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Overview: Abilify Asimtufii is used to treat mental health conditions, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It is a long-acting injection given into a muscle. Common side effects include restlessness, drowsiness, and pain at the injection site. Abilify Asimtufii can affect your alertness or coordination. It can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Try to avoid getting overheated, stay hydrated, and wear light and breathable clothing while you are using Abilify Asimtufii.

Uses

What is Abilify Asimtufii used for?

Abilify Asimtufii (aripiprazole) is commonly used for the following mental health conditions.

Abilify Asimtufii may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

See also: Abilify Maintena, Aripiprazole, Aristada, and Opipza

How does Abilify Asimtufii work (mechanism of action)?

Abilify Asimtufii belongs to a group of medicines called second-generation (atypical) antipsychotics. It is thought to work by balancing brain chemicals called serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are known to affect thoughts and mood.

How is Abilify Asimtufii supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Abilify Asimtufii

Dosage forms and strengths

Abilify Asimtufii is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Abilify Asimtufii?

Abilify Asimtufii is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Abilify Asimtufii?

The most common side effects of Abilify Asimtufii are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Weight gain
  • Restlessness (akathisia)
  • Pain at the injection site
  • Drowsiness

There may be other side effects of Abilify Asimtufii that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Abilify Asimtufii?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Abilify Asimtufii are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Abilify Asimtufii may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Abilify Asimtufii and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like Abilify Asimtufii, may cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop using Abilify Asimtufii and contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Confusion 
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating

Uncontrolled Movements. Abilify Asimtufii can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of the face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Metabolism Problems. Abilify Asimtufii can cause high blood sugar levels or diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and weight gain. Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work and weight. Call your healthcare provider if you gain weight or develop the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Unusual or Compulsive Behaviors. Abilify Asimtufii can cause some people to have strong unusual and uncontrolled urges (compulsions), including gambling, sex, shopping, or eating. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you or someone you know notices that you have new or worsening strong urges or behaviors.

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Abilify Asimtufii may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a seated or lying position. This may increase your risk of falling. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak

Blood Disorders. Abilify Asimtufii can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis). Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood work. Stop using Abilify Asimtufii and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Decreased Alertness or Coordination. Abilify Asimtufii can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Abilify Asimtufii affects you.

Seizures. Some people who have used Abilify Asimtufii have reported having seizures. There are many different types of seizures and some of them are not easy to recognize. Stop using Abilify Asimtufii and call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following signs that a seizure is happening or could happen.

  • Muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements
  • Stiffening of your arms and legs
  • Feeling anxious, nervous, confused, or a sense of dread
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Falling or losing consciousness

Body Temperature Regulation. Abilify Asimtufii can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms.

  • Excessive or no sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling very hot
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Not able to pee

Trouble Swallowing. Abilify Asimtufii can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia), which can increase your risk of choking while eating or drinking. Eat small amounts of food, and chew your food well. Get emergency help if you are choking or have food stuck in your esophagus that is not passing.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Abilify Asimtufii?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Abilify Asimtufii.

  • Abilify Asimtufii
  • Aripiprazole
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Abilify Asimtufii.

What should I know about Abilify Asimtufii before using it?

Abilify Asimtufii is given to you by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or pharmacy. It is given as an injection in your butt muscle every two months. 

You should have taken aripiprazole (the medicine in Abilify Asimtufii) by mouth before starting Abilify Asimtufii to make sure you tolerate the medicine. After your first dose of Abilify Asimtufii, your healthcare provider may have you continue to take aripiprazole or your current antipsychotic by mouth for two weeks.

Because Abilify Asimtufii can make it hard for you to regulate your body temperature, try to avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated. Drink plenty of water, limit your exposure to the heat and sun, do not overexercise, and wear light and breathable clothing.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Abilify Asimutfii. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Abilify Asimtufii?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Abilify Asimtufii is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Injection Site. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any problems with your butt muscle that may affect your ability to receive the Abilify Asimtufii injection.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death, stroke, or ministroke in older adults who use Abilify Asimtufii or another antipsychotic and have memory loss or psychosis related to dementia. Abilify Asimtufii is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Abilify Asimtufii may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Abilify Asimtufii, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details. 

Pregnancy. Abilify Asimtufii used later in pregnancy may lead to an increased risk of certain problems in your newborn. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant while using Abilify Asimtufii. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Abilify Asimtufii while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Abilify Asimtufii, you can register with the National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications by calling 866-961-2388 or at womensmentalhealth.org/research/pregnancyregistry. This registry collects safety information about the use of psychiatric medicines during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. Abilify Asimtufii passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Abilify Asimtufii while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Abilify Asimtufii?

For more information about Abilify Asimtufii, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.abilifyasimtufii.com or call them at 800-441-6763.

Interactions

Does Abilify Asimtufii interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Abilify Asimtufii and foods or drinks.

You should avoid drinking alcohol while using Abilify Asimtufii. Drinking alcohol while using Abilify Asimtufii could increase your risk of sleepiness, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing. 

Does Abilify Asimtufii interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Abilify Asimtufii.

  • Ketoconazole, itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura), posaconazole (Noxafil), or voriconazole (Vfend), which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Paroxetine or fluoxetine, which is a medicine commonly used for anxiety and depression
  • Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, and others) or phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve pain
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis
  • A benzodiazepine, such as clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium and others), or lorazepam (Ativan and others), which is a medicine used for anxiety, muscle spasms, or seizures
  •  A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Abilify Asimtufii. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Abilify Asimtufii. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Abilify Asimtufii?

If you or someone else has used too much Abilify Asimtufii, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Abilify Asimtufii?

If you miss an appointment to get your Abilify Asimtufii dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

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