Persistence and adherence to second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectable medications for schizophrenia: A comparative study in the Australian context

Abstract

To examine patient characteristics, persistence and adherence to treatment associated with use of second-generation antipsychotic long-acting injectable (SGA LAI) medications in the Australian real-world setting. Five SGA LAIs were compared using a retrospective 10% sample of prescriptions in Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data: paliperidone palmitate 1-monthly (PP1M), paliperidone palmitate 3-monthly (PP3M), aripiprazole monohydrate (ARI), risperidone (RLAI) and olanzapine pamoate (OLAI). Patients in the PP3M cohort were more persistent with treatment (p < 0.001). Median months of persistence: PP3M (36months); ARI (18months); PP1M (11months); OLAI (8months); RLAI (4months). Patients in the PP3M cohort were more adherent to treatment (p < 0.001): PP3M (78%); ARI (51%); PP1M (46%); OLAI (35%); RLAI (33%). Patients on PP3M treatment showed comparatively longer persistence and better adherence. Treatments for schizophrenia with longer dosing intervals may provide patients with symptomatic stability that could allow for reduced hospitalisations/relapse and increased focus on functional recovery.