Atypical deltoid injection on PBS

The first atypical deltoid injection for schizophrenia and related psychoses has been added to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Risperdal Consta Deltoid (risperidone) is a long-acting atypical antipsychotic that can be administered via the deltoid. Tim Lambert, Professor of Psychiatry at Concord Centre for Mental Health, expects the treatment will prevent relapses and improve adherence to treatments. “New long-acting therapies may help promote better patient outcomes, and I believe health care professionals and patients will welcome the greater level of choice offered by them,” he said. The drug is supplied with two separate (non-interchangeable) needles for injection and should be administered every two weeks by deep intramuscular deltoid or gluteus injection Oral antipsychotic supplementation should also be given during the first weeks of treatment....