Critically ill adult patients up to 65 years of age in intensive care (ICU) are at increased risk of death with dexmedetomidine treatment. The Medicines Evaluation Board (MEB) advises healthcare providers to carefully weigh up the risks and benefits of treatment with the drug. The product information is being adjusted. This is reported by the MEB.
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Dexmedetomidine is used to make patients calm or sleepy (sedation). The patient is then slightly sedated or asleep, but can still work through speech. Also, the drug is suitable for surgery or diagnostic procedures where the patient remains awake.
In a study of more than 3,900 sick, adult ICU patients who needed ventilators, dexmedetomidine was compared with other sedatives. In the age group up to 65 years, an increased risk of death has been seen with the use of a dexmedetomidine, especially in younger patents that are included in the ICU for a reason other than admission after surgery. In the product information of drugs containing dexmedetomidine, there will be a warning and a description of the evidence and those risk factors.
By: National Care Guide
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