Transcript File
Caveats for Treating
Chronic Pain in Older
Adults
Cynthia Feucht, PharmD, BCPS, CGP
October 21, 2016
Objectives
Describe physiological and pharmacokinetic changes in the
elderly that impact the use of opioids.
Discuss alternative (non-controlled) options for treating
chronic pain in older adults.
Describe polypharmacy and its potential consequences in
older adults.
Change is Inevitable…
Physiological Changes
Aging is a more important predictor of PK/PD
changes compared to age itself!
Physiologic changes can influence PK/PD
PK
(ADME) are more measurable
Increases the risk of adverse effects
Constipation,
confusion, falls
Elliot D. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly. In: Schumock G, Brundage D, Dunsworth T, Fagan S, Kelly H, Rathbun R, et al.,
eds. Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program, 5th ed. Lenexa, KS: American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2004:115-126.
Trivia Question
Approximate loss of organ function per year after
the age of 30 is:
0.9%
3%
5%
7.5%
Absorption
Atrophy of gastric cells
Increase in gastric pH
Decrease in gastric acid secretion
Delayed gastric emptying
May alter rate (but note extent) of EC or SR product
absorption
May increase contact time for drugs
http://hubpages.com/education/Absorption-of-drugs-how-drugs-are-absorbed-in-the-body-ePharmacology
Elliot D. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly. In: Schumock G, Brundage D, Dunsworth T, Fagan S, Kelly H, Rathbun R, et al.,
eds. Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program, 5th ed. Lenexa, KS: American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2004:115-126.
Distribution
Increase in body fat
Lipid
soluble drugs: Vd
Increased concentration and half-life for lipid
soluble drugs
Effect:
delayed drug elimination
Examples:
Benzodiazepines,
tricyclic antidepressants
http://www.fat2fitradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/elderly.jpg
Distribution
Decrease in total body water
Water
soluble drugs: Vd
drug plasma concentrations & diffusion to receptor
sites
↑
Example:
morphine, digoxin
http://www.alistwellnesscenter.com/images/proportionofwater.gif
Elliot D. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly. In: Schumock G, Brundage D, Dunsworth T, Fagan S, Kelly H, Rathbun R, et al.,
eds. Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program, 5th ed. Lenexa, KS: American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2004:115-126.
Metabolism
Liver mass reduction of ~ 25-35%
Similar reduction in hepatic blood flow
Can lead to ↓ drug metabolism & ↑ drug effect
High hepatic extraction ratio agents
May bioavailability due to altered first pass
metabolism
Examples: morphine, amitriptyline,
hydromorphone
http://hepatitiscnewdrugresearch.com/liver-disease-in-elderly-patients.html
Sera L, et al. Clin Geriatr Med 2012;28:273-286.
Elliot D. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly. In: Schumock G, Brundage D, Dunsworth T, Fagan S, Kelly H, Rathbun R, et al.,
eds. Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program, 5th ed. Lenexa, KS: American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2004:115-126.
Metabolism
Phase I reactions (oxidation)
Impact of lifestyle factors
In vitro tests demonstrate inter-patient variability
No clear association for age-related decline
Alcohol intake
Tobacco abuse
Caffeine intake
Impact of disease-related dysfunction
http://medicineworld.org/images/blogs/old-man-smoking-432510.jpg
Elliot D. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly. In: Schumock G, Brundage D, Dunsworth T, Fagan S, Kelly H, Rathbun R, et al.,
eds. Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program, 5th ed. Lenexa, KS: American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2004:115-126.
Excretion
Progressive age-related decline
~1%
decline/yr after the age 50
Scr poor marker of kidney function
Muscle
mass loss, ↓ tubular function
Assess
function using CrCl / eGFR
Can lead to ↓ drug clearance
↑
risk for side effects
http://www.kidneyfoundationofcentralpa.org/images/kidney.gif
Elliot D. Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the elderly. In: Schumock G, Brundage D, Dunsworth T, Fagan S, Kelly H, Rathbun R, et al.,
eds. Pharmacotherapy Self-Assessment Program, 5th ed. Lenexa, KS: American College of Clinical Pharmacy, 2004:115-126.
