Brand Name

Abilify {Bristol-Myers Squibb }

Generic Name

aripiprazole, pronounced AR i PIP ra zole

What is Abilify?

Abilify is an antipsychotic medication that is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic depression. Abilify works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Adults with major depressive disorder may be prescribed Abilify along with other antidepressant medications. Abilify is also used to treat autistic children who are age 6 and older for symptoms of aggression, irritability, mood swings, and self-injury related to autistic disorder.

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

 

Key Facts About Abilify

You should never take Abilify in larger amounts then directed, or for longer than recommended by your doctor. Stop using Abilify and call your doctor immediately if you have the following symptoms: fever with rapid heart rate and stiff, uncontrolled muscle movements, numbness and weakness that comes on suddenly, or a severe headache, alongside vision, speech, or balance problems.

It is important for you to be aware that Abilify may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. You should not use Abilify for psychotic conditions related to dementia.

You should not drink alcohol while taking Abilify, as it may increase certain side effects of this medication.

Be aware that Abilify may impair your reactions or thinking. You should be careful when driving or doing anything which requires you to be alert, especially when you first start Abilify. Be careful when getting from a sitting or lying position, as Abilify can cause dizziness. Be sure to get up slowly and safely to prevent falling.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Abilify is in FDA pregnancy
category C. It is known that taking an antipsychotic medication like Abilify may cause problems in your newborn, like withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, tremors, fussiness, and stiff or limp muscles. You should be aware that if you stop taking Abilify during your pregnancy you may have withdrawal symptoms. Consult with your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Abilify. You should not breast-feed while taking Abilify, as it is known that Abilify can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.

 

Before You Take Abilify

If you are allergic to aripiprazole you should not take Abilify.

Let your doctor know if you have a history of low white blood cell counts, a history of breast cancer or a thyroid disorder before you start taking Abilify.

If you have epilepsy, seizures, a history of heart attack or stroke, or high blood pressure you should tell your doctor before taking Abilify.

Tell your doctor before starting Abilify if you have liver or kidney disease, high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a personal or family history of diabetes before you begin treatment with Abilify.

You should inform your doctor if you have heart rhythm problems or trouble swallowing to make sure Abilify is right for you.

You may be more prone to heat stroke while taking Abilify. Be cautious about getting overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.

Treatment with Abilify is not to be used for patients with psychotic conditions related to dementia. The use of Abilify for these patients may cause them extreme harm, such as heart failure, pneumonia, or even sudden death.

The liquid form, or oral solution of Abilify may contain up to 15 grams of sugar per dose. You should tell doctor if you have diabetes. Abilify may cause you to have high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia. Talk with your doctor if you are concerned about diabetes or hyperglycemia before starting treatment with Abilify.

The orally disintegrating tablet form of this medicine may contain over 3mg of phenylalanine per tablet. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria before starting treatment with Abilify Discmelt.

 

Abilify Drug Interactions

You should inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• allergy and cold medications
• blood pressure medications
• fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem, Symbyax)
• fluvoxamine (Luvox)
• heart condition medications
• itraconazole (Sporanox)
• ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• muscle relaxers
• paroxetine (Paxil)
• quinidine (Quin-G)
• rifabutin (Mycobutin)
• rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane, Rifater)
• sedatives or sleeping pills
• seizure medications like carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol), divalproex (Depakote),
• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), and valproic acid (Depakene,
• Stavzor)

Other drugs you take that are not listed may interact with Abilify. You should tell your doctor about all of the medications you use. This includes prescription drugs, vitamins, supplements and herbal products, and over the counter medications. You should not begin taking a new medication without telling your doctor first.

 

Directions for Taking Abilify

You should take Abilify exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take Abilify in larger or smaller amounts, or for shorter or longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

You should not take Abilify for longer than 6 weeks unless your doctor has instructed you to do so.

You should take Abilify at the same time every day.

You can take Abilify with or without food.

If you are taking Abilify Oral Solution measure the liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup. Do not use a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device your pharmacist can give you one .

Abilify Oral Solution liquid should be stored in the refrigerator. You can use it up to 6 months after opening.

