A new medication called Invega Trinza has been approved by Health Canada for people who have schizophrenia.
The medication, which is taken four times a year versus once a month, reduces the time a person goes off their medications and relapse into a state of delusions, hallucinations and psychosis.
Executive Director of the Manitoba Schizophrenia Society, Chris Summerville say when the drug was being tested at the time, 93% of the patients didn't relapse.
"That's very significant." said Summerville. "The main goal is helping people who live with schizophrenia not to experience a turn of psychotic symptoms. Every person that I have ever met who lives with schizophrenia and their family members and friends, say that's the main goal and also concern." Summerville adds.
The medication isn't available in Manitoba yet as provinces and territories in Canada are now at a stage where they are discussing if they want to bring the medication in and, if they will cover it.
