A MONASH University study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that gabapentinoids, commonly used for neuropathic pain, significantly raise the risk of hip fractures, particularly in frail elderly patients or those with kidney disease.
Tracking patients hospitalised for hip fractures in Victoria from 2013 to 2018, researchers found gabapentinoid use increased eightfold between 2012 and 2018, with one in seven Australians aged 80 prescribed the medication.
Despite being viewed as a safer opioid alternative, gabapentinoids are now among Australia's 10 most-subsidised drugs by volume.
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