Warning

Taking aripiprazole injection, like any medication, carries certain risks and potential side effects. Some of the risks associated with aripiprazole injection include:

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): These can include tremors, muscle stiffness, restlessness, and involuntary movements. These symptoms may be uncomfortable and affect motor control.
• Metabolic Changes: Aripiprazole can lead to weight gain, increased blood sugar levels, and changes in cholesterol levels, which may increase the risk of metabolic disorders.
• Orthostatic Hypotension: This is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up, which can cause dizziness or fainting.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Though rare, NMS is a serious condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status. It requires immediate medical attention.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Elderly patients or those with conditions predisposing them to falls may be at higher risk due to the medication’s effects on coordination and balance.
• Sedation and Drowsiness: Aripiprazole can cause drowsiness, affecting alertness and concentration.
• Sexual Side Effects: Some individuals may experience changes in libido, sexual function, or menstrual irregularities.
• Potential Long-Term Effects: Prolonged use of antipsychotic medications like aripiprazole may be associated with an increased risk of certain conditions over time, such as tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face and body).

It’s important to discuss these risks with your healthcare provider and weigh them against the potential benefits of treatment. Regular monitoring and open communication with your healthcare provider can help manage these risks and optimize your treatment plan.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Aripiprazole injection is prescribed primarily for the treatment of several psychiatric conditions, including:

• Schizophrenia: Aripiprazole injection is used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia, a chronic mental disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and impaired social functioning.
• Bipolar I Disorder: It is also prescribed for acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. These episodes involve symptoms such as elevated mood, increased energy, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior.
• Agitation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Aripiprazole injection may be used to reduce severe agitation in patients with autism spectrum disorder.
• Off-label Uses: In some cases, healthcare providers may prescribe aripiprazole injection off-label for other conditions such as treatment-resistant depression or Tourette syndrome, where it has shown efficacy in managing symptoms.

Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication that works by affecting the activity of certain neurotransmitters (dopamine and serotonin) in the brain, helping to restore balance and alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders.

How should this medicine be used?

Aripiprazole injection is typically administered by a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or doctor, in a clinical setting due to its intramuscular nature. Here are the general guidelines for using aripiprazole injection:

• Dosage: The dosage of aripiprazole injection varies based on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to the medication. It is important to follow the dosage prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Administration: Aripiprazole injection is given as an intramuscular (IM) injection into a large muscle, such as the buttock or deltoid muscle. The injection should be administered slowly to minimize discomfort and potential injection site reactions.
• Frequency: The frequency of administration depends on the condition being treated. For schizophrenia, aripiprazole injection may be given monthly. For acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder, it may be given more frequently initially and then less frequently as symptoms stabilize.
• Monitoring: After receiving the injection, patients are typically monitored for a period of time to ensure there are no immediate adverse reactions.
• Transition from Oral Form: Aripiprazole injection is sometimes used when a patient cannot take oral medications. If transitioning from oral aripiprazole to the injection form, your healthcare provider will adjust the dosing schedule accordingly to maintain therapeutic levels.
• Follow-up: Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider is essential to monitor your response to the medication and to adjust the treatment plan as needed.

It’s crucial to adhere to the instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the use of aripiprazole injection, including dosage, administration technique, and scheduling. Always communicate any concerns or side effects to your healthcare provider promptly.

Other uses for this medicine

• Agitation in Patients with Autism: Aripiprazole injection may be used to manage severe agitation in patients with autism spectrum disorder.
• Treatment-Resistant Depression: It may be considered as an adjunctive treatment for patients with treatment-resistant depression who have not responded adequately to other antidepressants.
• Tourette Syndrome: Aripiprazole injection might be used to manage tics and associated symptoms in patients with Tourette syndrome.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be observed when using aripiprazole injection, including:

