Efficacy and tolerability Aripiprazole once-monthly long-acting injectable in schizophrenia. Two-injection start regimen

Abstract

IntroductionAripiprazole once-monthly is a long-acting intramuscular injectable formulation of aripiprazole. The starting dose can be administered by following one of two regimens: • One injection start: On the day of initiation, administer one injection of 400 mg Aripiprazole once monthly and continue treatment with 10 mg to 20 mg oral aripiprazole per day for 14 consecutive days • Two injection start (New regimen): On the day of initiation, administer two separate injections of 400 mg Aripiprazole once monthly at separate injection sites, along with one 20 mg dose of oral aripiprazole.ObjectivesTo assess the effectiveness and tolerability of Aripiprazole long-acting injectable (ALAI) in patients with schizophrenia. The starting dose was administered following the two injection start regimenMethodsSample:10 patients with schizophrenia (DSM 5 criteria) who started treatment with ALAI. The starting dose was administered following the two injection start regimen. On a tri-monthly basis, the following evaluations were performed during a follow-up period of 6 months: The Clinical Global Impression-Schizophrenia scale (CGI-SCH), treatment adherence, the number of hospitalizations and Side effects reportedResultsMean variations from baseline scores at 6 months was (-1.1 ±0.89) on the GCI-SCH. The percentage of patients who remained free of admissions at the end of the 6 months was 90%. The rate of adherence to treatment after 6 months was 80%. The most frequent side effect was transient mild insomnia (20%) .ConclusionsAripiprazole long-acting injectable (The starting dose was administered following the two injection start regimen) is effective, safe and well tolerated in clinical practice conditionsDisclosureNo significant relationships.