Factors Affecting Continuation of Aripiprazole Long-acting Injection in the Real World

Aripiprazole long-acting injection (LAI) is both effective and widely used in clinical practice. Notably, no previous studies have examined the factors affecting the continuation of aripiprazole LAI within the Korean population. This study aims to identify real-world factors contributing to the continuation of aripiprazole LAI.

A 1-year retrospective cohort study was conducted on 68 patients initiating aripiprazole LAI at Inha University Hospital, Korea. Patient medical records were reviewed to assess continuation rates, the duration from initiation to discontinuation, and reasons for discontinuation.

Overall, 27.9% of patients discontinued aripiprazole LAI within 12 months. The predominant reasons for discontinuation were insufficient efficacy (42.1%), adverse effects (31.6%), and preference for oral medication (21.1%). Univariate analysis revealed associations between discontinuation and patient compliance. After adjustment for sociodemographic factors, patient compliance and transitioning from paliperidone LAI to aripiprazole LAI were associated with the continuation of aripiprazole LAI. Multiple logistic regression analysis, adjusted for sociodemographic variables and compliance, identified significant associations between discontinuation and compliance.

This study supports the clinical effectiveness of aripiprazole LAI, demonstrated by a reduced one-year discontinuation rate compared to that observed in a paliperidone LAI study with a similar design. Large-scale, long-term prospective studies are essential to definitively ascertain the factors associated with LAI discontinuation.