Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
656. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if the medication Pradaxa is available for medical card holders; in the case of a patient who has been prescribed Pradaxa by a consultant cardiologist, the procedure used to ensure that this is issued under the GMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24084/13]
View answerPradaxa 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.
Pradaxa has also been approved for the extended indication of stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation as a second line therapy in circumstances where warfarin may not be appropriate. When a patient requires access to this product, an application form for reimbursement approval must be completed by the physician responsible for the patient's anticoagulation and forwarded to the Primary Care Reimbursement Service for prior approval.
