Expert insights on the use of long-acting injectables in schizophrenia

Long-acting injectables (LAIs) are commonly used in the treatment for schizophrenia.1 Administered via injection; their concentrated formulations release the antipsychotic drug slowly over time – allowing a maintenance dose of therapy to be delivered at intervals of 2 weeks to several months.1 Treatment with LAIs is associated with improved adherence, improved clinical outcomes, and a reduced risk of relapse and rehospitalization.1,2 However, despite being amongst the most effective treatments in psychiatry they remain underutilized in clinical practice.3 Watch leading experts provide their insights into the challenges and barriers around the use of LAIs in clinical practice, and how to overcome these.

Dr. Kane, MD (Professor of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell, New York), Dr. Citrome, MD, MPH (Clinical Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, New York Medical College and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, New York), and Dr. Rubio, MD (Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Zucker School of Medicine, Hofstra/Northwell, New York) convened at the American Psychological Association Congress, which took place in New Orleans, to share their expert insights on the use of long-acting injectables (LAIs) in patients with schizophrenia. The experts explored how healthcare providers (HCPs) can unlock the clinical value of LAIs, with a particular focus on why LAIs are underutilized, the common misconceptions surrounding this treatment, and the challenges that HCPs need to be aware of when initiating treatment with LAIs.

Click on the links below to hear expert insights from these key opinion leaders on the use of long-acting injectables in patients with schizophrenia

Why do you think long-acting injectable antipsychotics are underutilized?

What are some of the common misconceptions you hear from physicians regarding long-acting injectables?

What challenges do you consider when initiating long-acting injectable antipsychotics in your patients with schizophrenia?

Which clinical scenarios would prompt you to discuss initiating a long-acting injectable psychotic? 

Compared with oral antipsychotics, what are some of the drawbacks of using long-acting injectable antipsychotics, and how do you address this in your clinical practice?

References

  1. Zolezzi M, Abouelhassan R, Eltorki Y, Haddad PM, Noorizadeh M. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics: a sysyematic review of their non systemic advese effect profile. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2021;17:1917–26
  2. Brissos S, Veguilla MR, Taylor D, Balanzá-Martinez V. The role of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia: a critical appraisal. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2014;4: 198–219
  3. Correll C, Citrome L, Haddad PM, et al. The use of long-acting antipsychotics in schizophrenia: evaluating the evidence. J Clin Psychiatry. 2016;77:1–24

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