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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

Aripiprazole is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Aripiprazole may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

You should not take aripiprazole if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely take aripiprazole, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver or kidney disease;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
• a history of low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• a history of heart attack or stroke;
• a history of breast cancer;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• a personal or family history of diabetes; or
• trouble swallowing.

The liquid form (oral solution) of this medication may contain up to 15 grams of sugar per dose. Before taking aripiprazole oral solution, tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

The orally disintegrating tablet form of this medication may contain over 3 milligrams of phenylalanine per tablet. Before taking Abilify Discmelt, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.

Aripiprazole may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking aripiprazole.

Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking aripiprazole, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice.

FDA pregnancy category C. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Aripiprazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take aripiprazole (Abilify, Abilify Discmelt)?

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Do not take aripiprazole for longer than 6 weeks unless your doctor has told you to.

Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food.

Measure liquid medicine with a special dose measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

To take aripiprazole orally disintegrating tablets (Abilify Discmelt):

• Keep the tablet in its blister pack until you are ready to take it. Open the package and peel back the foil from the tablet blister. Do not push a tablet through the foil or you may damage the tablet.
• Using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it in your mouth. It will begin to dissolve right away.
• Do not swallow the tablet whole. Allow it to dissolve in your mouth without chewing.
• Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. If desired, you may drink liquid to help swallow the dissolved tablet.

Use aripiprazole regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Store aripiprazole tablets at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Aripiprazole liquid should be stored in the refrigerator and can be used for up to 6 months after opening.

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