Generic name:  aripiprazole  (injection) [ AR-i-PIP-ra-zole ]
Brand names: Abilify Maintena, Aristada
Drug class:  Atypical antipsychotics

What is Aristada?

Aristada is an  antipsychotic medication . It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.

Aristada is used to treat  schizophrenia  in adults.

Aristada may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Aristada is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Aristada if you are allergic to aripiprazole.

Tell your doctor if you have never taken aripiprazole (Abilify) before.

Aristada may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

To make sure Aristada is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a problem with your arm or buttocks where an injection will be given;
• heart disease, heart attack or stroke;
• high or low blood pressure;
• high blood sugar, diabetes (in you or family member);
• a seizure; or
• low white blood cell (WBC) counts.

Aristada may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are receiving this medicine.

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using Aristada without your doctor’s advice.

If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry. This is to track the outcome of the pregnancy and to evaluate any effects of aripiprazole on the baby.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using aripiprazole. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How is Aristada given?

Aristada is injected into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Aristada injection is given once every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on your condition. Your doctor may occasionally change your dosing schedule.

If you have never used aripiprazole before, your doctor may want to you also take this medicine by mouth (in tablet or liquid form) for a short time before your first injection. You may need to continue taking oral aripiprazole for up to 3 weeks after your first injection. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions very carefully.

Keep using all your anti-psychotic medications as directed by your doctor. Read the instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor’s advice.

Drink plenty of liquids. You can easily become dehydrated while using Aristada.

Your doctor will need to check your progress while you are using this medicine.

Detailed Aristada dosage information

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Aristada injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, vomiting, aggression, confusion, tremors, fast or slow heart rate, seizure (convulsions), weak or shallow breathing, or fainting.

What should I avoid while receiving Aristada?

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid drinking alcohol. Dangerous side effects could occur.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather and during exercise. It is easier to become dangerously overheated and dehydrated while you are using Aristada.

Aristada side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Aristada hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

High doses or long-term use of aripiprazole can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use Aristada, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a diabetic or an older adult.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• feeling uncomfortably warm or hot;
• trouble swallowing;
• a seizure;
• severe nervous system reaction – very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;
• low blood cell counts – sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, painful mouth sores, swollen gums, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough, trouble breathing; or
• high blood sugar – increased thirst, increased urination, hunger, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while using this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

Common Aristada side effects may include:

• feeling restless;
• pain where the injection was given;
• weight gain; or
• drowsiness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Aristada side effects  (more detail)

What other drugs will affect Aristada?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Many drugs can interact with aripiprazole. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Aristada drug interactions  (more detail)

Popular FAQ

Aristada missed dose, what you should know?

If you miss a dose of Aristada, contact your healthcare provider right away to reschedule your missed injection. Depending upon how long it has been since your last dose, you may need to have extra medicine at your next injection, using Aristada Initio, oral aripiprazole or both. You should not miss any doses.

Is Aristada an hemostatic agent?

Aristada is not a hemostatic agent it is an atypical antipsychotic that works on dopamine, serotonin, and other receptors to help treat schizophrenia, but there is a product called Arista AH Absorbable Hemostat which is a hemostatic agent that may be used in some surgical procedures to help control bleeding.

Does Aristada have a patient assistance program?

Yes, the manufacturer Alkermes offers a copay card for eligible patients with commercial insurance. Your co-pay may be as low as $10 per prescription. They may have other forms of financial Aristada patient assistance programs for those without commercial insurance. Call Aristada Care Support at 1-866-ARISTADA or 1-866-274-7823 (9:00 AM-8:00 PM EST, Monday-Friday) or access the Aristada patient assistance application online to learn more.

Aristada, Aristada Initio, what is the difference?

Aristada Initio (aripiprazole lauroxil 650 mg) is used as a long-acting, single intramuscular (IM) injection, with a single oral dose of aripiprazole, for adult patients starting or re-initiating treatment with Aristada to treat schizophrenia. Aristada Initio is not for repeat dosing. Aristada is the long-acting maintenance treatment form of aripiprazole lauroxil given by IM injection. Aristada is administered monthly, every 6 weeks, or every 8 weeks, depending on dose (441 mg, 662 mg, 882 mg or 1064 mg). The first Aristada injection may be administered on the same day as Aristada Initio or up to 10 days later. Aristada Initio is not interchangeable with Aristada due to differences in how these drugs act in the body.

Aristada 1064 mg, 882 mg or 662 mg what’s the difference?

Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) 441 mg, Aristada 662 mg or Aristada 882 mg are the extended-release strengths used for once monthly dosing of Aristada. The 882 mg dose can also be given every 6 weeks, and the Aristada 1064 mg dose is administered every 2 months. You and your doctor will determine the best dosing option for you.

You may also receive one injection of Aristada Initio 675 mg and one oral dose of aripiprazole at the beginning of your treatment. Alternatively, you may be given 21 consecutive days of oral aripiprazole in conjunction with your first Aristada injection.

Aristada is used to treat schizophrenia in adults. It is only given as an intramuscular (IM) injection by a healthcare professional.

source :: https://www.drugs.com/aristada.html