Two new medications will be added to the Prince Edward Island drug formulary beginning Monday.
Effective Feb. 18, Pradaxa and Xarelto will be available through the provincial Pharmacare program. The medications help in the prevention of stroke and systemic embolism in patients with an abnormal heart rhythm (non-valvular atrial fibrillation) and who cannot be treated with Warfarin. About 1,900 Islanders are currently receiving Warfarin through P.E.I. Pharmacare programs for atrial fibrillation and other conditions.
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“These medications will provide an alternative to manage certain individuals’ risk of having a stroke," said Minister of Health and Wellness Doug Currie. "For many Islanders their quality of life is tied to their medications. Through this announcement, and the progress we are making in our pharmacare program, we are working to provide increased access to the medications Islanders need most.”
Charlotte Comrie, CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation in P.E.I., said, “It is important and often vital, that physicians have a variety of medications to choose from in order to achieve optimal outcomes for individuals who are experiencing issues with clot formation or heart arrhythmias. We commend the P.E.I. Department of Health and Wellness for deciding to add these drugs to the formulary.”
These new medications will be available through the following P.E.I. Pharmacare programs: Family Health Benefit Drug Program, Financial Assistance Drug Program, Nursing Home Drug Program and Seniors Drug Program. Patients must meet both the clinical and program criteria to be eligible for coverage.
