Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 192: To ask the Minister for Health if the drug Trental is available under the general medical scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31132/12]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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The company that manufactures Trental Modified Release Coated Tablets has discontinued the product, due to manufacturing issues, but is applying to the Irish Medicines Board for a market authorisation for a replacement formulation. In the interim, the company has ensured that a similar product is being made available in the Irish market. Advice was provided to healthcare professionals by the company as to how to manage the change. The HSE has put in place reimbursement arrangements to ensure that the UK product is reimbursable under the GMS and community drugs schemes so that patients can continue to receive this drug during this unavoidable transition period.