Managing serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder often requires long-term treatment. While daily oral medications are effective, many patients face challenges with adherence, leading to relapse or worsening symptoms. To address this, doctors now have a long-acting injectable option: Abilify Maintena.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Abilify Maintena—what it is, how it works, who it’s for, dosage details, side effects, and safety precautions.
What Is Abilify Maintena?
Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) is an extended-release injectable suspension designed to deliver consistent levels of medication over time. It belongs to a class of drugs called atypical antipsychotics, which work by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin.
Unlike daily oral pills, Abilify Maintena is given as a monthly injection (once every 4 weeks). This makes it an excellent option for patients who may struggle with remembering or consistently taking their medication.
Conditions Treated With Abilify Maintena
Abilify Maintena is FDA-approved for:
- Schizophrenia (adults): Helps reduce hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and prevents relapse.
- Maintenance treatment of Bipolar I Disorder (adults): Used as a long-term stabilizer to prevent manic and mixed episodes.
It is not approved for use in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.
How Abilify Maintena Works
The active ingredient, aripiprazole, is a partial dopamine agonist. Unlike older antipsychotics that fully block dopamine, aripiprazole stabilizes dopamine and serotonin activity:
- If dopamine levels are too high, it reduces them.
- If dopamine levels are too low, it boosts them slightly.
This balancing effect helps control mood, thinking, and behavior while reducing some of the side effects seen with older medications.
Abilify Maintena Dosage and Administration
Standard Dosage:
- 400 mg once every month (every 4 weeks), injected into the muscle (gluteal or deltoid).
- In some cases, doctors may lower the dose to 300 mg if side effects are problematic.
Important Details:
- The injection must be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Patients switching from oral Abilify may need to take oral tablets for the first 14 days after their first injection, to ensure stable medication levels.
- Do not miss scheduled injections. Missing doses can increase the risk of relapse.
Abilify Maintena vs. Abilify Asimtufii
Many patients search for differences between Abilify Maintena and Abilify Asimtufii.
| Feature | Abilify Maintena | Abilify Asimtufii |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Once a month | Once every 2 months |
| Dosage | 400 mg (or 300 mg) | 960 mg (or 720 mg) |
| Administration | Intramuscular injection | Intramuscular injection |
| Best For | Patients needing monthly monitoring | Patients seeking fewer injections |
Both medications contain aripiprazole, but the main difference is injection frequency.
Common Side Effects
Like any medication, Abilify Maintena can cause side effects. Most are manageable, but some can be serious.
Common Side Effects:
- Weight gain
- Headache
- Restlessness (akathisia)
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Injection site pain
- Gastrointestinal issues (nausea, constipation)
Serious Side Effects:
- Tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements, especially of the face and tongue)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): rare but life-threatening (symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness, confusion)
- Seizures
- High blood sugar or diabetes
- Stroke risk in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
Seek medical help immediately if severe symptoms occur.
Warnings and Precautions
Before starting Abilify Maintena, inform your doctor if you have:
- A history of diabetes, high cholesterol, or obesity
- Heart disease or high blood pressure
- Seizure disorders
- Low white blood cell counts
- History of suicidal thoughts
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
⚠ FDA Black Box Warning: Antipsychotics, including Abilify Maintena, increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Abilify Maintena and Weight Gain
Weight gain is a concern with many antipsychotics. Compared to others, Abilify Maintena generally causes less weight gain, but lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise are recommended to reduce risks.
Doctors may also monitor blood sugar, cholesterol, and weight regularly.
Abilify Maintena Injection: What to Expect
- The injection is given once a month by a healthcare provider.
- It is injected into the gluteal (buttocks) or deltoid (shoulder) muscle.
- Some patients may experience mild pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
- To ensure medication levels remain stable, don’t miss appointments.
Abilify Maintena Price and Availability
The cost of Abilify Maintena varies depending on insurance coverage, pharmacy, and location. Since it is a brand-only medication (no generic currently available), it can be expensive without insurance.
- Manufacturer patient assistance programs and savings cards may reduce costs.
- Always check with your provider or pharmacy for updated pricing.
Abilify Maintena Manufacturer
Abilify Maintena is developed by Otsuka Pharmaceutical in collaboration with Lundbeck, both known for mental health and neurological treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long does Abilify Maintena take to work?
Some patients notice improvement in 1–2 weeks, but full benefits may take several weeks to months.
2. Can Abilify Maintena be used for depression?
Not directly. Oral Abilify is sometimes used as an add-on for depression, but Maintena is approved only for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.
3. Is Abilify Maintena safe?
Yes, when taken as prescribed under medical supervision. Like all antipsychotics, it has risks that should be monitored.
4. Does Abilify Maintena cause weight gain?
Yes, weight gain is possible but usually less severe compared to other antipsychotics.
5. What if I miss a dose?
Contact your doctor immediately. Missing doses may increase the risk of relapse.
Key Takeaways
- Abilify Maintena is a once-monthly injection used to treat schizophrenia and maintain stability in bipolar I disorder.
- Provides consistent medication levels, reducing the need for daily pills.
- Common side effects include restlessness, headache, and injection-site pain.
- Serious risks include tardive dyskinesia, NMS, and high blood sugar.
- Not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Manufactured by Otsuka and Lundbeck.
Final Thoughts
Abilify Maintena is a valuable treatment option for adults with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder who need long-term stability. By providing a once-monthly injection, it helps reduce the risk of relapse and improves treatment adherence.
While it does carry side effects and warnings, many patients find it easier to manage than daily oral medications. If you or a loved one is considering Abilify Maintena, speak with your healthcare provider about whether it’s the right choice for your treatment plan.
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