Comparative Study on the Use of Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics in Three Different Psychiatric Treatment Facilities in Saskatchewan, Canada

Abstract

This study examined the prevalence of Long Acting Injectable (LAI) antipsychotics prescription and explored the nature and scope of such prescriptions in the context of polypharmacy in three major psychiatric treatment facilities in Saskatchewan, Canada. A cross-sectional study approach was used to collect data on LAI antipsychotics prescription details and de-identified demographics on all patients on admission on a specified date at the three study sites. Despite the availability of second generation LAI antipsychotics, first generation LAI antipsychotics accounted for 83.3% of the prescriptions (N = 96). Risperdal Consta was the only second generation LAI antipsychotic medication prescribed out of the six LAI antipsychotics in use. The most commonly prescribed LAI antipsychotic was zuclopenthixol decanoate (44.1%, N = 53). Most of the LAI antipsychotics were prescribed within the recommended dosages. Biweekly administration was the most common interval for the prescription of LAI antipsychotics (75%, N = 90). Polypharmacy was present amongst all patients including those on LAI antipsychotics. Co-prescription of antiparkinsonian medication was associated with the prescription of LAI antipsychotics. Patients with the diagnosis of Schizophrenia had more prescriptions for Zuclopenthixol decanoate (44.4%) and Risperidone Consta (24.4%) than those with the diagnoses of bipolar disorder (23.3% and 14.7%, respectively). A longitudinal approach to examining the LAI antipsychotic prescription practice would help to determine if concomitant prescription of LAI antipsychotics is associated with decrease in oral antipsychotic load.