7 FAQs on long-acting injectables

Genoa Healthcare recently hosted a webinar, where Senior Product Manager Blake Shoemaker, PharmD, answered frequently asked questions about long-acting injectables (LAIs) and what they can mean for the people you serve. Fill out this form to learn how Genoa’s LAI services can support your team and consumers.

1. What are LAIs?

LAIs are injectable forms of medications used to treat psychiatric conditions, substance use disorder (SUD), and HIV that provide extended release of the drug, helping ensure consistent therapeutic levels and medication adherence.

2. What are the benefits and challenges of using LAIs in various clinical settings?

LAI's can improve medication adherence and reduce the frequency of dosing, which is beneficial for people who have difficulty adhering to daily medication regimens. Challenges include insurance coverage/prior authorizations, adequate education on LAIs and addressing patient concerns about injections.

3. What are the commonly used LAIs for the treatment of severe mental illness, SUD, and HIV?

Commonly used LAIs for severe mental illness include Invega Sustenna, Abilify Maintena, Aristada, and Uzedy among others. LAIs utilized for SUD contain drugs like Vivitrol, Sublocade, and Brixadi, while the HIV category encompasses Apretude, Cabenuva, and Sunlenca.

4. What are the best practices for patient selection, administration, and monitoring of LAIs?

Best practices include conducting thorough oral trials to ensure tolerance, selecting consumers who have difficulty adhering to oral medications, and closely monitoring for side effects and efficacy after administration.

5. What are the best practices for patient selection, administration, and monitoring of LAIs?

Non-adherence can lead to worsening of symptoms, increased hospitalizations, and overall poorer health outcomes. LAIs help improve adherence by reducing the frequency of dosing and ensuring consistent medication levels in the body.

6. How can Genoa help bridge gaps in LAI care?

Genoa specializes in filling LAIs and can administer them where authorized by law. Our teams can also assist with prior authorizations, manage samples, and ship offsite if necessary.

7. Will there be any changes to developing, prescribing or administering LAIs either due to regulatory or supply chain changes in the near future?

There are no anticipated changes to the supply chain for LAIs at this time, and there are alternative medications available if needed. Your Genoa pharmacy team will keep you updated if changes occur.

Have questions about LAIs or how Genoa’s LAI services can support your team and consumers? Fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch.

About the author:

Blake Shoemaker, PharmD, serves as the Senior manager of Genoa’s Pharmacy Product team, overseeing the education and training of pharmacists on LAI therapies, LAI policy and procedure, and Genoa’s opportunities for growth in pharmacist-led LAI administration services. His efforts support Genoa pharmacy teams, enabling them to provide exceptional care to the people and partners they serve.