Pradaxa Now Available in the UK for the Treatment of Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism and Prevention of Recurrence

Boehringer Ingelheim has announced that Pradaxa will be commercially available in the UK for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) and the prevention of recurrent DVT and PE in adults, from today.[1,2]

DVT and PE are dangerous conditions, with over 25,000 deaths estimated to occur in hospitalised patients each year in the UK.[3] Pradaxa gained approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in early June and was granted approval for the same indication by FDA earlier this year.[4]

Dr David Keeling, Consultant Haematologist, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said: "Over 120,000 people in the UK are affected by DVT and PE every year and it remains one of the most preventable causes of death in patients admitted to hospital. Having novel oral anticoagulants approved and available for the treatment of venous thromboembolism as well as atrial fibrillation means the care of patients with thrombosis can also be simplified. With a predictable anticoagulation effect, routine anticoagulant monitoring becomes a thing of the past, and with few drug and no food interactions the simplicity of the new anticoagulants will appeal greatly to patients and doctors alike."

References

[1] www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/20760/SPC

[2)] www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/24839/SPC

[3] www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200405/cmselect/cmhealth/99/9902.htm

[4] www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/022512s018lbl.pdf