Drugs & Vitamins

Abilify injection Active Ingredients: Aripiprazole injection Representative Names: Abilify injection What is Aripiprazole injection? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should this medicine be used? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with Aripiprazole? What side effects may I notice from receiving Aripiprazole? What should I watch for while taking Aripiprazole? Where can I keep my medicine? What is Aripiprazole injection? (Back to top) ARIPIPRAZOLE (Abilify®) injection helps to treat sudden feelings of being restless and irritable (agitation) from conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder (mania). This injection is given as needed in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •frequently drink alcohol or alcohol-containing beverages •dementia •diabetes •difficulty swallowing •heart disease •history of brain tumor or head injury •irregular heartbeat •low blood pressure •Parkinson's disease •previous heart attack •seizures (convulsions) •an unusual reaction to aripiprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should this medicine be used? (Back to top) Aripiprazole is injected into a muscle by a health care professional or your prescriber. Your doses will be given as needed to help treat your symptoms. Do not stop receiving treatment except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) This does not apply. This injection will be given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting as needed to help treat your symptoms. What drug(s) may interact with Aripiprazole? (Back to top) Aripiprazole can interact with many other drugs. Some of the possible interactions are listed: •alcohol •amiodarone •carbamazepine •charcoal •cimetidine •citalopram •clarithromycin •erythromycin •fluconazole •fluoxetine •fluvoxamine •grapefruit juice •imatinib, STI-571 •itraconazole •ketoconazole •medicines for diabetes •medicines for high blood pressure •medicines for HIV infection •medicines for sleep •nefazodone •paroxetine •phenobarbital •phenytoin •prescription pain medications •primidone •quinidine •rifabutin •rifampin •sertraline •St. John's wort •voriconazole Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from receiving Aripiprazole? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling of tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing) •changes in vision •confusion •difficulty swallowing •fainting spells •inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs •irregular heartbeat •loss of balance or difficulty walking •restlessness or need to keep moving •seizures •swelling at injection site •weakness Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •dizziness •drowsiness •dry mouth •headache •heartburn •nausea, vomiting •stinging or soreness at injection site What should I watch for while taking Aripiprazole? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. If you are switched from the injection to the tablets for ongoing treatment, it may be several weeks before you see the full effects of aripiprazole. Notify your prescriber if your symptoms get worse, if you have new symptoms, or if you are having an unusual effect from aripiprazole. You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how aripiprazole affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness with aripiprazole. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. Be careful when brushing and flossing your teeth to avoid mouth infections or damage to your gums. See your dentist regularly. Aripiprazole can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated or dehydrated from exercise. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather. If you are going to have surgery tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking aripiprazole. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) This does not apply. Aripiprazole injection is given in a hospital or clinic setting by a health care professional. Last Updated:09/28/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.