Access to Medications
Summit Supports Access to New Anti-psychotic Medications
In December, 2006, the United State Food and Drug Administration approved Invega (paliperidone) extended-release tablets, a new atypical antipsychotic, for the treatment of schizophrenia. The once-daily oral medication is designed to deliver paliperidone – the active ingredient derived from risperidone – through an extended-release technology. Unfortunately, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS), which administers the Illinois Medicaid program, has indicated that it may not even review this medication for inclusion in its formulary for as long as six months. DHFS has offered no explanation for this delay. The Summit urges mental health advocates to communicate to DHFS that it should review Invega promptly and include it in the Medicaid forumulary unless it finds sound clinical reasons for not doing so.