Prevalence of BZD & Other Respiratory Depressing Agents, n=58 . Characterizing Benzodiazepine Prescribing in Ambulatory Palliative Care Patients Living with Cancer Courtney Cobert, Amy Dunleavy, Tiffany Khachikian, Meghal Patel & Kashelle Lockman, PharmD, MA Introduction Results Conclusions BZD are commonly prescribed in PC for indications with limited data for efficacy beyond short-term use PC patients may be at increased risk for: falls, fractures, and cognitive impairment due to prevalent BZD prescribing respiratory depression due to frequent concomitant BZD, opioid, & gabapentinoid prescribing 2013: Benzodiazepine (BZD) prescriptions increased 67% over a 17 year period Since 2013: BZD were implicated in 30% of all overdose fatalities 2016: FDA issued a black box regarding the dangers of concomitant BZD and opioid use PC appointment 1/2017 – 6/2017 ≥ 18 years old n = 114 No Cancer n = 21 No BZD n = 35 Cancer Diagnosis n = 93 Prescribed ≥ 1 BZD n = 58 97% Objectives Anxiety 55% of patients prescribed Determine the prevalence of & indications for BZD prescribing in patients living with cancer receiving palliative care (PC) services Determine concomitant use of medications that interact with BZDs to increase risk of respiratory depression Limitations BZDs for Procedures 26% Small sample size Actual vs. prescribed BZD use indeterminable from retrospective chart review anxiety or sleep Sleep 10% were also prescribed an opioid Future Opportunities Prevalence of BZD & Other Respiratory Depressing Agents, n=58 Identify prescribers initiating BZD therapy for anxiety & sleep Evaluate chronic BZD use/indications Educate prescribers & patients on BZD risk and interactions Methods Muscle relaxant Retrospective chart review: Demographics BZD prescribed & indication Concomitant respiratory depressant prescribed Sedative hypnotic Gabapentinoid Opioid References Bachhuber M, et al. American Journal of Public Health 2016