ABILIFY MAINTENA 400mg PFS (Aripiprazole PFS) 400mg x 2ml

ABILIFY MAINTENA is used to manage symptoms of mental health conditions by affecting the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. It is primarily indicated for the following conditions:

• Schizophrenia: Helps manage symptoms of schizophrenia, a mental health condition that affects thinking, behavior, and emotions.
• Bipolar I disorder: Used as maintenance treatment to prevent episodes of mania in patients with bipolar I disorder.
• Major depressive disorder: Sometimes used as an adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder in combination with antidepressants.

• ABILIFY MAINTENA works by balancing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin. Aripiprazole, the active ingredient, acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and as an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This mechanism helps to regulate mood and behavior, making it effective in managing symptoms of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

ABILIFY MAINTENA, like other medications, can cause side effects. Common side effects include:

Common Side Effects

• Restlessness or akathisia: A feeling of inner restlessness and inability to sit still.
• Drowsiness: Feeling sleepy or tired during the day.
• Pain at the injection site: Discomfort or soreness where the injection was administered.
• Weight gain: An increase in body weight over time.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Trouble breathing: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath.
• Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A rare but serious condition characterized by high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, and irregular heartbeat.
• Tardive dyskinesia: Involuntary movements of the face and body.

ABILIFY MAINTENA should be used with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. Important precautions include:

• Allergic reactions: Inform your healthcare provider if you have any known allergies to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ABILIFY MAINTENA.
• Pregnancy: ABILIFY MAINTENA should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, as it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if aripiprazole passes into breast milk, so consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding while using this medication.
• Elderly patients: Use with caution in elderly patients, especially those with dementia, as it may increase the risk of stroke and death.
• Drowsiness: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Store at 25°C: Keep in the original pack, protect from moisture and light.

ABILIFY MAINTENA can interact with other medications, which may affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. Important interactions include:

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors: Such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, and clarithromycin, which can increase the levels of aripiprazole in the blood.
• Strong CYP3A4 inducers: Such as rifampin, carbamazepine, and phenytoin, which can decrease the levels of aripiprazole in the blood.
• Dopamine antagonists: Such as metoclopramide and antiemetics, which can increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Antidepressants: Such as SSRIs and SNRIs, which can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Antihypertensives: Such as beta-blockers and diuretics, which can increase the risk of hypotension.
• Anticholinergics: Such as atropine and scopolamine, which can increase the risk of anticholinergic effects.