Aristada

Overview

Aristada is an injectable medication that contains aripiprazole lauroxil, an atypical antipsychotic used primarily in adults to manage symptoms of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a mental health condition characterized by abnormal thought patterns, diminished emotional expression, and impaired social functioning. Aristada works by modulating the activity of specific neurotransmitters in the brain, helping to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.

Aristada Initio, a related formulation, is often used alongside oral aripiprazole to initiate or reinitiate treatment with Aristada. This combination ensures a smoother transition and helps maintain therapeutic levels of the drug in the body.

Important safety information and warnings

Before starting Aristada, it’s crucial to understand its risks and limitations. One significant warning is that Aristada is not approved for treating psychotic conditions associated with dementia in older adults. Studies have shown that aripiprazole may increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.

If you are allergic to aripiprazole or any component of Aristada, this medication is not suitable for you. Additionally, inform your doctor if you’ve never used Aristada before, as special dosing protocols may apply.

To ensure safety, disclose any history of the following conditions:

• Difficulty receiving injections in the arm or buttocks.
• Cardiovascular issues, such as heart disease, heart attack, or stroke.
• Blood pressure irregularities (high or low).
• Diabetes or a family history of diabetes.
• Seizure disorders.
• Elevated cholesterol or triglyceride levels.
• Dehydration or low white blood cell counts.

Pregnant individuals should exercise caution, as using antipsychotics during the last trimester may harm the newborn. If you become pregnant while taking Aristada, notify your healthcare provider immediately. You may be added to a pregnancy registry to monitor the effects of aripiprazole on the developing baby.

Breastfeeding mothers should consult their doctor to determine whether Aristada is safe for use during lactation.

How to use this medicine?

Aristada must be administered exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you’re switching from another antipsychotic, you may need to continue using it temporarily to avoid withdrawal effects. Do not adjust your dosage or schedule without consulting your doctor.

For individuals new to Aristada, oral aripiprazole (in tablet or liquid form) is typically prescribed for up to three weeks after the first injection. This ensures adequate medication levels in the bloodstream while the injection takes effect.

Aristada is administered intramuscularly by a healthcare professional, usually every 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the prescribed dose. The injection site is either the deltoid muscle (upper arm) or the gluteal muscle (buttocks). Your doctor may modify your dosing schedule based on your response to treatment.

Regular monitoring of blood sugar and other medical tests may be required to ensure the medication’s safety and efficacy.

Dosing guidelines

The typical dosing regimen for Aristada varies based on the patient’s current treatment plan:

Initial dose

• Patients stabilized on oral aripiprazole 10 mg/day: 441 mg IM via deltoid or gluteal injection once, plus aripiprazole lauroxil 675 mg IM once OR oral aripiprazole 10 mg daily for 21 days.
• Patients stabilized on oral aripiprazole 15 mg/day: 662 mg IM via gluteal injection once, plus aripiprazole lauroxil 675 mg IM once OR oral aripiprazole 15 mg daily for 21 days.
• Patients stabilized on oral aripiprazole 20 mg/day or higher: 882 mg IM via gluteal injection once, plus aripiprazole lauroxil 675 mg IM once OR oral aripiprazole daily for 21 days.

Maintenance doses

• Administer 441 mg, 662 mg, or 882 mg intramuscularly once per month.
• 882 mg IM every 4 to 6 weeks.
• 1064 mg IM every 2 months.

Re-initiation of treatment involves Aristada Initio 675 mg IM once, plus 30 mg of oral aripiprazole once.

If you miss an appointment for your Aristada injection, contact your doctor immediately for guidance. Missing a dose can disrupt treatment and lead to symptom recurrence.

Aristada overdose symptoms

In case of an overdose, seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include:

• Extreme drowsiness or lethargy.
• Shallow breathing.
• Vomiting or nausea.
• Aggressive behavior or confusion.
• Tremors or seizures.
• Irregular heart rate.
• Fainting or lightheadedness.

Precautions and lifestyle adjustments

While using Aristada, take the following precautions:

• Avoid sudden movements from sitting or lying down to prevent dizziness.
• Avoid driving or using heavy machinery until you know how this medication impacts you.
• Do not consume alcohol, as it may exacerbate side effects.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Protect your skin from sun exposure by wearing protective clothing and applying sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

Potential side effects

Aristada may cause mild to severe side effects. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Uncontrollable facial movements (e.g., lip smacking, chewing, blinking).
• Difficulty swallowing or speaking.
• High fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, or rapid heartbeat.
• Low white blood cell counts: fever, chills, fatigue, mouth sores, bruising, or bleeding.
• High blood sugar: increased thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor.

Common side effects include:

• Restlessness or agitation.
• Pain or swelling at the injection site.
• Weight gain.
• Drowsiness or fatigue.

Inform your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or troublesome. You can also report them to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions

Aristada may interact with other medications, altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of side effects. Inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal products you’re taking, particularly:

• Blood pressure medications.
• Sedatives like Valium, Klonopin, or Xanax.
• Asthma inhalers or bronchodilators.
• Cold or allergy remedies (e.g., Benadryl).
• Medications for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or gastrointestinal issues.

Questions and qnswers

How do I switch from Abilify Maintena to Aristada?

Consult your doctor for a tailored transition plan, which may involve overlapping doses.

What should I do if I miss an Aristada dose?

Contact your healthcare provider for instructions. Missing a dose may require adjustments to your treatment plan.

What’s the difference between Aristada and Aristada Initio?

Aristada Initio is used to start or restart treatment, often alongside oral aripiprazole, while Aristada is the long-term maintenance therapy.

How do the different Aristada doses compare?

Higher doses (e.g., 1064 mg, 882 mg) are designed for extended intervals between injections, while lower doses (e.g., 662 mg) are administered more frequently.

Is Aristada a hemostatic agent?

No, Aristada is an antipsychotic medication, not a hemostatic agent.

Why should aripiprazole be taken in the morning?

Taking aripiprazole in the morning can help minimize sleep disturbances caused by its stimulating effects.

This comprehensive guide aims to provide clarity on Aristada’s uses, precautions, and management strategies, ensuring both patients and healthcare providers are well-informed.