This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and metabolic effects of paliperidone palmitate (invega sustenna) injection against oral olanzapine in first-episode schizophrenia (FES) patients. The benefits of long acting injectable is that it could reduce the need for daily dosing and subsequent fluctuations in plasma concentration, thereby reducing the occurrence of relapse. Focusing on FES patients can provide an opportunity to examine antipsychotic therapeutic treatment and adverse effects where important initial treatment effects take place with less interference from uncontrollable factors.
Eligible patients were randomized to receive either paliperidone palmitate (PP) or olanzapine. Efficacy assessments and weight-related parameters were assessed at baseline, weeks 1, 5, 9, and endpoint or at early withdrawal. Lipid, glucose, insulin and prolactin were evaluated at baseline and endpoint or at early withdrawal. Overall, 57 patients underwent randomization, and 26 pts in the PP group and 25 pts in the olanzapine group completed the study.
The study concluded that both PP and olanzapine showed similar improvement in the treatment of FES patients. It also reinforced the necessity for regular monitoring of metabolic parameters in schizophrenia patients who are prescribed atypical antipsychotics.
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