Older people could be pouring money down the drain by taking ineffective pain medications, according to a national study by The Centre for General Practice at The University of Queensland.
The study uses Individual Medication Effectiveness Tests (IMETs) to find out whether a patient’s medication is working for them. IMETs are based on participants’ recordings of symptoms, which are then comprehensively analysed. IMETs have the major advantage of being non-invasive and free.
According to early data, as high as 70% of people could be using pain medication that is not working for them, according to senior lecturer Dr Michael Yelland.
“Many of the people we tested were not individually responding to their current pain medications, which is obviously a cause for some concern,” Dr Yelland said. “However, those who were responders are now sure that it is worthwhile for them to take their medication long term”.
Another arm of the same study has similar news for parents of children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with indications that certain children may be receiving little benefit from their current medication. These children may benefit from using other types of ADHD medication, or non-drug treatments.
Senior Lecturer Dr Geoff Mitchell said: “Preliminary results of the ADHD study are already providing important feedback for families, with only 26 out of the 55 children tested so far showing definite benefit from their ADHD medication. Families of children whose medication was effective for them are now certain of the benefits of continuing their medication”.
More patients are required for both studies. Suffers of chronic pain (including those with arthritis) and parents of children who are receiving medication for ADHD, are invited to participate, to obtain practical, individualised feedback about their own particular situation.
The Individualised Medication Effectiveness Test (IMET) service is an Australian first. The service is offered via mail and telephone contact with patients and their doctors anywhere in Australia.
Persistent pain sufferers, and families of children with ADHD, interested in exploring the benefits of an IMET, can get a free information kit by phoning 1800 038 464 toll free, or calling 07 3240 6154 or 07 3346 4696. (Email: imet@sph.uq.edu.au).
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE IMET SERVICE ON:
1800 038 464 or (07) 3240 6154 or (07) 3240 5815 or email: imet@sph.uq.edu.au
