Initiation of potentially inappropriate medication is associated with a higher risk of fractures and mortality, according to a new study.

It was found that the initiation of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) is associated with a higher risk of fracture-specific hospitalisations and mortality. Initiation of a PIM is also associated with higher hospital costs. The study was conducted on the basis of collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland, Finnish Medicines Agency (Fimea) and The Social Insurance Institution of Finland.

PIMs are defined as medications which have potential risks higher than their clinical benefits. In this study, PIMs were defined according to the Meds75+ database maintained by the Fimea. The study also indicated that the risk of fracture-specific hospitalisations and mortality is higher when initiating PIMs. Previous studies conducted in Europe have not investigated hospital costs associated with PIM use with as long a follow-up as this study. PIM prescription always requires clinical grounds, which take account of the risks related to medical treatments. The full findings are present in the European Journal of Health Economics.