Three-month paliperidone palmitate - a new treatment option for schizophrenia.

INTRODUCTION

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) were introduced to improve treatment adherence and tolerability of oral formulations. After risperidone was introduced as the first long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotic, during the last five years olanzapine pamoate, once-monthly paliperidone palmitate and once-monthly aripiprazole has also been marketed.

AREAS COVERED: A three-month injection of paliperidone palmitate (3MPP) was introduced in the North-American market in 2015. It will be gradually available in the rest of the world in the coming years. The principal aim of this review is to evaluate its efficacy and tolerability and to discuss the possible role it may play. Expert commentary: In the coming years an increase in the prescription rates of LAIAs is expected. 3MPP offers a substantially longer dosing interval than other options, which may be a potential advancement to reduce nonadherence. Future research and experiences will identify which subpopulation may obtain greater benefit from this new tool.