Tolerability and safety of long-acting injectable aripiprazole

Abstract

Introduction

Long-acting injectable aripiprazole is the most recently introduced depot treatment in schizophrenia.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to determine the tolerability and safety of this new treatment.

Aims

The aim is to provide useful information regarding the use of this new drug.

Methods

Our sample consists on 20 patients treated with a monthly dose of long-acting ariprazole. They were previously stabilized on oral aripiprazole before the first injection. The data on tolerability and safety were obtained by face-to-face interviews, using the Hogan Drug Attitude Inventory, the Patient Satisfaction with Medication Questionnaire and the UKU Side Effects Scale.

Results

Our sample consists of 20 patients, with a 50/50 gender distribution and a mean age of 39 years. The average score in the satisfaction scale Hogan was positive (an average of 7.25). In the Patient Satisfaction With Medication Questionnaire, 85% said they were satisfied with the new treatment, compared with 15% who showed some degree of dissatisfaction with the change. Overall, 90% of patients showed a preference for the current treatment compared to the previous. The patients showed good tolerance to medication, with a low score in the UKU scale (total score = 13.5). Side effects did not interfere with daily activity of the patient.

Conclusions

Long acting injectable aripiprazole proved to be a safe treatment, with a good degree of acceptance among patients. These advantages makes of this new drug a useful addition to our kit tool.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.