• Monitoring for Adverse Effects: Patients receiving aripiprazole injection should be monitored closely for any signs of adverse effects, such as extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, involuntary movements), orthostatic hypotension, and metabolic changes (e.g., weight gain, dyslipidemia).
• Injection Site Reactions: As with any injectable medication, there may be injection site reactions (e.g., pain, swelling, redness). Rotate injection sites and ensure proper technique to minimize discomfort and reactions.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Aripiprazole, like other antipsychotic medications, has been associated with the risk of developing NMS, a rare but serious condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability. Prompt medical attention is necessary if these symptoms occur.
• Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus: Aripiprazole can cause hyperglycemia (high blood sugar levels) and in some cases, lead to diabetes mellitus. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly in patients with pre-existing diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Antipsychotic medications, including aripiprazole, may cause orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Caution should be exercised in patients with cardiovascular disease or those predisposed to hypotension.
• Elderly Patients: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Aripiprazole injection is not approved for this use and should be used cautiously in elderly patients with other indications.
• Pregnancy and Lactation: The safety of aripiprazole injection during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. It should be used only if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to the fetus or infant.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the use of aripiprazole injection, including dosing, monitoring, and potential side effects. It’s important to communicate any concerns or changes in your condition to your healthcare provider promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with aripiprazole injection. However, maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen is important for overall health, especially considering potential metabolic changes like weight gain that can occur with antipsychotic medications.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of aripiprazole injection, contact your healthcare provider or clinic as soon as possible for guidance. It’s important not to double the dose to make up for a missed one. Depending on the dosing schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider, they may recommend the following:

• If it’s close to the time for your next scheduled dose, wait until then to receive your next injection.
• Your healthcare provider may adjust your dosing schedule to ensure continuity of treatment.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aripiprazole injection, like any medication, can cause side effects. The severity and frequency of these side effects can vary among individuals. Here are some common and potentially serious side effects associated with aripiprazole injection:

Common Side Effects:

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): These include tremor, rigidity, akathisia (restlessness), dystonia (muscle spasms), and tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements). These symptoms may be more common with higher doses.
• Sedation and Drowsiness: Aripiprazole can cause drowsiness or sedation, which may affect your ability to concentrate or operate machinery.
• Headache: Headaches are a common side effect reported by some individuals receiving aripiprazole.
• Dizziness: A feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, particularly when standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension), can occur.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting are possible side effects of aripiprazole injection.
• Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep may occur in some individuals.
• Restlessness or Anxiety: Some people may experience increased restlessness or anxiety.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects:

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): This is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these symptoms occur.
• Metabolic Changes: Aripiprazole can affect metabolic parameters such as blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, and may lead to weight gain. Regular monitoring is recommended.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing) can occur, leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing may occur and require immediate medical attention.
• Seizures: In rare cases, aripiprazole may lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of seizures.
• Sexual Side Effects: Some individuals may experience changes in sexual function, such as decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm.
• Increased Risk of Falls: Elderly patients or those with conditions predisposing them to falls may be at increased risk.

It’s important to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and monitor your response to treatment. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, seek medical attention promptly.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal of Aripiprazole Injection:

• Storage:
  • Aripiprazole injection should be stored at room temperature, typically between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
  • Protect from light and moisture.
  • Do not freeze the medication.
• Disposal:
  • Unused or expired aripiprazole injection should be disposed of properly according to local regulations.
  • Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so.
  • Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on proper disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency Response: If you suspect an overdose or experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, or severe dizziness, seek immediate medical attention or call emergency services (911 in the United States).
• Overdose Symptoms: Symptoms of overdose may include drowsiness, fainting, uncontrollable movements, irregular heartbeat, and very low blood pressure. It’s important to provide healthcare professionals with information about the medication and dosage taken.

What other information should I know?

• Medical Alerts: Inform all healthcare providers involved in your care about your use of aripiprazole injection, including any other medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking.
• Regular Monitoring: Regularly attend scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider to monitor your response to aripiprazole treatment, manage any side effects, and adjust your treatment plan if necessary.
• Avoid Alcohol and Other Drugs: Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs while taking aripiprazole, as they can interact with the medication and increase the risk of side effects.
• Driving and Operating Machinery: Aripiprazole may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Discuss the risks and benefits of aripiprazole injection if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider can help weigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant.
• Follow Instructions: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage, administration, and any special precautions associated with aripiprazole injection.
• Keep Records: Keep a record of your medication schedule, including dates and times of injections, to ensure adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen.

By being aware of these guidelines and information, you can safely manage your treatment with aripiprazole injection and minimize potential risks. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance related to your specific circumstances.