Long-acting intramuscular injectable form of paliperidone (Invega Sustenna) for schizophrenia

A long-acting intramuscular injectable or depot form of paliperidone was listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) as Authority required (streamlined) on 1 December 2011*.^1,2 It is an alternative to existing long-acting antipsychotics for people with schizophrenia. A maintenance dose is given once a month.³ Paliperidone is the main active metabolite of risperidone²: refer to the product information for information about switching people from oral paliperidone, or oral or injectable risperidone, to injectable paliperidone.³

*Paliperidone tablets have been PBS listed (Authority required [streamlined]) for schizophrenia since 1 April 2008.