New position statement on clozapine
The College has today (Thursday 29 January) published a position statement that seeks to maximise the benefits of clozapine in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS) and ensure suitable patients are initiated on clozapine in a timely way.
There is convincing evidence that clozapine improves outcomes in patients with treatment (medication) resistant schizophrenia (TRS), where other medications have been tried but failed.
However, these improved outcomes are largely associated with clozapine being initiated soon after a diagnosis of TRS has been made.
It has been estimated that only a small proportion of patients whose illnesses fulfil the eligibility criteria for treatment with clozapine are currently prescribed this medication, often with a significant delay in its initiation; these are missed opportunities for securing the best outcomes for patients.
There are a number of potential barriers to the timely use of clozapine, which can be related to the attitudes and actions of clinicians and patients as well as issues in the relevant clinical services.
This position statement published by the College sets out practical, clinical and system-level strategies to support the appropriate and timely use of clozapine in patients with TRS, with the aim of improving clinical outcomes and reducing avoidable delays in care.