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Pregabalin linked to higher heart failure risk in seniors
A new study finds a 48 percent rise in risk, 85 percent for patients with heart disease; clinicians urged to review pregabalin use in older adults.
A major study finds pregabalin raises heart failure risk, especially in seniors with heart disease.
Pregabalin linked to higher heart failure risk in older adults
A widely prescribed drug used for nerve pain, anxiety and epilepsy has been linked to a higher risk of heart failure. In a four year study using Medicare records of 246,237 patients aged 65 to 89 with chronic non-cancer pain, those taking pregabalin showed more heart failure cases than non users. About six extra hospitalizations for heart failure occurred per 1,000 people each year among pregabalin users.
Overall risk rose by 48 percent compared with gabapentin, and the increase climbed to 85 percent for patients with a history of heart disease. The study followed patients who had no heart failure at the start, and 1,470 were hospitalized for heart failure during the period. The European Medicines Agency already advises caution when treating older adults with heart disease. Pregabalin is not recommended for children under 18 and may cause side effects such as headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Doctors are urged to review allergy history, pregnancy status, kidney function, and sodium intake before prescribing.
Key Takeaways
"Doctors should consider the cardiovascular risks of pregabalin particularly for older patients"
Study authors stressing careful prescribing
"The results remind us that pain relief cannot come at the expense of heart health"
Editorial analyst comment on implications
"We need safer options and closer monitoring when treating nerve pain in seniors"
Health expert reaction
The finding adds to a growing push for safer pain management in older adults. It highlights the challenge of balancing relief from nerve pain with the risk of heart problems in a population that often has multiple illnesses. If confirmed by further studies, this could push doctors to favor non drug options or use the lowest effective dose with closer heart monitoring. Regulators may tighten guidance and health systems might rebalance how pain is treated in primary care and geriatrics.
The study emphasizes how big data from Medicare can reveal signals that small trials miss. It also raises questions about patient counseling, informed consent and how to monitor for heart symptoms after starting treatment.
Highlights
- Heart health must guide every pain treatment choice
- Older patients deserve safer pain care
- Prescribers must weigh risk against relief for seniors
- Safer options should be the default for those with heart disease
Safety concerns for pregabalin use in seniors
The article highlights a potential rise in heart failure risk for older patients on pregabalin, especially with existing heart disease. This raises sensitivity around prescribing practices, patient counseling, and monitoring. The issue intersects with public health and regulatory oversight.
As evidence grows clinicians will rethink first line therapy for older patients
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