A recent Australian study points to an alarming link between the use of gabapentinoids, drugs prescribed for nerve pain and epilepsy, and an increased risk of hip fractures in older adults. Researchers say many people may not even realize they are at risk for serious damage to the opono-musculoskeletal system, McKnight's Long Term Care writes. The large-scale analysis, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, included data from more than 28,000 patients in Victoria, Australia between 2013 and 2018 and found that older adults taking the drugs were 30 percent more likely to suffer a hip fracture within 60 days of starting them, Focus reports. These findings remained significant even when other drugs that affect the central nervous system were taken into account. Particularly vulnerable groups were people with chronic kidney disease, who had a 141% higher risk, and the infirm, who had a 75% increased risk. The demographics emphasized the increased vulnerability of older women, as 71% of the study population was made up of them, and 60% were 80 years of age or older. The study data also showed that by 2018, gabapentinoids were prescribed to 1 in 7 Australians over the age of 80, indicating widespread use of these drugs to treat chronic pain among older adults. Gabapentinoids, often advertised as a safer alternative to opioids, can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and impaired balance, potentially increasing the risk of falls in older adults. The growing dependence on gabapentinoids requires cautious prescribing, especially for those who are already prone to falls due to frailty or existing conditions such as kidney disease, the authors noted. Hip fractures are a very common problem, with 1 in 25 people over the age of 80 suffering from this injury each year, with 25% dying from associated complications within a year. The findings emphasize the need for health care providers to carefully assess the risks and benefits of prescribing gabapentinoids, especially in at-risk populations. Hip fractures are a major public health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified fall-related injuries among the elderly as a major risk, recommending improved prevention strategies and a review of prescription medications. Studies in other countries have also already highlighted the risks associated with medications affecting general balance and consciousness.