A NATURALISTIC RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF ARIPIPRAZOLE ONCE- MONTHLY 400 MG USED FOR SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract Background Schizophrenia requires lifetime management with medication to prevent worsening of clinical features. Poor and non-adherence with antipsychotics is associated with an overall poor prognosis. Long-acting injectable antipsychotics seen as an intervention to improve adherence. Aripiprazole is considered atypical. Aripiprazole has a unique receptor profile as a partial agonist at the D2 receptor, resulting in fewer extrapyramidal symptoms and other side effects while still controlling psychotic symptoms. Aripiprazole is available as an oral daily medication, as well as a depot formulation – aripiprazole once-monthly. Real-world data on the efficacy and adverse effects of aripiprazole depot are needed. Aim & Objectives The aims of this study were to review the efficacy and safety/tolerability of aripiprazole once-monthly 400mg (AOM 400). Methods A naturalistic, retrospective study was conducted to examine the electronic records of schizophrenics who were receiving or had received aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg before May 2022. The patients received aripiprazole depot for over 12 months were enrolled. Hospitalization issue, psychiatric symptoms/signs and adverse effects were compared between pre- and post-aripiprazole depot treatment of 12 months. Results Sixty-one schizophrenic patients enrolled. Some patients had comorbid other mental disorders. Oral antipsychotic was effective in improving hallucinations, delusions and mood symptoms; these benefits were maintained or enhanced further with depot. We found score of Clinical Global Impression- Severity (CGI-S) decreased, also reduced concomitant medications. Twenty-one patients admitted in psychiatric ward prior using aripiprazole depot in one year, 9 patients hospitalized after using aripiprazole depot for 1 year, the admission rate reduced, days of hospitalization decreased too. By study end, only one patient (1.6%) discontinued aripiprazole depot. Only few side effects were noted, such as akathisia, anxiety, insomnia, weight gain, most of the severity of adverse effects were mild. Discussion & Conclusion Our data showed AOM 400 was effective and well tolerated. It reduced hospitalization rate and days of admission, also improved clinical manifestations of schizophrenia, no overt adverse effects were noted, but side effects should prompt full evaluations and management should be considered. Further close observation for a longer period is essential. References Dawood, J.G. Smith, N. Nadeem, C. Abbasian. Safety and effectiveness of long-acting injectable Aripiprazole in daily practice: A naturalistic retrospective study. European J Psychiatry. 2020; 34(2):82- 89.