What has SMC said?

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has accepted relugolix/estradiol/norethisterone acetate (relugolix combination therapy [CT]) to treat symptoms of endometriosis in adult women of reproductive age. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows elsewhere in the body. Relugolix CT is for treating women who still have symptoms due to their endometriosis after medical or surgical treatment.

This document summarises the SMC decision and what it means for patients.

You can find more detailed information about the SMC assessment of relugolix CT by looking at the SMC Detailed Advice Document (SMC2666).

What does SMC’s decision mean for patients?

Relugolix CT 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 in this booklet called: 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: htps://www.scottishmedicines.org.uk/how-we-decide/

More information and support

The organisation below can provide more information and support for people with endometriosis and their families. SMC is not responsible for the content of any information provided by external organisations.

Endometriosis UK

https://www.endometriosis-uk.org   

0808 808 2227                        

 

You can find out more about relugolix CT (Ryeqo®) 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/

Date advice published: 13 January 2025
SMC ID: SMC2666