NICE has published final guidance recommending the use of Lilly’s Effient (prasugrel) in combination with aspirin as an option for preventing blood clots in the arteries of people with acute coronary syndromes.

Acute coronary syndromes are a group of heart problems which occur due to narrowed coronary arteries. These heart problems cause chest pain and specific types of heart attack.

Prasugrel is a drug that can reduce or prevent the formation of blood clots in arteries by reducing the clumping together of platelets in the blood.

The guidance recommends prasugrel in the above indication, but only when immediate primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (a specific type of heart attack) is necessary or a blood clot blocking a stent has occurred during treatment with clopidogrel.

It is also approved for patients with acute coronary syndromes who have diabetes mellitus.

Dr Carole Longson, Director at NICE, said: “There are a range of heart problems classed as acute coronary syndromes – these conditions have a huge impact on the individuals affected. This new guidance recommending prasugrel in combination with aspirin will offer an additional treatment option for these specific individuals at risk of blood clots.”

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