Warning

Taking Aristada (generic aripiprazole injection) carries several risks, as with any medication. Some of the potential risks include:

• Side Effects: Common side effects include injection site reactions, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea or constipation.
• Metabolic Changes: Aripiprazole can lead to metabolic changes such as weight gain, increased blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), and lipid abnormalities.
• Neurological Effects: There is a risk of movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms), restlessness, or tremors. Rarely, it may lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition characterized by fever, muscle stiffness, and changes in mental status.
• Cardiovascular Effects: Some individuals may experience orthostatic hypotension, where blood pressure drops upon standing, potentially leading to dizziness or fainting.
• Endocrine Effects: Aripiprazole can affect hormone levels, potentially leading to changes such as increased prolactin levels or menstrual irregularities.
• Risk in Elderly: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs like aripiprazole are at an increased risk of death.
• Other Considerations: There are risks associated with interactions with other medications, allergic reactions, and potential effects on liver function.

It’s important for individuals taking Aristada to be aware of these risks and to discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider. Monitoring and regular follow-up appointments are crucial to manage these risks effectively and ensure the medication’s safety and effectiveness in treating conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Aristada, which is the brand name for generic aripiprazole injection, is prescribed primarily for the treatment of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, emotions, and behavior. The symptoms of schizophrenia can include hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not real), delusions (fixed false beliefs), disorganized thinking, and difficulties with social interaction and daily functioning.

Aripiprazole, the active ingredient in Aristada, is classified as an atypical antipsychotic medication. It works by affecting the actions of certain neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain, including dopamine and serotonin. By balancing these neurotransmitters, aripiprazole helps to alleviate symptoms of schizophrenia and stabilize mood.

In addition to schizophrenia, aripiprazole injections like Aristada may also be used for other conditions such as bipolar disorder (manic depression). In bipolar disorder, aripiprazole can help control manic episodes characterized by excessive energy, impulsiveness, and agitation.

How should this medicine be used?

Aristada, or generic aripiprazole injection, is typically administered by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection. Here are the general guidelines for its use:

• Dosage: The dosage of Aristada can vary depending on the individual’s condition and response to the medication. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• Administration: Aristada is injected into the muscle (intramuscular injection). The injection is typically given once a month, although there are different formulations (e.g., Aristada Initio for initiation) that may have different dosing schedules initially.
• Site of Injection: The injection is usually given in the deltoid muscle of the arm or the gluteal muscle of the buttocks. The specific site can vary based on the formulation and healthcare provider’s preference.
• Monitoring: After receiving an injection, it’s important to remain under observation for a period of time to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions.
• Follow-up: Patients should attend regular follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to assess the medication’s effectiveness and monitor for any side effects.
• Additional Instructions: Your healthcare provider will provide specific instructions tailored to your situation, including any precautions or special considerations based on your health status.

It’s crucial to strictly adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule and not to miss appointments for injections, as consistency in treatment is essential for managing conditions like schizophrenia effectively. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about how to use Aristada.

Other uses for this medicine

Aristada (generic aripiprazole injection) is primarily used for the treatment of schizophrenia. However, it may also be prescribed for other conditions such as bipolar disorder (manic depression), particularly for controlling manic episodes.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be followed when using Aristada:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any allergies to aripiprazole or any other medications.
• Medical History: Provide a detailed medical history, especially regarding conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, seizures, low white blood cell counts, or difficulty swallowing.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Notify your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Aripiprazole may pass into breast milk and could have adverse effects on a nursing infant.
• Children and Elderly: Use with caution in children and adolescents as safety and effectiveness in this age group may vary. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of Aristada.
• Medical Conditions: Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, especially if you have a history of diabetes or other metabolic disorders, seizures, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
• Other Medications: Provide a list of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Aripiprazole can interact with certain medications, including other antipsychotics, antidepressants, and medications that affect the heart rhythm.
• Alcohol and Activities: Avoid alcohol while using Aristada, as it can increase the risk of side effects. Be cautious when performing activities that require mental alertness and coordination until you know how Aristada affects you.
• Injection Site Reactions: Monitor for any injection site reactions such as pain, swelling, or redness. Report any unusual or severe reactions to your healthcare provider promptly.
• Regular Monitoring: Attend all scheduled appointments for injections and follow-up visits to monitor your response to treatment and assess for any potential side effects.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and discuss any concerns you have about using Aristada. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health status and medication needs.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Aristada. However, maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is generally recommended for overall health and well-being. If you have any concerns about diet and Aristada, consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss an injection of Aristada, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule the missed dose. It’s important to maintain a consistent dosing schedule to ensure the medication’s effectiveness in managing your condition. Do not attempt to administer extra doses to make up for a missed one without consulting your healthcare provider first.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Aristada (generic aripiprazole injection) can cause various side effects, ranging from common to potentially serious. It’s essential to be aware of these and to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Here are some possible side effects:

