The health care costs for patients in the first six months after a stroke total more than $2.5 billion a year, with direct and indirect costs for each patient averaging $50,000 in the first six months following a stroke. People with non-disabling strokes spend up to $24,000 during the first six months and the costs for families can increase to over $100,000 for the most severely affected. Examples of stroke-related expenses to families include those associated with caregiving, transportation, and lost income.

President and CEO of Boehringer Ingelheim (Canada) Ltd, Dr. Ted Witek said that the company is pleased with the recent Canadian approval, noting: "The approval of PRADAX?„? in Canada marks a new era for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, and for the125-year history of Boehringer Ingelheim as a company. Key to Health Canada's decision was the RE-LY?® trial, and we proudly recognize that this global program was coordinated out of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. PRADAX?„? will fulfill an unmet therapeutic need and improve the lives of many Canadian patients with atrial fibrillation."

Coinciding with the Health Canada approval of PRADAX?„?, the Canadian Cardiovascular Society (CCS) has released new guidelines on stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation, which contain guidance on the use of dabigatran etexilate. Based on the strength of the safety and efficacy profile of PRADAX?„?, the guidelines state that dabigatran is preferred over warfarin for overall stroke reduction, particularly the 150mg dose twice-daily.

Source: BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM