How to Take This Medicine

Abilify Asimtufii is provided in a pre-filled syringe containing a suspension. Your healthcare provider will prepare this syringe and administer the injection into the muscle of your buttock. You might experience some discomfort during the injection, which could lessen over time.

The standard dosage is 960 mg every two months (56 days following the last injection). If necessary, your healthcare provider might give you a smaller dose. The appropriate dosage of Abilify Asimtufii for you will be determined by your doctor. If you are receiving Abilify Maintena, your subsequent dose might be substituted with a single injection of Abilify Asimtufii.

To help manage your symptoms and lower the chance of relapse, Abilify Asimtufii should be administered every two months (56 days after the previous injection). Do not discontinue your treatment simply because you feel better. It is crucial to continue using Abilify Asimtufii for the duration your doctor advises. It may take several days to weeks, or even longer, before you notice any improvement. Your doctor will monitor your progress at regular intervals.

Side Effects

If you experience any other symptoms that make you feel unwell, please inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist. It’s possible that additional side effects, not mentioned here, could occur in certain individuals.

Important Warnings

If you have a known allergy to aripiprazole or any other components listed at the end of this leaflet, ensure you verify the ingredients before using this medication. Allergic reactions can manifest as difficulty breathing, wheezing, facial swelling, or skin reactions like rashes, itching, or hives.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to other medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes. It’s crucial to disclose any existing medical conditions, particularly if you have dementia and are elderly, or if you have experienced neuroleptic malignant syndrome, characterized by a sudden rise in body temperature, sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, and variable blood pressure, which could lead to coma.

Be aware of tardive dyskinesia, a condition involving involuntary movements of the tongue or other parts of the mouth, which may extend to the limbs. Discuss with your doctor if you have issues with blood pressure, whether high or low, or if you experience a rapid heartbeat and a drop in blood pressure upon standing.

Heart or vascular problems, including a history of stroke or “mini” strokes, should be communicated to your doctor. If you have epilepsy or a history of seizures, or if you are on medications that might increase your risk of falling due to low blood pressure or excessive drowsiness, inform your healthcare provider.

Discuss any difficulties with swallowing or issues with your oesophagus. If you have high blood sugar or diabetes mellitus, or a family history of these conditions, it’s important to notify your doctor. Similarly, if you have a history of blood clots or risk factors such as family history, age over 65, smoking, obesity, recent major surgery, immobility, or use of oral contraceptives, share this information with your healthcare provider.

Inform your doctor if you have a history of compulsive behaviors, such as excessive gambling, or if you have experienced a low white blood cell count. Additionally, disclose any other medical conditions that might affect receiving an injection in your arm or buttocks, and any other medications you are taking.

Avoid alcohol as it may intensify the side effects of Abilify Asimtufii. If you haven’t already discussed any of the above with your doctor, do so before starting this medication. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medication.

During treatment, be aware of potential side effects and understand how to monitor them. Refer to Section 6 for more details on side effects. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. Abilify Asimtufii should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. If used during the last trimester, newborns may experience symptoms like shaking, muscle stiffness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing issues, and feeding difficulties. Contact your doctor immediately if these occur.

If you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, discuss with your doctor whether to continue breastfeeding or to use Abilify Asimtufii, as you should not do both. Your doctor will help determine the best feeding option for your baby.

If you feel light-headed, dizzy, or faint, be cautious when standing up from a sitting or lying position. Rising slowly may help. Abilify Asimtufii can affect your body’s response to temperature changes, potentially reducing sweating even in hot weather. To stay cool, wear light clothing, spend time in air-conditioned spaces, drink plenty of water, take cool baths or showers, and avoid hot baths and saunas. Limit physical activity to cooler times of the day.

Alcohol & Driving

Exercise caution when operating vehicles or handling machinery until you are aware of how Abilify Asimtufii influences your abilities. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider if you consume alcohol.

Refrain from drinking alcohol while taking Abilify Asimtufii, as this medication can amplify the effects of alcohol.

Storage

Your healthcare provider will keep Abilify Asimtufii safely stored until it is time for your injection. The medication must remain in its original packaging and be kept in a dry location where the temperature does not exceed 30°C.

It is important that Abilify Asimtufii is not used past the expiration date indicated on the box. Any unused portions of the medicine will be properly disposed of by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.