The reduction in the price of the heart drug clopidogrel to be enforced next month is cited to result in a significant rise in the number of people using it.

“Making it more widely available gives clinicians more choice and will potentially benefit a larger group of patients”, quoted Medical Director Peter Moodie.

The significant price cut is reported to be via an initiative launched by Pharmac, in addition to the new pharmaceutical funding from the Government.

In addition, the Special Authority restrictions impose earlier on the drug use will also done away with, reflecting that doctors can now prescribe it to any patient for whom it discerns appropriate.

The cost of the drug will be lowered by over a whopping 95%. Following the reduction, people will have to shell out nearly $5 a month compared to $170 a month initially.

Clopidogrel is deemed to serve as an essential treatment for people who were, or are, rendered at the risk of having a heart attack and stroke because of its blood thinning property.

Presently, the beneficial drug is reported to be funded for people surviving with acute coronary syndrome, including those who have had stents fixed inside their heart to open blocked arteries and also for those who are allergic to aspirin.