What has SMC said?
The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted Itulazax® for the treatment of moderate-to severe allergic rhinitis and/or conjunctivitis (stuffy, runny nose and/or itchy, red watery eyes due to allergy) caused by pollen from birch, alder, hazel, hornbeam, oak or beech trees.
It is for use in patients who still have symptoms despite using standard allergy medicines and who have had a positive test showing they are allergic to pollen from birch, alder, hazel, hornbeam, oak or beech trees.
SMC has accepted Itulazax® for restricted use. The restriction means that it is accepted only for treating adult patients aged 18 to 65 years. Health boards can make formulary decisions for patients under the age of 18 years when a medicine is accepted for use in adults.
This document summarises the SMC decision and what it means for patients.
You can find more detailed information about the SMC assessment of Itulazax® by looking at the SMC Detailed Advice Document (SMC2904).
What does SMC’s decision mean for patients?
Itulazax® for use as described above is available for prescribing on the NHS in Scotland. Your healthcare professional can discuss with you if it is the right treatment for you.
You can find more information about making decisions about your treatment here: Medicines in Scotland: What’s the right treatment for me?
How does SMC make its decision?
SMC carefully considers every new medicine to make sure it benefits patients and is likely to be a good use of NHS resources.
To do this SMC studies the following:
- Evidence from the company about how well the medicine works compared with current treatments available in Scotland, in relation to how much they will cost to buy and use to treat patients.
- Information from patient groups about the potential impact of the medicine on patients and carers.
- Advice from healthcare professionals about any benefits of the new medicine compared to current treatment, along with how the new medicine is likely to be used.
When SMC assesses a medicine it takes account of the needs of all patients in NHSScotland, not only those who may be treated with the medicine.
You can find out more about how SMC decides here: https://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/how-we-decide/
More information and support
The organisation below can provide more information and support for people with allergies and their families. SMC is not responsible for the content of any information provided by external organisations.
Allergy UK
https://www.allergyuk.org 01322 619898
You can find out more about Itulazax® in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) by searching for the medicine name on the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) website.
https://products.mhra.gov.uk/