EVIDENCE LIBRARY
Older Lung-Cancer Prescribing Study Identified Estazolam Among Frequent Criteria-Flagged Medicines
A repeated cross-sectional study found rising potentially inappropriate prescribing in a selected outpatient population. Its flags were not observed adverse events.
A repeated cross-sectional study found rising potentially inappropriate prescribing in a selected outpatient population. Its flags were not observed adverse events.
The recorded trend
The study analyzed 3,286 older lung-cancer outpatients with multimorbidity during 2016–2018. Polypharmacy and criteria-defined potentially inappropriate medication use increased over the three years.
Estazolam and tramadol were frequent flagged medicines. Sleep disorders, anxiety or depression, pain, age, and medication burden were among associated factors.
Indication and population matter
Cancer symptoms may influence both prescribing and overall vulnerability. A criteria flag is a reason to examine the clinical rationale, not proof that a particular prescription was unnecessary or caused harm.
The study concerned one regional tertiary outpatient setting and did not represent nursing-home or community care everywhere. Three annual snapshots also cannot determine one person’s continuous use. The paper supports individualized medication review, while leaving benefit, administration, adverse effects, and appropriate duration to be established from the actual clinical record.
Source paper
Original analysis of the supplied journal article, identified as PMC9340379.