Don’t use a medication for long-term risk reduction if life expectancy is shorter than the time-to benefit of the medication.

The “time to benefit” is the period between initiation of an intervention (in this case, a medication) and the point when the patient begins to experience a benefit. This period varies from one medication to another. Treatment with a medication is usually not indicated unless the “time to benefit” is clearly shorter than the patient’s life expectancy and any potential adverse effects are deemed manageable. These factors are particularly relevant for older adults and those receiving palliative care.

 

Sources:

Holmes HM, et al. Rationalizing Prescribing for Older Patients with Multimorbidity: Considering Time to Benefit. Drugs Aging. 2013 Sep;30(9):655-666. PMID:23749475.