Impact of initiating long-acting injectable antipsychotics on hospitalization in patients with bipolar I disorder

Aim: To compare risk of hospitalization in patients with bipolar I disorder (BD-I) initiating long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs). Materials & methods: Using Truven Health Analytics MarketScan ® (Medicaid, Commercial and Medicare Supplemental) databases (2012–2016), patients (≥18 years) with BD-I with a LAI (aripiprazole once monthly [AOM 400], fluphenazine-LAI, haloperidol-LAI, risperidone-LAI and paliperidone-4-week-LAI) were identified. Results: The adjusted odds of having hospitalization were significantly higher in haloperidol-LAI (Odds ratio [95% CI]: 1.39 [1.03–1.87] all-cause; p = 0.029; 1.41 [1.03–1.93] psychiatric-specific; p = 0.032) and risperidone-LAI (1.54 [1.12–2.13]; p = 0.009; 1.68 [1.20–2.37]; p = 0.003) users versus AOM 400 users. Risks of hospitalization did not differ comparing fluphenazine-LAI and paliperidone-LAI users with AOM 400 users. Conclusion: AOM 400 may be more beneficial at reducing hospitalization rates in BD-I versus haloperidol-LAI and risperidone-LAI.