The discontinuation of pipotiazine palmitate (piportil) and its discontents

Pipotiazine palmitate (piportil) is the depot formulation of the antipsychotic medication pipotiazine. Until its withdrawal from the market in 2014/15 due to production issues, piportil was used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Since then, many patients who were prescribed piportil will have started alternative antipsychotic medications to manage their condition. Stopping and switching antipsychotic medications is not normally recommended in patients who are stable their current medication regime as it may lead to an increased risk of relapse, symptoms and side effects. This study aims to investigate the effect of piportil’s withdrawal from the market. It will investigate which medications were used in piportil’s place and investigate whether or not there was an increase in rates or relapse and readmission to hospital at the time of discontinuation.