AFA Welcomes Dronedarone Decision In Scotland

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Heart Disease
Article Date: 27 Sep 2010 - 2:00 PDT


The Atrial Fibrillation Association has welcomed the approval for use for the NHS in Scotland of Dronedarone (Multaq) the new drug for treating atrial fibrillation.

The Scottish Medicines Consortium has approved the drug for restricted use to prevent the recurrence of AF in patients in whom conventional first-line anti-arrhythmic medicines are ineffective, contra-indicated or not tolerated.

Atrial Fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder, occurring in 1-2% of the general population. In the UK almost one million people now suffer with Atrial Fibrillation and this number is rising due to an ageing population and higher survival rates from conditions which predispose the heart to AF.

AF confers a five-fold risk of stroke, and between 20-30% of all strokes, in particular the most debilitating and life threatening type, are attributed to this arrhythmia.

Recent, extensive trials have shown that Dronedarone (Multaq), the first new anti-arrhythmic drug (AAD) in more than twenty years, importantly demonstrated that it is the only anti-arrhythmic medication to improve long term cardiac health in AF patients.

Trudie Lobban, Chief Executive of AFA said, "Because AF has so many serious implications if not controlled, it is important to have effective treatments for as many patients as possible. Dronedarone can greatly improve the lives of people with AF who haven't been helped by other treatments. I welcome the news that it is approved for use in some circumstances in Scotland as it means that those for whom it is prescribed will be able to lead a better quality of life."

Dr Derek Connelly, Trustee of Arrhythmia Alliance and consultant cardiologist at Glasgow Royal Infirmary and the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, said, "Atrial Fibrillation is a very common condition, affecting around 1 in 20 people over the age of 65 and a large number of younger patients. Many patients with AF have concomitant cardiovascular disease and other health problems, and this can lead to difficulties in treatment with conventional anti-arrhythmic drugs. Dronedarone has a proven safety profile in large clinical trials, and we are delighted that the Scottish Medicines Consortium has approved its use as second-line treatment for Scottish patients with Atrial Fibrillation when other treatments are ineffective or contraindicated"

Dronedarone trials showed a reduction in hospitalisation and in the incidence of stroke. AFA believes this means that this will save both money and more importantly, lives.

For people over 40 years of age, there is a 1 in 4 life time risk of developing AF; for the younger population, this risk rises to 1 in 2.

Source:
Atrial Fibrillation Association

• Additional
• References
• Citations