Australia's 34,000 Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) patients will have access to a new antiplatelet therapy from the 1st December when it becomes available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme as either 5mg or 10mg tablets.
Prasugrel hydrochloride (Effient) is clinically proven to reduce the risk of future heart attack and stent-related blood clots in ACS patients who undergo a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), and is considered cost effective compared with its competitor clopidogrel, marketed as Plavix and Iscover.
Australian cooordinator and member of the International Steering Committee for the TRITON Study, Cardiologist Professor Philip Aylward said Prasugrel hydrochloride, co-administered with aspirin, is indicated for the prevention of atherothrombotic events and is administered as a single 60mg loading dose followed by 10mg daily for patients undergoing angioplasty or the insertion of a stent.
"Patients under 60kgs or over 75 years of age should be assessed for suitability based on a clinical risk-benefit ratio as determined by the treating doctor," he advised.
Prasugrel hydrochloride is contraindicated in patients with active pathological bleeding, known history of stroke or transient ischemic attack, severe hepatic impairment, and known hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the drug’s ingredients.
Additionally, Professor Alyward said many patients struggle to adhere to lifestyle changes and medication compliance that are often needed to prevent future heart attacks.
"As the stent is only part of the solution, an ongoing commitment to their post-heart attack resolutions such as regular exercise, stopping smoking, good nutrition, moderate alcohol intake and attending cardiac rehabilitation is necessary."