New study lists potentially dangerous drugs in Australian healthcare

New study lists potentially dangerous drugs in Australian healthcare

Researchers have developed an Australian-first list of 16 potentially dangerous medications used in healthcare and their safer alternatives.

‘Potentially inappropriate medicines’ (PIMs) are medicines with risks that may outweigh their benefits. PIMs can have high risks of severe adverse effects, drug interactions, increased risk of falls and even death.

Around the world, lists of these risky medicines are used to help health professionals improve medication management and safety.

Lead researcher, Dr Kate Wang, said PIMs lists help clinicians identify medications that have higher risk of negative clinical outcomes, including hospitalisation and death.

“They should only be used in circumstances where there is a clear need and not an effective and lower-risk alternative available,” said Wang, from RMIT’s School of Health and Biomedical Sciences.

“The Australian setting is unique, and it is vital that we have our own, up-to-date resource,” said Wang.

These lists of high-risk medicines are especially important for older people, who often need multiple medications to manage their conditions. Between 20–70% of older people are prescribed at least one PIM.

Medication-related adverse effects contribute to 20% of all unplanned hospital admissions, with half of them being potentially preventable.

How was the research conducted?

The study drew on a multidisciplinary expert panel of 33 clinicians and researchers with expertise in geriatrics, general medicine, pharmacy, clinical pharmacology, general practice and epidemiology.

A total of 130 medications or medication classes were considered, including medicine classes commonly appearing in PIMs lists internationally such as benzodiazepines, NSAIDs and tricyclic antidepressants.

Dr Kate Wang Lead researcher Dr Kate Wang in the mock dispensary where pharmacy students at RMIT University undertake some of their classes.

What did the research find?

Australia’s existing PIMs list was developed 15 years ago, and there have been many changes to medications available in Australia since then.

“We found that the lists in other countries were only partially applicable in Australia due to differences in medication availability, what clinicians tend to prescribe, clinical practice guidelines and the healthcare system,” Wang said.

“Furthermore, no Australian lists to date have made recommendations for potentially safer alternatives.”

The team says they have developed an Australian-first list of medications that are used nationally where the risks outweigh the benefits for older people and for some, there are safer alternatives. The list includes common medications such as ibuprofen, lorazepam and codeine, some which can be replaced by medications like paracetamol.

“This list may be used by Australian healthcare practitioners who care for people aged 65 and older,” Wang said.

“It may also be used as a reference by researchers, policymakers, consumers and family members who are interested in the risks of, and potential alternatives to, these medications.

“It’s important to note that all medications on this list provide clinical benefits, if used appropriately, and may be suitable for some people considering their allergies, interactions with other drugs, medication conditions, individual beliefs, clinical experiences, preferences and goals.

Wang said there was no replacement for regular, individualised medication reviews – particularly for older people who may be taking medications included in the PIMs list.

The researchers are now assessing the prevalence of PIM use in Australia.

‘Development of a List of Australian Potentially Inappropriate Medicines (AUS-PIMs) List using the Delphi technique’, authored by Dr Kate Wang, Professor Christopher Etherton-Beer, Associate Professor Frank Sanfilippo and Dr Amy Page, is published in Internal Medicine Journal (DOI: 10.1111/imj.16322).

Story by: Sarah Gates

05 February 2024

Share

05 February 2024

Share

  • STEM
Engage

Related News

safety-health-innovation-network-thumbnail-1220x732-updated.jpg

Transforming construction health and safety with SHINe

RMIT has launched the Safety and Health Innovation Network (SHINe), an industry-led collaborative research funding model to identify and tackle problems across the construction industry.

magdelena-and-co-1220px.jpg

Gold beats platinum for chemo drugs in new lab study

Gold-based drugs can slow tumour growth in animals by 82% and target cancers more selectively than standard chemotherapy drugs, according to new research out of RMIT University.

news-aroma-intensity-1220px.jpg

Confinement may affect how we smell and feel about food

New research from RMIT University found confined and isolating environments changed the way people smelled and responded emotionally to certain food aromas.

New partnership with Cisco and Grampians Health to upskill healthcare sector

RMIT’s Health Transformation Lab and College of Vocational Education are piloting a program to rapidly upskill front-line staff, broader health workforce and IT professionals in the healthcare sector to meet the industry’s emerging skills needs.

Show more
aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

More information