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Aripiprazole extended-release injectable suspension (Abilify Maintena®): Basic Information

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

LAI second-generation antipsychotics—General articles

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics: Overview

Dose equivalents of long-acting injectable second-generation antipsychotics

How *NOT* to offer long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics to patients

CPT billing code for administration of injections


LAI preparations of aripiprazole

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®

Why does Abilify Maintena® have an FDA indication for bipolar disorder but Aristada® does not?

Aripiprazole extended-release injectable suspension (Abilify Asimtufii®): Basic Information 

Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena®): Basic Information

Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada®): Basic Information

Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada Initio™): Basic information


LAI olanzapine

Olanzapine (Zyprexa Relprevv®)


LAI preparations of paliperidone

Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna®)

Paliperidone palmitate 3-month (Invega Trinza®)

Paliperidone palmitate 6-month (Invega Hayfera™): Basic Information


LAI preparations of risperidone

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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Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.

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