NHS Direct has been commissioned by the pharmaceutical company, Merck Sharp and Dohme Ltd (MSD) to deliver a new UK wide helpline to support patients who are starting treatment with a new lipid lowering treatment, Tredaptive™ (nicotinic acid/lapropipant). The helpline number is 0345 604 3669.
When a patient is newly prescribed Tredaptive they will be given the opportunity to call the MSD Tredaptive helpline to seek reassurance about how to manage any side effects of flushing which they may experience in the first few weeks of treatment and to obtain further advice at any time during their ongoing treatment.
The helpline, which is staffed by trained NHS Direct health advisors, will initially be open between 4pm and midnight daily but will ultimately be open 24 hours.
If a patient rings the helpline with other presenting symptoms, their call will be assessed and prioritised for a nurse consultation. After three months’ treatment, patients will be contacted by an NHS Direct pharmacist to check on their progress.
For more information about the MSD Tredaptive helpline, please contact helen.thompson@nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
