Following a spate of media coverage outlining the dangers of the anticoagulant medication Pradaxa, the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners is urging patients to consult their GP before ceasing any prescribed medication.
Last week, the British Medical Journal released an investigation stating Boehringer Ingelheim, manufacturers of Pradaxa, withheld from pharmaceutical regulators important analyses regarding how to use the drug as safely and effectively as possible, fearing it would adversely affect sales.
Figures obtained by the ABC reveal Pradaxa, labelled as a “blockbuster” anticoagulant stroke drug, has been associated with multiple deaths and adverse drug reactions in Australia in the past five years.
RACGP President, Dr Liz Marles said while these claims may alarm many people currently taking Pradaxa, patients should not cease taking any medication without proper clinical consultation.
“We have previously seen patients dramatically change their medication adherence following media reports.
“There are serious health consequences associated with altering or ceasing any prescribed medication.
“If patients are concerned about their prescribed anticoagulant medication, I urge them to discuss these concerns with their GP who has clinical knowledge in the management of blood clots,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP was invited to put forward a submission to the Department of Health on a Review of Anticoagulation Therapies in Atrial Fibrillation in 2012, prior to the medication being listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
“The submission highlighted an ongoing concern over medications being approved in the absence of suitable infrastructure to monitor drug efficacy, interaction and post-marketing surveillance in general.
“The RACGP takes seriously any claim that patient safety is threatened and will continue to stress the importance of absolute transparency of all risks associated with any drug trial to prescribers and regulatory bodies,” said Dr Marles.
The RACGP urges patients to exercise caution in altering or ceasing any prescribed medication. GPs are encouraged to follow guidelines outlined in its Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (8th edition) (red book) in delivering evidence-based cardiovascular disease prevention activities.