Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole).
Abnormal heart rhythms: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) can cause an abnormal heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. If you have a history of QT prolongation, slow or irregular heartbeat, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, Heart Attack, heart disease, are taking other medications known to cause QT prolongation, or have a family history of sudden cardiac death at less than 50 years of age, discuss with your doctor how Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, or how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole). Your doctor will perform tests at regular intervals to monitor for any changes in your heart rhythm.
Alcohol and other medications that cause drowsiness: Do not combine Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) with alcohol or other medications (e.g., antidepressants, sleeping pills, anxiety medications) that cause drowsiness since additional drowsiness can occur and be dangerous.
Blood Clots: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduced blood flow to organs or the extremities. If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood-clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Body temperature: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), like other antipsychotic medications, may interfere with your body's ability to regulate body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down.
Take care to avoid overheating during strenuous exercise or in hot temperatures, and avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking enough fluids.
Compulsive behaviour: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) has been known to cause changes in behaviour. People who have a history of a gambling disorder may be at an increased risk of compulsive gambling. You may notice other compulsive behaviours, such binge eating, increased or inappropriate sexual thoughts or urges, or inappropriate spending. If you experience any of these behaviours or urges, see your doctor; if you notice compulsive behaviour in a family member taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), ensure that they see their doctor.
Diabetes: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may increase blood sugar for people with diabetes or those who are at risk for diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar frequently as recommended by your doctor. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., increased urination, increased thirst, increased eating, and weakness) while taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may cause drowsiness or lightheadedness, which could interfere with your ability to do activities requiring alertness, such as driving a car. It can also impair judgement. Avoid these activities if the medication affects you in this way. Avoid alcohol while taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) as it may increase your drowsiness.
Hypersensitivity reaction: A serious allergic skin reaction called hypersensitivity syndrome has been reported by some people using Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole). This type of reaction can affect organ function and should be treated as an emergency. Get immediate medical attention if you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, including fever, swollen glands, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or flu-like symptoms with skin rash or blistering.
Infection: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If you experience an increase in the number of colds or other infections, talk to your doctor.
Low Blood Pressure: Some people taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may experience sudden blood pressure drops when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor.
If you have or have had heart disease, stroke, "mini-stroke", or are at risk of experiencing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, taking medications for high blood pressure), discuss with your doctor how Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may cause a potentially fatal reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you develop symptoms of NMS, such as muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, stop taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) and seek immediate medical attention.
Seizures: People taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) have had seizures. If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you have a seizure while taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), get immediate medical attention.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole).
Swallowing problems: People taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may have difficulty swallowing. People taking this or other antipsychotic medications should be closely monitored by their doctor for swallowing problems while they are using Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole). If you experience difficulty swallowing while taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor.
Tardive dyskinesia: People taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) may develop tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of involuntary, uncontrolled body movements. This syndrome may be irreversible. If you develop uncontrolled or unusual body movements or muscle twitching, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) injection have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors taking Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) for dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of strokes and death compared to seniors who are not taking the medication. Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) is not approved or recommended for seniors for this purpose.
