uses
What is Abilify Maintena used for?Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) is commonly used to treat schizophrenia, which is a mental health condition that affects the way you think, act, express emotions, and perceive reality. Abilify Maintena is also commonly used to treat bipolar I disorder. Bipolar I disorder is when you have at least one episode of mania (also known as a manic episode). Depressive episodes and/or mixed episodes (manic and depressive episodes happening together) can also occur. Learn more about Managing Bipolar I With Abilify Maintena.Abilify Maintena may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
See also : Abilify Asimtufii, Aripiprazole, Aristada, and OpipzaHow does Abilify Maintena work (mechanism of action)?Abilify Maintena belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics.
It is thought to work by balancing brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known to affect thoughts and mood.How is Abilify Maintena supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesAbilify MaintenaDosage forms and strengthsAbilify Maintena is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.How should I store Abilify Maintena?Abilify Maintena is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. You will not store it at home.how to use
liquid that is injected into a muscle
drug interactions
Does Abilify Maintena interact with foods or drinks?There are no known interactions between Abilify Maintena and foods or drinks.You should not drink alcohol while receiving Abilify Maintena. Drinking alcohol while using Abilify Maintena could increase your risk of sleepiness, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing. Does Abilify Maintena interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before receiving Abilify Maintena.Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infectionsParoxetine or fluoxetine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depressionCarbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve painA medicine for high blood pressureA benzodiazepine, such as lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizuresMany other medicines may alter the blood levels of Abilify Maintena. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Abilify Maintena. Always check with your healthcare provider.
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Abilify Maintena?The most common side effects of Abilify Maintena are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Weight gainRestlessness (akathisia)Pain at the injection siteDrowsinessThere may be other side effects of Abilify Maintena that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Abilify Maintena?While less common, the most serious side effects of Abilify Maintena are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Abilify Maintena may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop receiving Abilify Maintena and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painUnusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Abilify Maintena can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.Uncontrolled Movements. Abilify Maintena can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.Tongue sticking outLip smacking or puckeringGrimacingRapid eye blinkingJerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunkNeuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like Abilify Maintena, may cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.High feverMuscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to moveConfusion Changes in your breathing or heart rateIncreased sweatingBlood Disorders. Abilify Maintena can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.FeverShortness of breathFrequent infectionUnusual weakness or tirednessDizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass outHeadacheFast or abnormal heartbeatMetabolism Problems. Receiving Abilify Maintena can cause high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work and weight. Call your healthcare provider if you gain weight or develop the following symptoms of high blood sugar.Thirsty more than usualPeeing more than usualIncrease in hungerTirednessFeeling sick to your stomachConfusionYour breath smelling fruityLow Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) or Falls. Abilify Maintena may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position, especially when starting the medicine or increasing the dose. This may increase your risk of falling. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standingBlurred visionConfusionFeeling weakSeizures. Some people who have received Abilify Maintena have reported having seizures. Your risk may be higher if you have certain health conditions, some of which may be more common in people 65 years of age or older. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop receiving Abilify Maintena and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movementsStiffening of your arms and legsFeeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dreadFeeling dizzy or lightheadedFalling or losing consciousnessBody Temperature Regulation. Abilify Maintena can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms of dehydration.Excessive or no sweatingDry mouthFeeling very hotFeeling thirsty Not able to peeTrouble Swallowing. Abilify Maintena can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase your risk of choking while eating or drinking. Eat small amounts of food, and chew your food well. Get emergency help if you are choking or have food stuck in your esophagus that is not passing.
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Abilify Maintena?If you or someone else has used too much Abilify Maintena, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Abilify Maintena?You should try to not miss a dose of Abilify Maintena. If you miss an appointment to get your Abilify Maintena dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Abilify Maintena?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Abilify Maintena.Abilify MaintenaAripiprazoleAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Abilify Maintena.What should I know about Abilify Maintena before using it?Abilify Maintena is given to you by a healthcare provider as a once-a-month injection in your arm or butt muscle.You should have taken aripiprazole (the medicine in Abilify Maintena) by mouth before starting Abilify Maintena to make sure you tolerate the medicine. After your first dose of Abilify Maintena, your healthcare provider may have you continue to take aripiprazole by mouth or your current antipsychotic by mouth for two weeks.You should not receive another dose of Abilify Maintena within 26 days of your last injection.Because Abilify Maintena can make it hard for you to regulate your body temperature, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, do not overexercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.Abilify Maintena can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Abilify Maintena affects you.People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Abilify Maintena. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Abilify Maintena?Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Abilify Maintena is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, and transient ischemic attack (TIA) that can lead to death in older adults who receive Abilify Maintena or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Abilify Maintena is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.Blood Disorders. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had a low white blood cell level. Receiving Abilify Maintena may lower your white blood cell level even more and may increase your risk of developing an infection.Blood Sugar. Tell your healthcare provider if you have diabetes, high blood sugar, or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar. Receiving Abilify Maintena may cause your blood sugar to increase.Seizures. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had a seizure in the past. Receiving Abilify Maintena may increase your chance of having a seizure.Blood Pressure. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had a history of high or low blood pressure. Your blood pressure may be affected while receiving Abilify Maintena. Heart Problems or Stroke. Tell your healthcare provider if you have had a stroke or heart problems. Receiving Abilify Maintena may increase your chance of having a stroke or heart problems, especially if you are older.Injection Site. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any problems with your arm or butt muscle that may affect your ability to receive the Abilify Maintena injection.Other Medicines and Supplements. Abilify Maintena may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving Abilify Maintena, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. Abilify Maintena used later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should receive Abilify Maintena while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while receiving Abilify Maintena, you can register for the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about pregnant women who are receiving Abilify Maintena.Breastfeeding. Abilify Maintena passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should receive Abilify Maintena while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about Abilify Maintena?For more information about Abilify Maintena, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.abilifymaintena.com/bipolar-I or www.abilifymaintena.com/schizophrenia or call them at 800-441-6763.
about
Abilify Maintena is used to treat mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is a long-acting injection given into a muscle. Common side effects include restlessness, drowsiness, and pain at the injection site. Abilify Maintena can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Try to avoid getting overheated, stay hydrated, and wear light and breathable clothing while you are using Abilify Maintena.