Aripiprazole Once-Monthly Versus Oral Aripiprazole for Schizophrenia in the Maintenance Phase: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

Introduction To examine whether aripiprazole once-monthly (AOM) was more beneficial than oral aripiprazole (OARI) in the treatment of adults with schizophrenia during the maintenance phase. Methods We performed a systematic review and network meta-analysis of double-blind, randomized controlled trials that included two of the following treatments: AOM, OARI, and placebo. Results We identified four studies involving 1830 adults. Relapse rates at 26 weeks were lower for both AOM (odds ratio [OR] 0.240, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.169-0.341) and OARI (OR=0.306, 95%CI=0.217-0.431) than for placebo, although their treatment outcomes did not differ significantly (OR=0.786, 95%CI=0.529-1.168). Rates of all-cause discontinuation were also lower with AOM (OR=0.300, 95% CI=0.227-0.396) and OARI (OR=0.441, 95%CI=0.333-0.582) than with placebo. The rate of all-cause discontinuation was lower with AOM than with OARI (OR=0.681, 95% CI=0.529-0.877)]. Other outcomes did not differ significantly between AOM and OARI. Discussion Although both AOM and OARI were efficacious in the treatment of schizophrenia during the maintenance phase, AOM was better accepted than OARI.