26 November 2014
NICE recommends drug to help reduce high risk drinking
Nalmefene, a drug that can help people who are dependent on alcohol to cut down on the amount they drink, has been recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). NICE says nalmefene should be available as a treatment for those who regularly drink high amounts of alcohol [1].
Professor Carole Longson, NICE Health Technology Evaluation Centre Director, said: “Many people have a difficult relationship with alcohol even though they have a very stable lifestyle, maintain jobs and a social life and would not automatically assume they have a problem. But regularly drinking over the recommended daily amount of alcohol can seriously damage your health.”
Nalmefene (also called Selincro and manufactured by Lundbeck) is taken as a tablet once a day on an as-needed basis and reduces the urge to drink. The drug is licensed for use alongside psychosocial support to help people reduce their alcohol consumption and give them the encouragement they need to continue with their treatment.
Professor Longson Continued: “Those who could be prescribed nalmefene have already taken the first big steps by visiting their doctor, engaging with support services and taking part in therapy programmes. We are pleased to be able to recommend the use of namelfene to support people further in their efforts to fight alcohol dependence.
“When used alongside psychosocial support nalmefene is clinically and cost effective for the NHS compared with psychosocial support alone.”
The guidance has been published on the NICE website. The relevant health body now has a legal duty to begin funding the treatment for eligible patients within the next 3 months.
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About NICE
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) is the independent body responsible for driving improvement and excellence in the health and social care system. We develop guidance, standards and information on high-quality health and social care. We also advise on ways to promote healthy living and prevent ill health.
Our aim is to help practitioners deliver the best possible care and give people the most effective treatments, which are based on the most up-to-date evidence and provide value for money, in order to reduce inequalities and variation.
Our products and resources are produced for the NHS, local authorities, care providers, charities, and anyone who has a responsibility for commissioning or providing healthcare, public health or social care services.
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Contact: Lyndsey Dudley 0207 045 2171 Lyndsey.dudley@nice.org.uk