Xanax, Valium May Boost Pneumonia Risk in Alzheimer's Patients

Researchers suspect people may breathe saliva or food into their lungs due to fatigue from the drugs

Alzheimer's patients given sedatives such as Valium or Xanax may have an increased risk for pneumonia, a new study warns.

People with Alzheimer's disease are often given these drugs, called benzodiazepines, over the long term, the researchers said.

Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).

"An increased risk of pneumonia is an important finding to consider in treatment of patients with Alzheimer disease. Pneumonia often leads to admission to hospital, and patients with dementia are at increased risk of death related to pneumonia," Dr. Heidi Taipale, of Kuopio Research Center of Geriatric Care at the University of Eastern Finland, and co-authors wrote.

For the study, the researchers reviewed data from nearly 50,000 Alzheimer's patients in Finland. The patients' average age was 80 and about two-thirds were women.

The study found that people with Alzheimer's who took benzodiazepines were 30 percent more likely to develop pneumonia than those who weren't given the sedatives.

The risk of pneumonia was highest in the first 30 days after starting the drugs, the findings showed.

The researchers said their findings are consistent with previous studies.

Because benzodiazepines are sedating, it's possible that people taking them may breathe saliva or food into the lungs, increasing the risk of pneumonia, the study authors suggested.

Dr Heidi Taipale's team said the benefits and risks of these drugs -- including pneumonia -- need to be carefully considered before giving them to someone with Alzheimer's disease.

The study was published April 10 in the CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

The study is "a good reminder to clinicians to 'first do no harm' when prescribing these drugs for frail older women and men with dementia. Non-drug "approaches should be the starting point when managing neuropsychiatric symptoms in this patient population, which should help to limit inappropriate use of these drugs," the editorial authors said.

(Source:  HealthDay News, 10 April 10 2017) 

Should You Go Generic?

If you take multiple prescription medications, you know their costs can add up. One way to save money is to ask your doctor if a generic is available - but are generic drugs as effective as more expensive brands? Yes, says the American College of Physicians, a doctors group that issued a statement in the January issue of Annals of Internal Medicine that advises all clinicians to prescribe generic drugs when possible.

“The biggest difference between brand-name medications and generics is cost,” says Claudene George, M.D., R.Ph., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine and Geriatrics at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. “Companies that develop brand-name drugs invest in research, development and marketing - which drive up cost. Generic manufacturers can produce medications more cost-effectively.”

Here are five more facts to consider:

1.    Generics have the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs. 

New drugs have patents that protect them from being reproduced by other companies for typically 17 years. Once the patent expires, other manufacturers can sell the drug. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approves only generics biologically equivalent to their brand-name counterparts, although inactive ingredients may differ. Generics may have a different shape, color or flavor. Rarely do these variations make a difference in effectiveness or side effects.

2.    Studies have compared generics vs. brand-name drugs.

The research has largely found the effectiveness of both is the same and brand names offer no superiority.

3.   The same pharmaceutical companies that produce brand-name drugs often manufacture generics. 

Five of the top 10 generics manufacturers are brand-name pharmaceutical companies.

4.    You’re more likely to take a generic drug as directed. 

That’s partly because generics have lower out-of-pocket costs. The higher costs of brands have consistently been associated with lower adherence rates because patients may skip taking some doses or filling prescriptions altogether to save money.

5.    Doctors report they’re influenced by patient requests. 

       In a recent survey, four in 10 doctors said they sometimes or often prescribe a brand name when a generic is available because the patient wants it. If your doctor prescribes a drug, ask whether a generic that works just as well is available.

If you switch from a brand name to a generic, be aware of any new changes in your medical condition or any side effects, says Dr. George. Although rare, it’s possible to experience minor differences when switching.

(Source:  HealthAfter50, posted in Healthy Living on 24 May 2016)