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Opioids and ADME
Absorption: usually not affected by aging
Distribution:
Highly
lipid soluble: fentanyl & methadone
Hydrophilic:
Codeine,
hydrocodone, oxycodone, & tramadol
Morphine
& hydromorphone
Lexi-Comp, Inc. (Lexi-Drugs®). Lexi-Comp. Accessed September 19, 2016
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Opioids and ADME
Typically exhibit high first pass metabolism:
Morphine, hydromorphone, oxymorphone & tapentadol
May see ↑ drug bioavailability in elderly
Clinically significant active metabolites:
Morphine, codeine, meperidine, tramadol, hydrocodone,
oxymorphone
Avoid in hepatic failure: codeine, tramadol, meperidine
Preferred (severe): Morphine, fentanyl & methadone
Lexi-Comp, Inc. (Lexi-Drugs®). Lexi-Comp. Accessed September 19, 2016
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Opioids and ADME
Primary renal excretion:
Morphine, hydromorphone, codeine, fentanyl, tramadol,
oxycodone, hydrocodone: adjust dose in mild to moderate
renal failure
Meperidine: avoid use
Tapentadol: avoid with CrCl < 30ml/min
Generally safe to use in moderate renal failure:
Hydromorphone, fentanyl
Methadone (moderate to severe)
Lexi-Comp, Inc. (Lexi-Drugs®). Lexi-Comp. Accessed September 19, 2016
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Dean M. J Pain & Symptom Manage 2004;28(5):497-504.
Opioid Caveats
Poor CYP 2D6 metabolizers:
Affects
~ 5-10% of the caucasian population
Also 1-2% of Southeast Asians
Tramadol
& codeine → lack of efficacy due to reduced
conversion to active metabolites
Oxycodone, hydrocodone → prolonged effect due to
decreased metabolism
https://memegenerator.net/instance/19879024
Wilkinson G. N Engl J Med 2005;352(21):2211-2221.
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Opioid Caveats: Methadone
Variable pharmacokinetics:
Duration of analgesia ↑ with prolonged administration
Half-life range: 8-59 hrs (avg. 20-35)
Multiple drug interactions
QTc prolongation & risk for torsades:
Risk factors: other QTc prolonging meds, ↓ K/Mg, elderly, female,
structural heart disease, congenital long QT syndrome
Obtain baseline EKG and risk stratify
Avoid if QTc > 500 msec.
http://www.apsf.org/newsletters/html/2011/spring/01_opioid.htm
Lexi-Comp, Inc. (Lexi-Drugs®). Lexi-Comp. Accessed September 19, 2016.
Lugo R, et al. J Pain & Palliative Care Pharmacother 2005;19(4):13-24.
Owens R, et al. Clin Infect Dis 2006;43:1603-1611.
Trivia Question
Which of these men has influenced how we treat
older adults?
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/21AgpWqWMYL._UX250_.jpg
https://mibiz.com/media/k2/items/cache/ebe2497a9810ac1c751277b6aacb6b9b_XL.jpg
http://media.mlive.com/kzgazette_impact/photo/8911853-large.jpg
Criteria Regarding Opioid Use
START/STOPP Criteria
Avoid high-potency oral or
transdermal opioids as 1st line
therapy in those with mild pain
Use high-potency opioids in
mod-severe pain where Tylenol,
NSAIDS & low-potency opioids
are either inappropriate or
ineffective
Beers Criteria
Avoid meperidine: safer
alternatives exist
Avoid opioids in those with
history of falls/fractures
Avoid total of ≥ 3 CNS-active
meds due to risk for falls
American Geriatrics Society 2015 Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel. J Am Geriatr Soc 2015.
