Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Dublin North Central, Labour)
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Question 450: To ask the Minister for Health his position regarding the removal of pradaxa from the list of approved prescribed drugs under the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39574/11]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Pradaxa is available on prescription to patients availing of the GMS and the Drug Payment Schemes for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.

The HSE is assessing the availability of resources in 2012 to consider long term treatment with Pradaxa 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 clarify the position in relation to Pradaxa. The HSE will continue to update health care professionals in relation to the matter.

The HSE does not intend to disturb established therapeutic regimens for patients whose treatment with Pradaxa for the prevention of stroke was initiated prior to the recent clarification.