Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 181: To ask the Minister for Health if the drug Pradaxa has been approved for use by the Health Service Executive for the treatment of patients; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this drug is used in the six counties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24394/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Pradaxa is available under the GMS Scheme, the Drug Payment Scheme and other community drugs schemes for the prevention of blood clots in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.

The HSE is assessing the availability of resources to provide for the 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 wrote to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors in November 2011 to clarify the position in relation to Pradaxa. The HSE will continue to update healthcare 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 clarification.