INVEGA SUSTENNA® now reimbursed in Newfoundland

~ Eligible individuals living with schizophrenia in Newfoundland will now have access to a once-monthly treatment option ~

TORONTO, Feb. 27, 2014 /CNW/ - As of February 15, Newfoundland joins seven other provinces in providing individuals living with schizophrenia access to INVEGA SUSTENNA^® (paliperidone palmitate), a long-acting monthly treatment option. Available through the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program (NLPDP), INVEGA SUSTENNA^® is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults (18 years and older).

"I congratulate the Newfoundland government for its decision to add INVEGA SUSTENNA^® to the public drug formulary for the treatment of schizophrenia," says Dr. Nizar Ladha*, a St. John's, Newfoundland psychiatrist. "I have seen firsthand the benefits of a long-acting treatment in helping patients stay adherent to medication, so that they can better manage their condition and live healthier, more productive lives."

Newfoundland is the eighth province in Canada to include INVEGA SUSTENNA^® on their public formularies, joining British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

In June 2010, INVEGA SUSTENNA^® was the first monthly long-acting injectable (LAI) atypical anti-psychotic approved by Health Canada for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia.¹It is administered by a healthcare provider and offers patients an alternative to daily oral medications. Treatment adherence is a major barrier to the effective management of schizophrenia, and research has shown that LAIs given at two to four week intervals²support medication monitoring³which can lead to improved adherence and may prevent relapses in vulnerable patients.⁴

Individuals living with schizophrenia, their caregivers and health care professionals in Newfoundland are encouraged to learn more about the specific eligibility requirements that must be met for the reimbursement of INVEGA SUSTENNA^® by accessing the published list of medications covered by the Newfoundland and Labrador Prescription Drug Program found at the following link.

Schizophrenia in Canada

Schizophrenia is a chronic and serious condition that impairs a person's ability to function to their potential when not treated.⁵ The condition affects one per cent of Canadians.⁶ It is a psychotic disorder that interferes with a person's ability to think clearly, manage emotions, make decisions and relate to others. The disease involves a loss of contact with reality, making it very difficult for a person to distinguish between what is real and what is not. Finding the right medication is one important aspect of symptom management, but other services are also needed in order to promote recovery.  Rehabilitation strategies involving work, school and relationship goals are also essential and need to be addressed in creating a plan of care.

About Janssen Inc.

Janssen Inc. is one of the Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, which are dedicated to addressing and solving some of the most important unmet medical needs in oncology, immunology, neuroscience, infectious diseases and vaccines, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. Driven by our commitment to patients, we bring innovative products, services and solutions to people throughout the world. Please visit www.janssen.ca for more information.

All trademark rights used under license.
*Dr. Nizar Ladha was not compensated for any media work. He has been a paid consultant to Janssen Inc.

References

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¹ INVEGA SUSTENNA^® Product Monograph, Janssen Inc., December 9, 2013.
² Pharmacotherapy for schizophrenia: Long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs.  http://www.uptodate.com/contents/pharmacotherapy-for-schizophrenia-long-acting-injectable-antipsychotic-drugs.
³ The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: Recommendations for Clinicians. Vol. 58, No 5, Supplement 1. May 2013. Page 10S.
⁴ Lambert T. Practical management of schizophrenia: The role of long-acting antipsychotics. Int Clin Psychopharmacol June 4, 2013 epub ahead of print.
⁵ Schizophrenia Society of Canada.  http://www.schizophrenia.ca/learn_more_about_schizophrenia.php#1.
⁶ Public Health Agency of Canada. http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/miic-mmac/chap_3-eng.php.

SOURCE: Janssen Inc.

For further information:

For more information, or to arrange an interview with Dr. Ladha, please contact: 

Alexandra Fahmey
Edelman
[e-mail]
[phone]

Jennifer McCormack
Janssen Inc.
[e-mail]
[phone]