O’Mahony D, et al. Age Ageing 2015;44:213-218.
https://ipspotlight.files.wordpress.com/2014/11/17187698_s.jpg
Guiding Principles
Establish mutually acceptable comfort goals
Use of combined nonpharmacological &
pharmacological therapy
Initiate
Adjust
with low dose
dosing for organ impairment / drug interactions
Reassess
frequently / titrate cautiously
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Pharmacological Management of Persistent Pain in Older Adults. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009;57:1331-1346.
http://images.addictionblog.org/cherrycake/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/Is-methadone-safe-1.png
What Do Older Patients Want: Preferred
Lansbury G. Disabil Rehab 2000;22(1-2):2-14.
http://www.epainassist.com/images/Article-Images/home-remedies-arthritis.jpg
http://mymedsupply.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Hot-and-Cold-Therapy-Shoulder.jpg
http://salonpas.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/FamilyShot-FS-Gel-Spray-GelPatch-NHP-Trans-01262
016a-Small-2.jpg
http://www.dignicareins.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/Nursing-Home-Insurance-The-Benefits-of-Socialization-for-the-Elderly.jpg
What Do Older Patients Want: Least
Preferred
Lansbury G. Disabil Rehab 2000;22(1-2):2-14.
http://www.reputehealthcare.com/eldercare.html
http://www.consumerreports.org/content/dam/cro/news_articles/health/71262728_health_pills.jpg
http://scrubbing.in/encouraging-the-elderly-to-exercise/
Alternative Approach:
Nonpharmacological
Physical therapy
Heat, massage, stretching
TENS unit
PHN & acute/chronic pain
Behavioral therapy
Meditation, relaxation, prayer, music
therapy, biofeedback
Pain Management Alternatives
Over-the-Counter
Topical counterirritants
Topical lidocaine
Acetaminophen
Oral NSAIDs
Prescription
Topical / oral NSAIDs
Lidocaine patch
Tricyclic antidepressants
Duloxetine
Anticonvulsants
http://www.browardcountypainclinics.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/pain-relief21.jpg
Topical OTCs
Counterirritants: induces a less intense pain to
counteract a more severe one
Examples: methyl salicylate, camphor,
menthol, capsaicin, trolamine salicylate
Up to 3-4 applications per day
Don’t apply heat or wrap bandage tightly
Multiple formulations: cream, ointment, gel, patch
Names don’t change but ingredients often do!
http://salonpas.us/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/family-of-products-small.jpg
https://audubonparkwellness.brimhallwebsite.com/istore/4233_biofreeze__pain_cream.html
http://www.icyhot.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/pro_img03.jpg
Newest OTC ingredient: Lidocaine
Lidocaine 4%
patch
• 1 patch/day; ~ $50/mo.
supply
• Available OTC & in other
formulations
Lidocaine 5%
patch
• Up to 3/day, may cut patches
& apply to several areas
• Rx: PHN; often used off label
for LBP & OA
http://www.aspercreme.com/img/portfolio/lidocaine-patch-slider-1-sm.jpg
https://www.walgreens.com/images/drug/0163481068706.jpg
NSAIDS: OTC & Rx
Analgesic, anti-inflammatory &
antipyretic
In a variety of combination products:
Aleve PM (NSAID + antihistamine)
Vimovo (NSAID + PPI)
Treximet (NSAID + triptan)
Vicoprofen (NSAID + opioid)
In 2000: 70% over age 65 took NSAIDs at least
once weekly
http://neuropathyandhiv.blogspot.com/2016/01/nsaids-like-ibuprofen-and-advil-can-be.html#.V-1IXIWcGEY
NSAID Mechanism of Action
http://www.voltarengel.com/HCP/images/charts/MOA_chart.jpg
Herndon C, et al. Pharmacotherapy 2008;26(6):788-805
NSAID Gastrointestinal Toxicity
• Nausea & bloating
Common
Serious
• Heartburn & epigastric pain
• Colonic ulceration &
perforation
• Gastric or duodenal ulcers
• 20-40% of users
Herndon C, et al. Pharmacotherapy. 2008;28(6):788-805.
http://infohealth.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/ulcer-s.jpg
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/can-heartburn-medication-cause-cognitive-problems-201603219369
Additional NSAID Toxicity
Nephrotoxicity
• 1-5% incidence
• Risk factors: concurrent diuretic or ACE inhibiror &
underlying renal disease
Fluid Retention
• Result of increased sodium reabsorption
• Can lead to weight gain & exacerbate HTN & HF
CNS
• Rare: confusion, psychosis, aseptic meningitis
• Risk factors: older age & lipophilic NSAID
Herndon C, et al. Pharmacotherapy 2008;28(6):788-805.