If you are taking Abilify Discmelt, the orally disintegrating tablets, you should keep the
tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Be sure that you properly open the
package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. If you push a tablet through the foil you may damage the tablet. Use dry hands only to remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin dissolving immediately.

The Abilify Discmelt should not be swallowed whole, it should slowly dissolve in your mouth.
Be sure to swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If you are not sure if the entire
tablet has dissolved you may drink some liquid after taking it.

Be aware that Abilify may cause you to have high blood sugar, also called hyperglycemia. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of hyperglycemia like increased thirst, excessive hunger, excessive urination or weakness. If you are a diabetic you should check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking Abilify.

Do not stop using Abilify without consulting your doctor, as you may experience adverse side
effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Your doctor may change your dosage of
Abilify throughout the course of your treatment, and you should follow his or her instructions carefully.

Abilify needs to be stored at room temperature, and away from light, moisture and heat.

If you miss a dose of Abilify you should attempt to take the missed dose as soon as you
remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose do not take the missed dose in addition to your regular dose.

 

Abilify Side Effects

If you experience any of the following adverse effects you should stop taking Abilify and seek
emergency medical help immediately:

• allergic reaction such as breathing difficulties, hives, swelling of your face, lips, throat
• or tongue
• confusion
• dry skin
• faintness
• fever
• flu like symptoms
• fruity breath odor
• headache
• increased heart rate
• increased thirst and urination
• jaundice
• jerky muscle movements you cannot control
• sores in your throat or mouth
• speech problems
• stiff and rigid muscles
• suicidal thoughts or thought about hurting yourself
• urinating less than usual or not at all
• vomiting

Less serious side effects of Abilify may include:

• anxiety
• choking
• constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• headache
• insomnia
• tired feeling
• trouble swallowing
• upset stomach
• weakness
• weight gain

It should be noted that this is not a complete list of possible side effects of Abilify. You
should contact your physician for a complete list and medical advice regarding these effects.

 

Abilify Description and Dosing

Abilify is available in tablet form in the following dosages:

2 mg tablet, which is a green modified rectangle with “A-006” and “2” on it.

5 mg tablet, which is a blue modified rectangle with “A-007” and “5” on it.

10 mg tablet, which is a pink modified rectangle with “A-008” and “10”on it.

15 mg tablet, which is yellow and round with “A-009” and “15” on it

20 mg tablet, which is white and round with “A-010” and “20” on it.

30 mg tablet, which is pink and round with “A-011” and “30” on it.

ABILIFY DISCMELT Orally Disintegrating Tablets are available in 10 mg strengths, which are
pink with scattered specks and have “A” and “640” on them. There is also a 15 mg strength which is yellow with scattered specks and has “A” and “641” on them.

Abilify is available as an Oral Solution (1 mg/mL) and it is a clear, colorless to
light-yellow solution. There is also an Abilify Injection for Intramuscular Use, which has a
clear, colorless solution and is in a ready-to-use, 9.75 mg/1.3 mL (7.5 mg/mL) solution in clear, Type 1 glass vials.

Because Abilify is prescribed differently for each patient and their unique condition, all
people taking Abilify should consult their doctor for a specific dosing pertaining to them. You should not attempt to alter or change your dose without your physician’s consent.

If you suspect that you have overdosed with Abilify you should seek emergency help
immediately.

 

Ingredients in Abilify

The primary active ingredient in Abilify is aripiprazole. Inactive ingredients are as
follows:

Abilify Tablets- cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, and microcrystalline cellulose. Colorants include ferric oxide (yellow or red) and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake.

Abilify Discmelt Orally Disintegrating Tablets- acesulfame potassium, aspartame (containing phenylalanine), calcium silicate, croscarmellose sodium, crospovidone,
crème de vanilla (natural and artificial flavors), magnesium stearate, microcrystalline
cellulose, silicon dioxide, tartaric acid, and xylitol. Colorants include ferric oxide (yellow or
red) and FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake.

Abilify Oral Solution- disodium edetate, fructose (200 mg per mL), glycerin, dl-lactic acid,
methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium hydroxide, sucrose (400 mg per mL), and purified water. The oral solution is flavored with natural orange cream as well as other natural
flavors.

Back to Top