Private Cardiology

Sat 25th December, 2010 20:15

Recently Pradaxa (Dabigatran) was approved by NICE in the UK as an alternative to warfarin for patients undergoing certain joint replacement operations. Pradaxa may soon be available for patients with other conditions such as atrial fibrillation.

The RELY study has shown that Pradaxa is superior to warfarin in patients with atrial fibrillation. Pradaxa reduces the risk of stroke, with less risk of serious bleeding.

Pradaxa is taken twice a day but does not require the blood tests monitoring INR that are needed for warfarin. It is expected that Pradaxa will receive a UK licence for patients with AF in early 2011. The NHS and NICE guidelines for the use of Pradaxa will analyse the cost and benefits of the new drug.

We will publish further information as it becomes available, and it is likely that Pradaxa will be available as an alternative to warfarin next year.