• Common Side Effects:
  • Injection site reactions: Pain, swelling, redness, or itching at the injection site.
  • Headache: Mild to moderate headaches are common.
  • Drowsiness or sedation: Feeling tired or sleepy.
  • Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
  • Restlessness or agitation: Difficulty sitting still or feeling the need to move constantly.
• Less Common but Potentially Serious Side Effects:
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but serious reaction characterized by fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, and changes in pulse, blood pressure, and breathing. Requires immediate medical attention.
  • Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): Movement disorders such as tremors, muscle stiffness, restlessness, or abnormal movements.
  • Hyperglycemia and Diabetes: Increased blood sugar levels, which may lead to new-onset diabetes or worsening of pre-existing diabetes.
  • Weight Gain: Some individuals may experience weight gain.
  • Orthostatic Hypotension: Drop in blood pressure when changing positions (e.g., from lying down to standing), leading to dizziness or fainting.
  • Seizures: Especially in individuals with a history of seizures or conditions that lower seizure threshold.
  • Low White Blood Cell Count: Which can increase the risk of infections.
• Other Potential Side Effects:
  • Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, constipation, or vomiting.
  • Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping.
  • Increased Appetite: Some people may experience an increase in appetite.

It’s important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and their severity can vary from person to person. Your healthcare provider will monitor you for these effects and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

If you experience any unusual or severe symptoms while using Aristada, especially those that may indicate a serious reaction like NMS or allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling), seek medical attention immediately.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and attend regular follow-up appointments to ensure Aristada is being used safely and effectively for your condition.

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

Storage of Aristada:

• Temperature: Store Aristada injections at room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
• Protect from Light: Keep Aristada in its original carton until ready for use to protect from light.
• Do Not Freeze: Avoid freezing Aristada.
• Specific Instructions: Follow any specific storage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Disposal of Aristada:

• Unused Medication: Dispose of any unused Aristada injections properly. Do not keep leftover medication unless instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Community Guidelines: Follow local guidelines for medication disposal. You may be able to return unused medications to a pharmacy or utilize community drug take-back programs.
• Needle Disposal: If applicable, dispose of needles or syringes in a puncture-resistant container according to local regulations.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency Medical Help: In case of an overdose or emergency, call emergency services (911 in the US) immediately.
• Symptoms: Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, dizziness, tremors, agitation, confusion, seizures, or fainting.
• Treatment: Emergency treatment may involve supportive care to manage symptoms. Medical professionals may administer medications or use other interventions as necessary.

What other information should I know?

• Monitoring: Attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider for monitoring of your condition and response to Aristada.
• Interactions: Inform healthcare providers of all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, as interactions with Aristada can occur.
• Adherence: Follow your prescribed dosing schedule precisely to maintain the effectiveness of Aristada.
• Special Populations: Discuss any specific considerations for children, elderly patients, pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, or those with specific medical conditions.
• Consultation: Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for any questions or concerns about Aristada usage, side effects, or other related issues.

By understanding these aspects of storage, disposal, emergency procedures, and additional information, you can ensure the safe and effective use of Aristada as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Always seek medical attention promptly in case of emergencies or if you have any concerns about your medication.