Summary

Adherence to the use of oral forms of antipsychotic therapy, which usually require daily administration, is a major problem when treating patients with schizophrenia. Poor adherence is common and can lead to recurrence of symptoms and hospitalization. Paliperidone palmitate is a long-acting injectable formulation that may simplify the medication regimen for both patients and caregivers. This article discusses 3 double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized studies in patients with schizophrenia reported the efficacy and safety of 25, 50, or 100 mg equivalent paliperidone palmitate injected IM every 4 weeks.