Long-acting injectable antipsychotics: what, when, and how

Current guidelines for the treatment of patients with schizophrenia advocate that patients receive treatment with a long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotic medication if they prefer such treatment or if they have a history of poor or uncertain adherence. Available LAI formulations in the United States include first-generation antipsychotics (fluphenazine decanoate and haloperidol decanoate), risperidone/paliperidone containing products (risperidone microspheres, paliperidone palmitate, and risperidone subcutaneous), aripiprazole containing products (aripiprazole monohydrate and aripiprazole lauroxil), and olanzapine pamoate. LAI antipsychotics can address the guesswork about adherence status and patients may prefer them if they are offered this as a choice, including individuals early in their disease course. Additional approved indications in the United States for LAI antipsychotics include bipolar I disorder maintenance treatment for risperidone microspheres and aripiprazole monohydrate, and schizoaffective disorder for paliperidone palmitate once monthly. Differences and similarities among the different products are discussed, including guidance regarding optimal treatment selection. Tips are provided to enhance effective patient communication to maximize the likelihood of acceptance of this treatment modality.

Extent of use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in children and adolescents within Indiana Medicaid

Introduction: Oral formulations of the antipsychotics aripiprazole, asenapine, lurasidone, olanzapine, paliperidone, quetiapine, and risperidone are indicated for use in pediatrics for several diagnoses. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics are of interest in this special population because they may be used due to convenience and desire to improve adherence, despite limited support in the literature. The primary intent of this study is to provide descriptive information on the use of paliperidone palmitate, risperidone microspheres, aripiprazole extended-release injection, and olanzapine pamoate in pediatric patients within Indiana Medicaid. Methods: This study was a retrospective database analysis, which retrieved information from Indiana Medicaid over a 2-year timeframe spanning from July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2014. The study included the prescription medications filled for all children and adolescents within Indiana Medicaid who received the LAI antipsychotics paliperidone palmitate, risperidone microspheres, aripiprazole extended-release injection, and olanzapine pamoate. Results: From July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2014, 150 Indiana Medicaid patients younger than 18 years old were prescribed a LAI atypical antipsychotic. A total of 1013 LAI atypical antipsychotic doses were billed to Indiana Medicaid during the study period for pediatric patients. Paliperidone palmitate was billed most frequently. Discussion: Long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotics are being prescribed for children and adolescents within Indiana Medicaid, despite minimal clinical evidence supporting use. There is a need for further research in this area to increase generalizability of results and aid in implementation of policies to prevent inappropriate use of LAI antipsychotics in children and adolescents.

Long Term Efficacy of the Treatment with Olanzapine Pamoate, Risperidone and Aripiprazole Monohydrate

The use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) is considered to be an important treatment option, especially in early stages of schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and sustained remission in schizophrenia patients treated with three of the available LAIs substances: olanzapine pamoate, risperidone microspheres and aripiprazole monohydrate. A retrospective chart review study evaluating the efficacy of LAIs compared to oral antispychotics during a five years period was performed. Of the 102 patients included in the study, 52 (50.9%) continued LAIs: olanzapine pamoate (n = 20, 38.4%), risperidone microsphere (n = 22, 42.3%), aripiprazole monohydrate (n = 10, 19.3%). In the LAIs group the number of relapses was smaller than in the oral antipsychotics group (12 vs. 23, P [ 0.05) as well as the number of admissions (15 vs. 30, P [ 0.05). In conclusion, relapse in schizophrenia is strongly related to nonadherence. LAIs prescription overall was underutilized despite their efficacy. Future randomized studies are needed to evaluate the long term efficacy of LAIs compared to oral treatment.