NSAIDs and Cardiovascular Risk
FDA Warning July 2015
Precision Trial
Started 2006, ended 2016
Compared celecoxib to
naproxen and ibuprofen
Combined endpoint:
CV death
Nonfatal MI, CVA
Hospitalization for UA, TIA
Revascularization
http://blog.affordablehealthinsurance.org/2015/08/fda-says-that-taking-advil-motrin-and.html#.V-w-3oWcGEY
https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00346216
Scarpignato C, et al. BMC Medicine 2015;13:1-22.
Guideline Recommendations…..
ACR (2012)
Hand OA: oral and topical
NSAIDs including trolamine
salicylate
Avoid NSAIDs (exception:
celecoxib) for chronic use
unless other alternatives are
not effective & patient can
take PPI
HF & CKD: avoid NSAIDs and
COX-2 inhibitors
Gastric/duodenal ulcers: avoid
non-selective NSAIDs
Age ≥ 75: topical preferred
Knee & Hip OA: oral NSAIDs
and topical NSAIDs (knee)
Beers (2015)
Age ≥75: topical preferred
Hochberg M, et al. Arthritis Care and Research. 2012;64(4): 465-474.
American Geriatrics 2015 Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015.
Topical NSAIDs
Diclofenac gel
Indication:
OA
Application 4 times daily
Dose
differentiated by lower/upper extremity
Diclofenac solution
Indication: Knee OA
Two strengths / product type
Systemic bioavailability: ~1%
Preferred
in elderly!
http://www.onlinepharmacynz.com/images/products/414-299-Voltaren_Emulgel.jpg
Lexi-Comp, Inc. (Lexi-Drugs®). Lexi-Comp. Accessed September 29, 2016
http://www.pennsaid.com/img/hcp_2.0_img1.png
Adjuvant Agents
Antidepressants
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Anticonvulsants
Gabapentin, pregabalin
Origination in treatment of cancer pain
Useful for neuropathic pain
May be used alone or with another agent
Pharmacological management of persistent pain in older persons. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2009;57:1331-1346.
http://chronicpainreliefoptions.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/np3.jpg
Duloxetine
Pros
Useful when concomitant
depression/anxiety
Indicated for diabetic
neuropathy & chronic
musculoskeletal pain
Trial benefits: reduction in
pain & improved physical
functioning
Cons
Side effects: N/V/D,
dizziness, fall risk,
hyponatremia
Must taper to avoid
withdrawal symptoms
Avoid in mod-severe renal
failure
Makris U, et al. JAMA 2014;312(8):825-836.
Chappell A, et al. Pain 2009;146(3):253-260.
http://pharmamkting.blogspot.com/2008/08/cymalta-buzz-machine-is-at-full.html
Tricyclic Antidepressants
Useful for a variety of indications
Depression
Diabetic neuropathy
Migraine prophylaxis
Chronic pain
Small study in older adults found equal efficacy in
diabetic PN when compared to pregabalin & duloxetine
http://pharmacologycorner.com/differences-between-tricyclic-antidepressants-and-selective-serotonin-norepinephrine-reuptake-inhibitors-mechanism-of-action/
Boyle J, et al. Diabetes Care 2012;35(12):2451-2458.
TCAs: Comparison Profile
AntiSedation OSH
cholinergic
Seizures
Conduction
abnormalities
Amitriptyline*
Doxepin*
++++
+++
++++
++++
+++
++
+++
+++
+++
++
Desipramine
Nortriptyline
++
++
++
++
++
+
++
++
++
++
Teter CJ, Kando JC, Wells BG. Chapter 51. Major Depressive Disorder. In: DiPiro JT, Talbert RL, Yee GC, Matzke GR, Wells BG, Posey L. eds.
