Aristada (Aripiprazole lauroxil)

Alkermes, Inc.

Nationwide Prescription Connection (NPC) is an experienced advocacy service that helps connect patients to manufacturer provided free and discount programs. We can help the uninsured, under insured, those in the Medicare gap also known as the "doughnut hole", or even those needing help with expensive co-pays.  Our web site makes it easy for you to enter the medications you are taking, along with some basic patient information, and then finds the program that is right for you.

Nationwide Prescription Connection (NPC) is an experienced advocacy service that helps connect patients to manufacturer provided free and discount programs. We can help the uninsured, under insured, those in the Medicare gap also known as the "doughnut hole", or even those needing help with expensive co-pays.  Our web site makes it easy for you to enter the medications you are taking, along with some basic patient information, and then finds the program that is right for you.

Atypical Antipsychotics

Schizophrenia

Extended-release aripiprazole injection is used to treat a mental/mood disorder called schizophrenia. This medication can decrease hallucinations (hearing/seeing things that are not there) and improve your concentration. It also helps you to think more clearly, feel less nervous, and take a more active part in everyday life. Extended-release aripiprazole injection is a long-acting psychiatric medication known as an atypical antipsychotic. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using aripiprazole and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The extended-release injection should only be used if you have already taken aripiprazole by mouth without any serious side effects. Aripiprazole is given by injection into the buttock or upper arm muscle by a health care professional, usually once every month. Some doses of some brands of this medication may also be given once every 6 weeks. Do not rub/massage the injection site after your dose. After your first injection, your doctor may direct you to continue to take your antipsychotic medication by mouth (such as aripiprazole tablet/solution) for 2 to 3 weeks. This will help maintain the right level of medication in your body as you switch from receiving medication by mouth to receiving it by injection. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). It may take several weeks to get the full benefit of this medication. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tiredness, blurred vision, weight gain, shaking (tremors), and redness/pain/swelling at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, trouble swallowing, restlessness (especially in the legs), seizures, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), trouble controlling certain urges (such as gambling, sex, eating or shopping). This medication may rarely make your blood sugar level rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. Rarely, very serious conditions such as diabetic coma may occur. Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms of high blood sugar, such as increased thirst and urination. If you already have diabetes, be sure to check your blood sugars regularly. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. This medication may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any unusual uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, mouth, tongue, arms, or legs). This medication may rarely cause a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you develop any of the following: fever, muscle cramps/stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. A product that may interact with this drug is: metoclopramide. Other medications can affect the removal of aripiprazole from your body, which may affect how aripiprazole works. Examples include carbamazepine, among others. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Symptoms of overdose may include: very fast heartbeat, loss of consciousness. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule. Your doctor may direct you to also take aripiprazole by mouth again for some time if more than a certain number of weeks have passed since your last injection. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.