Clozapine Monitoring Reform: Summary
Psychosis Australia is urging the TGA to update clozapine monitoring to reflect current evidence and improve safety, access, and consumer experience.
We recommend:
Modern ANC thresholds to reduce unnecessary treatment stops and ensure culturally safe care.
Simpler monitoring, with reduced ANC testing after the first two years.
Stronger adverse-effect monitoring through regular physical health checks.
Better shared-care, with GPs leading quarterly monitoring and psychiatrists reviewing care annually.
Clear, consumer-centred education at key points in treatment.
These changes will improve safety, reduce hospitalisations, and make clozapine more accessible for people with treatment-resistant schizophrenia.