Long-acting injectable antipsychotics from the perspective of consumption and reimbursement from public health insurance in outpatient treatment of schizophrenia in the Czech Republic
Abstract
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are one of the mainstays of long-term treatment for schizophrenia. The production of the first classical long-acting injectable antipsychotics began in the 1970s and their use expanded, only to decline with the advent of second-generation oral antipsychotics with new properties.
Taking advantage of the beneficial properties of second-generation antipsychotics, including their neuroprotective effect, with 100% certainty of adherence, is made possible by the current range of long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotics. In the Czech Republic, the first second-generation antipsychotic in this dosage form was registered in 2003, and four active substances are currently available, the prescription of which remains limited by reimbursement restrictions.
The costs for health insurers have been gradually increasing over 20 years and have tripled when comparing 2014-2022. The first generic long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs are currently being marketed, the arrival of which will bring about a decline in reimbursement from public health insurance in this important segment of psychopharmacological treatment, theoretically allowing its further expansion towards appropriate patients.