Use of atypical antipsychotics in the treatment of schizophrenia in the Brazilian National Health System: a cohort study, 2008-2017

Author(s)

Izabela Fulone ^[1] ; Marcus Tolentino Silva ^[2] ; Luciane Cruz Lopes ^[3]

Affiliation

^[1] Universidade de Sorocaba. Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas - Brasil

^[2] Universidade de Sorocaba. Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas - Brasil

^[3] Universidade de Sorocaba. Departamento de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas - Brasil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Epidemiol. Serv. Saúde; v. 32, n. 1 2023-03-20.

Abstract

Abstract Objective: to investigate sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of users of atypical antipsychotics receiving care via the Specialized Component of Pharmaceutical Assistance (Componente Especializado da Assistência Farmacêutica - CEAF), for the treatment of schizophrenia in Brazil, between 2008 and 2017. Methods: this was a retrospective cohort study using records of the authorizations for high complexity procedures retrieved from the Outpatient Information System of the Brazilian National Health System, from all Brazilian states. Results: of the 759,654 users, 50.5% were female, from the Southeast region (60.2%), diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (77.6%); it could be seen a higher prevalence of the use of risperidone (63.3%) among children/adolescents; olanzapine (34.0%) in adults; and quetiapine (47.4%) in older adults; about 40% of children/adolescents were in off-label use of antipsychotics according to age; adherence to CEAF was high (82%), and abandonment within six months was 24%. Conclusion: the findings expand knowledge about the sociodemographic and clinical profile of users and highlight the practice of off-label use. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 17/20668-7 - Actions and strategies for the follow-up of patients with deinstitutionalized mental disorders
• Grantee: Izabela Fulone
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate