How to Take This Medicine

The Abilify Maintena Therapeutic Kit includes a powder that your healthcare provider will prepare into a suspension for injection. This injection is administered into the muscle of your buttock or shoulder. You might experience some discomfort during the injection, which could lessen over time.

The standard dosage is 400 mg every 4 weeks. However, your healthcare professional might adjust the dose to a lower amount if necessary. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage of Abilify Maintena for you.

Following your initial dose, it is crucial to take 10 mg to 20 mg of oral aripiprazole (or the prescribed dose of another oral antipsychotic) daily for 14 consecutive days. This is important because the first injection does not begin to work immediately. Ensure you follow your doctor’s instructions precisely when taking your oral antipsychotic.

Abilify Maintena should be administered once a month to help manage your symptoms and minimize the risk of relapse. Do not discontinue your treatment just because you feel better. It is essential to continue using Abilify Maintena for the duration your doctor advises. It might take several days to weeks, or even longer, before you notice any improvement. Your doctor will monitor your progress regularly.

Side Effects

Inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you experience any other symptoms that might be affecting your well-being. It’s possible that some individuals may encounter additional side effects not mentioned here.

Important Warnings

If you have allergies to any medications, foods, preservatives, or dyes, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider. Additionally, if you have any other medical conditions, particularly dementia (memory loss or other cognitive issues) and are elderly, it’s important to discuss this with your doctor.

Be aware of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a serious reaction to certain medications characterized by a sudden rise in body temperature, sweating, rapid heartbeat, muscle rigidity, and fluctuating blood pressure, which can lead to coma. Another condition to watch for is tardive dyskinesia, which involves abnormal movements of the tongue or other involuntary movements of the mouth, cheeks, or jaw that may extend to the arms and legs.

Inform your doctor if you experience low or high blood pressure, or if you have a rapid heartbeat accompanied by a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Any heart or blood vessel issues, including stroke, “mini” stroke, or a family history of such problems, should also be communicated.

If you have epilepsy, seizures, or fits, or if you’re taking medications or have conditions that increase your risk of falls, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing or excessive drowsiness, let your healthcare provider know. Issues with your esophagus, like difficulty swallowing, should also be mentioned.

Discuss any history of high blood sugar or diabetes mellitus, or a family history of these conditions. If you have blood clots or risk factors for developing them, such as a family history, being 65 or older, smoking, obesity, recent major surgery, immobility, or oral contraceptive use, it’s important to inform your doctor.

Past experiences with excessive gambling or other compulsive behaviors should be disclosed. If you’ve had a low white blood cell count or any other medical conditions that might affect receiving an injection in your arm or buttocks, let your doctor know. Also, inform them about any other medications you’re taking.

It’s important to avoid alcohol as it can amplify the side effects of this medication. If you haven’t already discussed any of the above with your doctor, make sure to do so before using Abilify Maintena. Seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medication.

During treatment, you might be at risk for certain side effects. Understanding these risks and how to monitor them is crucial. For more information, refer to Section 6: Are there any side effects?

If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor. Abilify Maintena should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks. If necessary during pregnancy, your doctor will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you. Newborns exposed to Abilify Maintena in the last trimester may experience symptoms like shaking, muscle stiffness or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing difficulties, and feeding problems. Contact your doctor immediately if your baby shows any of these symptoms.

If you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed, discuss with your doctor whether to continue breastfeeding or use Abilify Maintena. You should not do both. Your doctor will help you decide the best way to feed your baby while on this medication.

If Abilify Maintena causes dizziness or light-headedness, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position, take care to stand up slowly to prevent falls. The medication may also affect your body’s response to temperature changes, potentially inhibiting 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. Try to limit physical activity to cooler parts of the day.

Alcohol & Driving

Exercise caution when driving or operating machinery until you are aware of how Abilify Maintena affects your abilities. It is important to inform your healthcare provider if you consume alcohol. It is advisable to refrain from drinking alcohol while being treated with Abilify Maintena, as the medication can amplify the effects of alcohol.

Storage

Your healthcare provider will keep Abilify Maintena safely stored until it’s time for your injection. It should remain in its original packaging, placed in a dry location where the temperature does not exceed 30°C.

The medication will not be used if it has surpassed the expiration date indicated on the box. Any leftover medicine will be disposed of by a doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.