Pharmacotherapy: A Pathophysiologic Approach, 9e. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2014.
http://accesspharmacy.mhmedical.com.ezproxy.ferris.edu/content.aspx?bookid=689&Sectionid=45310502. Accessed September 30, 2016
TCAs and Beers Criteria
Avoid: highly anticholinergic, sedation and cause
orthostasis
Avoid if history of:
Syncope,
delirium, dementia, cognitive impairment,
falls/fractures, & BPH
Often
related to anticholinergic properties
American Geriatrics 2015 Beers Criteria Update Expert Panel. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2015.
Caveats for TCA Use
Use secondary amines:
Less anticholinergic effects, fewer associated falls, less
confusion & ↓ risk for OSH
Use low dose at bedtime (sedation)
Caution use in:
BPH, urinary retention, constipation, CV disease, 2nd /3rd
degree heart block, prolonged QTc interval, severe liver
disease, seizure disorder & closed angle glaucoma
http://lionsheartcounseling.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/small-pills1.jpg
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Pregabalin & Gabapentin
Indications
• Diabetic neuropathy, PHN, fibromyalgia, seizure d/o
• Off-label: restless leg syndrome, hot flashes
Side Effects
• Dizziness, sedation, peripheral edema, weight gain
• Dry mouth, blurred vision, ataxia, fatigue, tremor
Precautions
• Heart failure, fall risk, concurrent CNS active meds
• Dose adjust when CrCl < 60 ml/min
Lexi-Comp, Inc. (Lexi-Drugs®). Lexi-Comp. Accessed September 29, 2016
Davis M, et al. Drugs Aging 2003;20(1):23-57.
Medication Use in the Elderly
Cross sectional survey of 3005 elderly (57-85 yrs)
At least 5 Rx medicines: 29%
Concurrent OTC use: 46%
Concurrent dietary suppl.: 52%
At least 5 dietary supplements: nearly 1 in 8
Qato D, et al. JAMA 2008;300(24):2867-2878)
What is Polypharmacy?
Conditions
Medications
Medications
Chronic pruritis
Restoril 15mg qhs
Hydroxyzine 25mg bid
Chronic cough
Lamictal 100mg qhs
Ativan 0.5mg tid prn
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Effexor XR 150mg qd
Tussionex 5ml bid prn
Hypertension
Detrol LA 4mg daily
Vicodin 5/500mg bid prn
Urinary incontinence
Cymbalta 20mg daily
Motrin 800mg tid prn
Insomnia
Catapres 0.3mg qhs
Depression / anxiety
Diovan 40mg daily
Osteoarthritis
Activella 1/0.5mg daily
Sleep apnea
Omeprazole 20mg daily
GERD
Melatonin 5mg qhs
Personality disorder
Polypharmacy
Medication Count
Arbitrarily defined
Often > 5 medicines
Unnecessary Use
Range 2-9
Controversial
May be appropriate if
multiple disease states
Shah B, et al. Clin Geriatr Med 2012;28:173-186.
http://www.wur.nl/en/project/pandemics.htm
Not clinically indicated
Lack of indication
Suboptimal
Duplication
More practical approach
Consequences
http://www.slideshare.net/EdricPawChoSing/epidemiology-of-polypharmacy-and-potential-drugdrug-interactions-among-pediatric
-patients-in-icus-of-us-childrens-hospitals
Shah B, et al. Clin Geriatr Med 2012;28:173-186.
Prescribing Optimization Method
Designed to optimize medication use in older
adults
Six questions:
Is the patient undertreated & is additional therapy indicated?
Does the patient adhere to current regimen?
Which drug(s) can be withdrawn or is inappropriate?
Which adverse effects are present?
Which clinically relevant interactions could be expected?
Should the dose frequency or drug form be changed?
Drenth-van Maanen A, et al. Drugs Aging 2009;26(8):687-701.
Gokula M, et al. Clin Geriatr Med 2012;28:323-341.
http://askapharmmedicationreview.com/uploads/3/6/3/2/3632226/2322479.jpg?200
Managing Older Adults
Customize therapy for each patient
Monitor & reassess for efficacy & toxicity
Many adverse effects mimic underlying disease
processes
Consider any symptom an ADR until proven otherwise!
Minimize withdrawal effects by tapering dose
Steinman M, et al. JAMA 2010;304(14):1592-1601.
http://www.health-heart.org/NoBadCholesterol.jpg