Aripiprazole Injection (ARIPIPRAZOLE EXTENDED RELEASE - INJECTION)

This medicine is used for the following purposes:

  • bipolar disorder
  • schizophrenia

Brand Name(s): Abilify

Generic Name: Aripiprazole Extended Release

Instructions

This medicine will be given to you at the doctor's office.

This medicine is given as an injection into a muscle.

Keep medicine at room temperature. Protect from light.

Do not rub or massage the area where the injection was given.

It may take several weeks for this medicine to fully work.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

This medicine may cause higher blood sugar levels or diabetes. Please follow your doctor's instructions and check your blood sugar level regularly while on this medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

During pregnancy, this medicine should be used only when clearly needed. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.

Avoid becoming overheated during exercise or other activities. Try to stay cool in hot weather.

After being on this medication, speak with your doctor about any new, unusual or strong thoughts or feelings.

This medicine passes into breast milk. Ask your doctor before breastfeeding.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
  • constipation
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • headaches
  • low blood pressure
  • pain, redness, swelling near injection
  • nausea
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • weight gain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • breathing interruption during sleep
  • confusion
  • depression or feeling sad
  • face appearing mask-like
  • fainting
  • fever
  • swelling in the neck or throat
  • fast or irregular heart beats
  • high blood sugar
  • unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
  • signs of kidney damage (such as change in urine color or bubbly urine)
  • uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
  • muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
  • muscle pain
  • shakiness
  • suicidal thoughts
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • dark urine

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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