Information about Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole)
Abilify Maintena is a long-acting injectable medication used in the treatment of specific mental health conditions. It contains aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, and is designed for once-monthly intramuscular administration. This formulation helps ensure consistent therapeutic levels in the body over time, making it especially useful for individuals who have difficulty sticking to a daily medication routine. Abilify Maintena works by regulating dopamine and serotonin activity in the brain, contributing to better mood stability and symptom control.
Primary Indications for Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole)
- Abilify Maintena comes as a once-a-month intramuscular injection that must be administered by a healthcare professional.
- It is available in strengths of 300 mg and 400 mg, providing extended relief from symptoms of certain psychiatric disorders.
- Its long-acting nature makes it ideal for ongoing management and relapse prevention in chronic conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- One of the main advantages of Abilify Maintena is its ability to provide consistent symptom control with just one injection per month.
- This makes it highly beneficial for patients who struggle with daily medication adherence.
- It helps reduce the risk of relapse, supports better symptom management, and simplifies treatment schedules.
- Additionally, it has been shown to improve overall patient compliance and quality of life when used appropriately.
Direction of Use
- Abilify Maintena is given as an intramuscular injection into the gluteal or deltoid muscle once every four weeks.
- The injection must be administered by a qualified healthcare professional.
- Typically, patients begin treatment with oral aripiprazole to assess tolerance and effectiveness before switching to the long-acting injectable form for maintenance therapy.
Safety Concerns
- While generally well-tolerated, Abilify Maintena may cause side effects such as weight gain, dizziness, fatigue, increased blood sugar or cholesterol levels, and extrapyramidal symptoms like tremors or muscle stiffness.
- In rare cases, it can lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Some patients may experience impulse control problems, such as compulsive gambling or shopping.
- This medication should not be used in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis, as it may increase the risk of stroke or death.
- Caution is also advised in patients with cardiovascular issues or a history of suicidal thoughts, particularly in younger adults.
Avoid Abilify Maintena (Aripiprazole) If
- You should avoid using Abilify Maintena if you have a known allergy to aripiprazole or any of its components.
- It is not suitable for individuals with a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or those with severe liver issues unless closely monitored by a healthcare provider.
- This medication should also be avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless deemed necessary by a medical professional.
- It is not recommended for use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to the increased risk of severe side effects, including death.
