215 Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if Pradaxa has been removed from the drugs reclaim scheme; if so, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36451/11]

224 Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the status of the drug Pradaxa as it relates to medical card holders and the drug payment scheme; if he will protect those medical card holders who cannot be prescribed Warfarin from being subject to a charge for Pradaxa if it is removed from medical card holders and the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36511/11]

225 Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding Pradaxa; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36514/11]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 215, 224 and 225 together.

Pradaxa capsules of 75mg and 110mg are available on prescription to patients availing of the GMS and the Drug Payment Schemes for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in adult patients who have undergone elective hip replacement surgery or elective knee replacement surgery.

The HSE is assessing the availability of resources in 2012 to consider long term treatment with Pradaxa capsules of 150mg for the prevention of stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation. This is a complicated process with long term implications. The HSE has written to all GMS doctors and community pharmacy contractors 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 recent clarification.