Product Description:

• This medication is used to treat a certain mental/mood disorder (schizophrenia).


• Extended-release aripiprazole injection is a long-acting form of aripiprazole. Aripiprazole belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics.


• It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.

How to use:

• 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 may be given once every 6 weeks or once every 2 months. 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.


• Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects:

• 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 last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.


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  Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, trouble swallowing, restlessness (especially in the legs), seizures, trouble controlling certain urges , interrupted breathing during sleep.

  
  


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  Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially seizures, drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, tardive dyskinesia, swallowing problems, and other serious (rarely fatal) side effects. (See also Warning section.) Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, and confusion can increase the risk of falling.

  
  
  
  


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  During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn especially during their first month, tell the doctor right away.

  
  


• This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.