl J Med 2008; 358: 2332-2343.
- 2. Twycross R, Sykes N, Mihalyo M, Wilcock A. Stimulant laxatives and opioid-induced constipation. J Pain Symptom Manage 2012; 43: 306-313.
- 3. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Public summary document: methylnaltrexone bromide, injection, 12 mg in 0.6 mL (base), Relistor, July 2009. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/pbac-psd-methylnaltrexone-jul09 (accessed Oct 2012).
- 4. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme: pharmaceutical benefits for palliative care. http://www.pbs.gov.au/browse/palliative-care (accessed Oct 2012).
- 5. Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. Membership of the Drug Utilisation Sub-Committee (DUSC) of the PBAC. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing. nsf/content/health-pbs-general-listing-duscmember.htm (accessed Oct 2012).
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Debra Rowett is a member of the Drug Utilisation Sub-Committee of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.