Abilify Maintena® is the brand name of a depot formulation of aripiprazole that has an FDA indication for the treatment of schizophrenia.
Important! If the person has not been on aripiprazole, oral aripiprazole should be used first. Only when you are sure that the person can tolerate aripiprazole should you consider transitioning to Abilify Maintena®.
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
- Recommended starting and maintenance dose is 400 mg administered monthly as a single injection.
- Dose can be reduced to 300 mg in patients with adverse reactions
- 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:
http://www.otsukaus.com/products/Documents/Abilify.M.PI.pdf
Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see link below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
What should I be doing to monitor patients who are on an antipsychotic? (Free)
Monitoring form for second-generation antipsychotics
FDA issues new warning about aripiprazole (impulse control problems)
Aripiprazole lauroxil (Aristada®)
Olanzapine (Zyprexa Relprevv®)
Paliperidone palmitate (Invega Sustenna®)
Paliperidone palmitate 3-month (Invega Trinza®)
Risperidone long-acting injection (Risperdal Consta®)
Long-acting injectable antipsychotics
Copyright 2015, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
Disclaimer: The content 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 health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.
Leave a Reply: