Abilify Maintena injection

Aripiprazole is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Aripiprazole is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Abilify Maintena is given once every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your condition. Your doctor may occasionally change your dosing schedule.

If you have never used aripiprazole before, your doctor may want to you also take this medicine by mouth (in tablet or liquid form) for a short time before your first injection. You may need to continue taking oral aripiprazole for another 2 to 3 weeks after your first injection. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Keep using all your anti-psychotic medications as directed by your doctor. Read the instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor's advice.

Drink plenty of liquids. You can easily become dehydrated while using aripiprazole.

Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using aripiprazole.

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Abilify Maintena.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of aripiprazole can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. Call your doctor at once if you have uncontrollable muscle movements of your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs. The longer you use aripiprazole, the more likely you are to develop a serious movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher in women and older adults.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• feeling uncomfortably warm or hot;

• trouble swallowing;

• unusual muscle twitching;

• a seizure;

• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;

• low blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, swollen gums, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing; or

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while using this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common side effects may include:

• mild pain where the injection was given;

• weight gain; or

• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can interact with aripiprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.