Bibliographic information
Recommendation
Long-acting injection (LAI) antipsychotic medicines – namely fluphenazine, haloperidol, paliperidone, risperidone and zuclopenthixol – should be considered as an alternative to oral antipsychotic medicines for adults with psychotic disorders (including schizophrenia) requiring long-term treatment, carefully balancing effectiveness, side-effects and individual preference
Recommended in favor
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Moderate
Notes and Remarks
Remarks y The medicines included in the recommendation correspond to the WHO EML (13), including both those that are currently included or being considered for addition. The above recommendation is based on the context, availability and costs of using LAIs.
Implementation considerations y With LAIs, compliance of people living with psychotic disorders with treatment plans can be improved. y Acquisition costs of LAIs can differ substantially and also throughout the world. y People living with long term psychotic disorders should be involved in medicine choice in a supported decision-making process, without coercion and in line with human rights instruments. y Treatment with antipsychotic medicines should be combined with psychosocial interventions (see other recommendations in this module – namely PSY11). y The dosing interval should be considered based on the LAIs prescribed and their recommended intervals. For further information on duration of treatment, please refer to recommendation PSY2.