Pain drug could increase falls, hip fractures in older adults

The use of gabapentinoids could be linked to an increased risk of hip fractures in older adults. Gabapentinoids are often prescribed to treat patients with neuropathic pain.

In a study published in JAMA Network Open, investigators analyzed the outcomes of more than 28,000 patients aged 50 years and older who were hospitalized for first hip fractures between 2013 and 2018.

The investigators uncovered an increased risk of hip fractures within 60 days of receiving gabapentinoids — particularly among the patients with higher frailty scores or chronic kidney disease. They suggested that common central nervous system-related side effects of gabapentinoids, such as dizziness and gait disturbances, could contribute to a heightened incidence of falls among this patient population.

The findings indicated that individualized risk assessment may be critical when prescribing gabapentinoids to older adults.

Read more: JAMA Network Open

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