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Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are commonly prescribed for treatment of acid-related gastrointestinal disorders. PPI use is approved for a duration of 2 to 12 weeks, depending on complication and severity. Many users lack an appropriate indication for continued therapy past the recommended duration. Long-term PPI use is associated with several adverse drug events, including acute interstitial nephritis, fractures, and Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD). Cautious prescribing and regular monitoring is essential, especially for older adults, as they may be at higher risk for these adverse effects. Deprescribing, defined as lowering dosage, switching to as-needed use, or complete discontinuation, should be considered for many PPI users. Patient education is critical. Alternative therapy considerations include histamine-2-receptor antagonists, as they are found to be associated with reduced CDAD and fracture events. Additional strategies include tapering off PPIs and modifying lifestyle to reduce the potential rebound hypersecretion that may occur as a result of discontinuation. The most significant lifestyle modification is weight loss. Additional lifestyle interventions include upright head of bed elevation, avoiding meals close to bedtime, and avoiding high-fat meals within two to three hours of reclining.

Rivaroxaban is a factor Xa inhibitor recently approved for use in the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Older adults are at an increased risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE), and rivaroxaban offers an alternative to standard treatment including vitamin K antagonists. This review evaluates the literature supporting this new indication with a focus on the safety and efficacy in older adults as well as those with renal insufficiency and fragility, which the EINSTEIN-PE study defined as those older than 75 years of age, weighing 50 kg or less, or with a creatine clearance (Clcr) of less than 50 mL/min. Three large studies (EINSTEIN-PE, -DVT, -EXT) provide an evaluation of recurrent VTE and bleeding events with the use of rivaroxaban. EINSTEIN-DVT and EINSTEIN-PE showed rivaroxaban to be equivalent to standard treatment in the overall population as well as in older adults and those with renal insufficiency and fragility. Further, EINSTEIN-EXT showed benefit of rivaroxaban over placebo for extended VTE protection (i.e., longer than 6 to 12 months of treatment), both overall and in the subgroups of those older than 75 years of age and with a Clcr of 50 mL/min to < 80 mL/min..

Objective To assess the benefits and risks of long-term bisphosphonates for treatment of osteoporosis in older adults. Data sources A MEDLINE search was performed using PubMed from 1966 through 2011 to identify relevant publications. Key words searched included: adverse effects (AEs), aged, alendronate, atrial fibrillation, atypical fractures, bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw, bisphosphonates, diaphyseal fractures, gastrointestinal cancer, ibandronate, musculoskeletal pain, osteoporosis, risedronate, subtrochanteric fractures, and zoledronic acid. Additional sources were obtained through bibliographic review of selected articles. Study selection Relevant studies that examined efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis were included. Focus was given to data involving older adults. Stronger levels of evidence (prospective trials) were given preference as the predominant body of literature, when available. Data synthesis Osteoporosis affects millions of elderly patients. Bisphosphonates represent first-line therapy. Recent literature has heightened concerns regarding AEs associated with long-term use, leading to the proposition of a "drug holiday." Additionally, there is a lack of literature concerning management of bisphosphonates in older adults. Conclusion Evidence indicates that bisphosphonates maintain their efficacy and safety in older adults. Consideration must be given on a case-by-case basis to potential AEs associated with long-term use, as well as the derived benefit. Drug holidays may be appropriate given consideration of certain patient characteristics. Well-designed, prospective studies are needed to evaluate long-term use and AEs in older adults; therefore, clinical judgment combined with available evidence will have to suffice as the current practice.