Long-term observation of patients successfully switched to risperidone long-acting injectable: A retrospective, naturalistic 18-month mirror-image study of hospitalization rates and therapy costs

Abstract

Objective. The aim of the present 18-month retrospective study was to assess the association between a continuous long-term treatment with risperidone long-acting injectable (RLAI) of at least 12 months and in-patient care of patients suffering of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Furthermore we wanted to assess the cost-effectiveness of a long-term treatment with RLAI. Methods. In a mirror-image design, data of 119 patients with schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder who were switched to RLAI treatment were analyzed retrospectively. Hospitalization rates, the duration of inpatient treatment and the overall treatment costs were assessed 12 and 18 months after switching to RLAI and compared to the equivalent time preceding the switch. Results. After 12 and 18 months of RLAI treatment, the mean reduction of inpatient care was 27.4 and 38.4 days per patient, respectively, compared to the equivalent time period prior to switching to RLAI (Wilcoxon P < 0.001). The overall savings in drug and institutional-care costs were 21.1 and 21.9%, respectively. Conclusions. Patients receiving RLAI for at least 12 months showed a reduction in inpatient days and lower overall treatment costs.

Key Words::

• Risperidone
• schizophrenia
• healthcare resource
• hospitalization
• antipsychotics

Acknowledgments

We thank Dr Sybille Hornung-Knobel from the Isar-Amper-Klinikum Muenchen-Ost, Germany, for her cooperation in identifying RLAI-treated patients.

Statement of interest

This research was supported by Janssen-Cilag. No influence was exerted on the analysis or the presentation of the results of the study. Dr Spill has received honoraria from AstraZeneca and Dr Rönsberg GmbH. Dr Spill has accepted travel and hospitality payments from AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers-Squibb and Janssen-Cilag. S. Konoppa: no conflict of interest. Dr Kissling has received honoraria, travel and hospitality payments from Janssen-Cilag, Sanofi-Aventis, Lundbeck, Lilly, AstraZeneca, Bayer, Johnson & Johnson and Bristol-Myers-Squibb. Dr Maino: no conflict of interest. Dr Messer has received honoraria and travel or hospitality payment from Eli Lilly, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Wyeth, Pfizer, Novartis, Astra Zeneca, Lundbeck and Janssen-Cilag. Dr Heres has received honoraria from Janssen-Cilag, Sanofi-Aventis, Lundbeck, Eli Lilly and Johnson & Johnson. Dr Heres has accepted travel or hospitality payment from Janssen-Cilag, Sanofi-Aventis, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Bristol-Myers-Squibb, AstraZeneca, Lundbeck, Novartis and Eli Lilly.