Aripiprazole extended-release injectable suspension(Abilify Maintena®) is a long-acting injectable (LAI) formulation of aripiprazole that has an FDA indication for the treatment of schizophrenia.
If the person has not been on aripiprazole, oral aripiprazole should be used first. Only when we are sure that the person can tolerate aripiprazole should we consider transitioning to long-acting injectable (LAI) aripiprazole.
We should remember that once the LAI has been given, it cannot be taken out!
When first starting on Abilify Maintena®, after the first injection, the patient should be continued on the previous oral antipsychotic for two weeks.
Recommended dose
1. Recommended starting and maintenance dose is 400 mg administered monthly as a single injection.
2. The dose can be reduced to 300 mg in patients with adverse reactions
3. Known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers: Recommended starting and maintenance dose is 300 mg administered monthly
Dosage forms available
Abilify Maintena® comes as a powder for reconstitution in two types of kits and in two strengths:
a) Single-dose pre-filled dual chamber syringe (much more convenient), and
b) Single-dose vial for which two strengths are available: 300 mg and 400 mg
Storage
No refrigeration is required
How to inject
Abilify Maintena® must be given by intramuscular injection in the gluteus (buttocks)
When the time comes to actually administer Abilify Maintena, it is important to see the Prescribing Information for detailed instructions on exactly how to inject the medication:
Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below under References) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics: Overview
Dose equivalents of long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotics
CPT billing code for administration of injections
Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada®)
Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada Initio)
Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada®) versus Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena®)
How to convert from oral to long-acting injectable (LAI) aripiprazole
Be careful in converting from Abilify Maintena® to Aristada®
Olanzapine (Zyprexa Relprevv®)
Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna®)
Paliperidone palmitate 3-month (Invega Trinza®)
Risperidone long-acting injection (Risperdal Consta®): Basic Information
Equivalence of risperidone oral and long-acting injection (RLAI; Risperdal Consta®)
References
Abilify Maintena® Prescribing Information
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