Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 621: To ask the Minister for Health if the drug Pradaxa is available on prescription to medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35885/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Pradaxa 110mg and 75mg are available on prescription to patients availing of the GMS Scheme and other community drugs schemes for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.

Following a recent economic evaluation the HSE is assessing the availability of resources in 2012 to consider long term treatment with Pradaxa 150mg for the prevention of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation. This is a complicated process with long term implications. The HSE has written to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors to outline the current situation. The HSE will continue to update health-care professionals in relation to these matters.