A retrospective study of clinical usage of quetiapine XR and quetiapine IR in outpatients with schizophrenia in Denmark

Objectives The atypical antipsychotic quetiapine is a first-line treatment for schizophrenia. This non-interventional study (NCT01212575) evaluated the clinical use of its two formulations, extended release (XR) and immediate release (IR), in outpatients with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. Methods Patients who had received at least one dose of quetiapine XR and/or IR were included. A dosage ≥400mg/day was defined as antipsychotic. Medical records data were collected retrospectively. Results Of 186 enrolled patients, 99 (53%) and 87 (47%) received quetiapine XR and IR, respectively. Use in antipsychotic dosage was seen for 89% XR versus 63% IR patients (mean daily dose ≥400mg/day; p<0.0001). 75% XR and 53% IR patients used dosages ≥600mg/day (p=0.0019). Quetiapine XR was used at higher mean daily dosages than IR (748 vs 566mg/day; p=0.006). Forty-three patients (23%) used both formulations concomitantly; 55 patients (30%) used either XR or IR. Quetiapine IR was used as-needed in 44 patients (23%); one patient used XR as-needed. Conclusions Quetiapine XR was used more often in higher (antipsychotic) dosages; quetiapine IR more frequently on an as-needed administrationbasis.Concomitant use was seen. These findings probably reflect the different profiles of XR/IR and advocate the need for both formulations to offer treatment choice. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. key words—schizophrenia; quetiapine extended release; quetiapine immediate release; naturalistic study; outpatients; treatment choice