Genoa Healthcare recently hosted a webinar where Senior Product Manager Blake Shoemaker, PharmD, answered frequently asked questions about long-acting injectables (LAIs) and how they can support the people you serve. Click here to watch the full webinar and fill out this form to learn how Genoa’s LAI services can make a difference for 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. They provide extended release of the drug, ensuring consistent therapeutic levels and medication adherence.
2. What are the benefits and challenges of using LAIs in various clinical settings?
LAIs 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 surrounding 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 Invenga Sustenna, Abilify Maintena, Aristada and Uzedy. For SUD, LAIs such as Vivitrol, Sublocade, and Brixadi are used, while Apretude, Cabenuva, and Sunlenca can treat HIV.
4. What are 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 impact does non-adherence have on the people you serve, and how do treatment options like LAIs help improve outcomes?
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, where allowed by law, can administer them, assist with prior authorizations, manage samples and ship off-site if necessary.
7. Will there by 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?
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About the author
Blake Shoemaker, PharmD, serves as 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.
