Drug Name

Abilify (Aripiprazole)

Drug Uses

Abilify is used for treating agitation caused by schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Abilify as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Abilify is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Abilify at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it. Be sure you understand how to use Abilify . Follow the procedures you are taught when you use a dose. Contact your health care provider if you have any questions.
Abilify is for injection deep into the muscle only. Do NOT inject Abilify under the skin or into a vein.
Do not use Abilify if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Abilify is an atypical antipsychotic. Exactly how Abilify works is not known. It affects certain substances in the brain.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Abilify and you still have agitation, follow your doctor's dosing instructions. Contact your doctor immediately if you are unsure of what to do if you miss a dose. Do not use Abilify more often than prescribed. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Abilify at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Keep Abilify out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Abilify if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Abilify.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Abilify . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a history of heart problems (eg, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, recent heart attack), low blood pressure, blood vessel problems, or stroke
• if you have a history of seizures, dementia, Alzheimer disease, depression or other mental/mood disorders, or suicidal thoughts or attempts
• if you have trouble swallowing or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
• if you are dehydrated, have low blood volume, or are taking medicine for high blood pressure
• if you or a family member has a history of diabetes or you are very overweight

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Abilify . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Anticholinergics (eg, benztropine, methscopolamine) because the risk of overheating may be increased
• Benzodiazepines (eg, lorazepam), imidazole antifungals (eg, ketoconazole), quinidine, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (eg, fluoxetine), or voriconazole because they may increase the risk of Abilify 's side effects
• Carbamazepine, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), or rifampin because they may decrease Abilify 's effectiveness
• Alpha-blockers (eg, terazosin) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Abilify

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• abnormal dreams; blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; increased saliva production; lightheadedness; nausea; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight gain .

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); abnormal thinking; chest pain; confusion; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; increased sweating; increased thirst, urination, or appetite; involuntary movements of the tongue, face, mouth, jaw, arms, legs, or back (eg, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements); loss of control over urination; loss of coordination; mental or mood changes (eg, anxiety, depression, hostility); muscle tremor, jerking, or stiffness; one-sided weakness; seizures; severe restlessness; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet; trouble swallowing; trouble walking; unusual bruising; unusual tiredness or weakness; vision or speech changes.

More Information

Abilify is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.