How to Take This Medicine

Take ABILIFY once daily unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise. Swallow the tablets whole with a full glass of water. Adhere to the given instructions and continue using ABILIFY until your doctor instructs you to stop.

While ABILIFY aids in managing your condition, it does not provide a cure. Therefore, it is essential to take it consistently every day. You might notice an improvement in symptoms after several days or even weeks. Even if you start feeling better, do not discontinue ABILIFY without your doctor’s guidance.

Side Effects

Some side effects associated with Abilify may be less severe but still noteworthy. These can include issues related to the digestive system, such as indigestion, vomiting, and constipation.

In terms of discomfort, you might experience headaches or chest pain. General feelings of unease could manifest as insomnia, light-headedness, drowsiness, or feelings of agitation and anxiety. You may also find it difficult to remain still, with restless movements like tapping, marching in place, rocking, or frequently crossing and uncrossing your legs.

Feeling dizzy, particularly when standing up from a sitting or lying position, is another possible effect. Changes in sexual interest, either increased or altered, might occur. There is also a risk of elevated blood sugar levels, which could lead to excessive thirst, hunger, and weakness, or potentially trigger or worsen diabetes.

Weight fluctuations, either gain or loss, along with a reduced appetite, are possible. You might notice increased sweating, elevated blood pressure, or difficulty swallowing. Nausea and hiccups can also be present.

Regarding infections, you may become more susceptible to frequent illnesses, such as fevers, severe chills, sore throats, or mouth ulcers. Bleeding or bruising more easily than usual is another concern.

Speech difficulties and urinary incontinence are additional side effects that might arise. If any of these symptoms cause you concern, it is important to consult your healthcare provider.

Important Warnings

If you have a known allergy to aripiprazole or any other components listed at the end of this leaflet, it’s crucial to verify the ingredients before using this medication. Allergic reactions may manifest as a rash, itching, or hives on the skin, difficulty breathing, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other body parts.

Inform your healthcare provider if you have allergies to any other medications or substances, including foods, preservatives, or dyes. Avoid taking ABILIFY past its expiration date, as its effectiveness may be compromised. Additionally, do not use the medication if the packaging appears damaged or tampered with; return it to your pharmacist instead.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are uncertain about starting ABILIFY. It’s important to disclose any other medical conditions, particularly if you have experienced reactions to medications that cause a sudden rise in body temperature, sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, and fluctuating blood pressure, known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Another reaction to be aware of involves abnormal movements of the tongue or other uncontrolled movements, referred to as tardive dyskinesia.

• Low blood pressure
• Heart or blood vessel issues
• Epilepsy, seizures, or fits
• Esophageal problems, such as difficulty swallowing
• High blood sugar or diabetes mellitus
• Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
• History of alcohol or drug abuse or dependence
• Risk of venous thromboembolism
• History or risk of sleep apnea
• Lactose intolerance

Discuss with your doctor if you have a history of excessive gambling or if you or your family notice unusual urges or behaviors that you cannot control, such as compulsive gambling, overeating, spending, or heightened sexual thoughts or actions. These are known as impulse control disorders, and your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.

Any thoughts of suicide should be taken seriously. Contact your doctor or a mental health professional immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts, self-harm urges, or significant mood changes. Suicidal thoughts and behaviors have been reported during ABILIFY treatment.

Inform your doctor if you consume alcohol, as it can enhance the side effects of this medication. Aripiprazole may cause drowsiness, a drop in blood pressure upon standing, dizziness, and changes in movement and balance, potentially leading to falls. Exercise caution.

If you haven’t already informed your doctor or pharmacist about any of the above, do so before starting ABILIFY. During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects, so it’s important to understand these risks and how to monitor them. Refer to Section 6 for more information on side effects.

Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. ABILIFY is not recommended during pregnancy. If necessary, your doctor will discuss the benefits and risks. Babies exposed to antipsychotics, including ABILIFY, during the third trimester may experience shaking, muscle stiffness, feeding difficulties, and/or withdrawal symptoms, which may resolve on their own or require medical treatment.

If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk to your doctor. It’s advised not to breastfeed while taking ABILIFY, as it can pass into breast milk and potentially affect the baby.

Before starting any new medication, inform your doctor, dentist, and pharmacist that you are taking ABILIFY. If you are scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia, notify your doctor or dentist about your ABILIFY use. Ensure you attend all medical appointments to monitor your progress.

Alcohol & Driving

Before engaging in activities like driving, operating machinery, or any tasks that require full alertness, ensure you understand how Abilify affects you. This medication might make some individuals feel sleepy, less attentive, or cause sensations of dizziness or fatigue. If you experience any of these effects, refrain from performing such activities.

Should you feel dizzy, light-headed, or faint while on Abilify, exercise caution when rising from a seated or lying position. Standing up gradually can help mitigate these feelings. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about your alcohol consumption habits.

Exercise caution when consuming alcohol during your treatment with Abilify. Your doctor might advise you to avoid alcohol altogether while taking this medication.

Storage

Keep Abilify in a location where the temperature remains under 30°C. Excessive heat and humidity can compromise the effectiveness of some medications. Always adhere to the guidelines provided on the packaging for proper storage.

Ensure it is kept in a cool, dry area, away from any moisture, heat, or direct sunlight. Avoid placing it in places like the bathroom, near a sink, inside a vehicle, or on window ledges.

To ensure safety, store it out of the reach of young children. A secure cabinet, positioned at least one-and-a-half meters above the ground, is an ideal spot for storing medications.

Do not retain any medication that is expired or no longer needed. If you find that you no longer require this medicine or it has passed its expiration date, take it to a pharmacy for safe disposal. Avoid using this medication beyond its expiry date.

Product Details

The primary component of Abilify is aripiprazole. In addition to this active ingredient, the tablets contain several inactive substances: lactose, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and magnesium stearate.

Each tablet may also include specific colorants depending on the dosage:

• 5mg tablets – contain indigo carmine CI73015 aluminium lake (note: not available in New Zealand)
• 10mg tablets – include iron oxide red CI77491
• 15mg tablets – have iron oxide yellow CI77492
• 20mg tablets – do not contain any colorants
• 30mg tablets – contain iron oxide red CI77491

It’s important to note that ABILIFY does not contain sucrose, gluten, tartrazine, or any azo dyes. If you have allergies to any of these ingredients, it is crucial to avoid taking this medication.