Effects of aripiprazole long-acting two-injection start in patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Huelva (Spain)

Abstract

Introduction Improving outcomes in schizophrenia generally involves an improvement in drug adherence. Aripiprazole two-injection start (TIS) is the newest option of available on the market, with limited data on its effects. Objectives It was our goal to evaluate whether TIS has an effect on hospitalization rates, persistence and adverse events in patients with schizophrenia. Methods This 12-months cross-sectional study included 32 patients suffering from schizophrenia (mean age 33.6 years; 22 males). We collected sociodemographic data on all individuals, hospitalization rates, persistence, use of neuroleptic drugs as well as adverse events. Results Before starting TIS, the mean in terms of number of hospitalizations was 5.6, emergency department visits 8.7 and hospitalization days 12. After TIS, hospitalization rates was 22%, persistence 81%, adverse events were present in 3% of the patients and only 9% needed concomitant treatment with neuroleptic drugs. Conclusions The findings imply that TIS should be considered a first-line treatment choice for schizophrenic patients. It results in a decrease in the use of hospital services, which might ease the socioeconomic healthcare burden. Disclosure of Interest None Declared