Abilify Maintena

Abilify Maintena is a medicine used to treat schizophrenia. It is available as an intramuscular injection (injected directly into the muscle).

How does this medication work?

Abilify Maintena is thought to work by acting on certain natural chemicals in the brain, thereby improving symptoms associated with schizophrenia.

What are the beneficial effects of this medication and when should I begin to have results?

What: Abilify Maintena has been shown to relieve symptoms of schizophrenia as measured by a symptom rating scale that is commonly used by healthcare providers to evaluate the effectiveness of the medicine in people with this condition.

When: Everyone responds differently to treatment, so try to be patient and follow your healthcare provider's directions.

How do I know it is working?

You may feel an improvement in your symptoms. This is a good indicator that the medicine is working. Your healthcare provider may also ask you questions from time to time to assess how well your symptoms are controlled.

The following is not a full list of side effects. Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible. Only your healthcare provider can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this medication.

Abilify Maintena is not approved to treat mental problems caused by dementia (an illness involving confusion, loss of memory, and impaired judgment) in the elderly. It can be life threatening when used in elderly people with mental problems caused by dementia.

More common side effects may include: increased weight, inner restlessness, injection-site pain, drowsiness.

Less common side effects may include:

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a life-threatening brain disorder) with symptoms such as high fever; sweating; stiff muscles; confusion; or changes in your pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure.

High blood sugar with symptoms such as excessive thirst, an increase in urination, increased appetite, weakness, confusion, fruity smelling breath, or feeling sick to your stomach.

Increased cholesterol (fats in your blood) and triglycerides (a type of blood fat), and weight gain.

Unusual urges such as gambling, binge eating or eating that you cannot control (compulsive), compulsive shopping and sexual urges.

Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia), with symptoms such as movements that you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts.

Sudden fall in blood pressure, with symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when rising too quickly from a sitting or lying position.

Abilify Maintena may also cause problems controlling your body temperature, difficulty swallowing, or low white blood cell counts.

Your healthcare provider will not administer Abilify Maintena to you if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Abilify Maintena. Also, talk to your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, especially if you have never taken aripiprazole before; have diabetes or high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar; have or had seizures, low or high blood pressure, heart problems or a stroke, or low white blood cell counts; or if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your healthcare provider uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your healthcare provider may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your healthcare provider's approval.

Adults: Your healthcare provider will prescribe the appropriate dose for you.

Your healthcare provider will administer Abilify Maintena to you once a month.

Do not miss any scheduled follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider.

Do not drink alcohol while you are receiving Abilify Maintena.

Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or engage in other dangerous activities until you know how Abilify Maintena affects you.

Do not become over-heated or dehydrated while you are receiving Abilify Maintena. Do not over-exercise too much or wear heavy clothing. In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible and stay out of the sun. Drink plenty of water.

If Abilify Maintena is used with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Abilify Maintena may interact with numerous medications. Therefore, it is very important that you tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking.

Abilify Maintena may harm your newborn baby if you receive it during the last few months of your pregnancy. Abilify Maintena can be found in your breast milk if you receive it while breastfeeding. Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

If you become pregnant while receiving Abilify Maintena, talk to your healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the safety of this type of medicine during pregnancy.

Abilify Maintena should be given under special circumstances determined by your healthcare provider. If you miss your scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

Your healthcare provider will store this medication for you.

In the event of a medical emergency call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately. In the event of overdose, call your doctor or poison control for further instructions.
National Poison Control#: Call 1-800-222-1222

This PDR+ drug information has been developed by the Physicians’ Desk Reference Network (PDRN), a source of medication information trusted by doctors for over 65 years.

This monograph summarizes the most important information about your medication and does not cover all the information you may need. If you have any questions or concerns or want to learn more about your medication, ask your healthcare provider; he/she will be able to provide answers to your questions. This medication should only be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed and should not be shared with other people.

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