Abilify

What you should know before using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatrics

Studies on this medicine have only been done in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of aripiprazole in children with use in other age groups.

Geriatric

Many medicines have not been studied specifically in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. There is no specific information comparing the use of aripiprazole in the elderly with use in other age groups. Older patients who take this medicine for psychosis (mental disturbances) related to their dementia may be at risk for serious side effects and their doctor will need to use extra caution. This medicine should NOT be used to treat behavioral problems in older adult patients who have dementia.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

• Ranolazine

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Alcohol or drug abuse or dependence, history of—This medicine may make these conditions worse

• Alzheimer's disease—Risk of seizures, aspiration pneumonia, accidental injury, difficulty swallowing, or excessive drowsiness may be increased

• Conditions that lower the seizure threshold or
• Seizures, history of—Seizures may increase

• Aspiration pneumonia, risk or history of—May increase risk of adverse events

• Blood vessel disease or
• Conduction abnormalities (abnormalities of the heart's electrical impulses) or
• Dehydration or
• Heart disease or
• Heart failure or
• Hypovolemia (decrease in the volume of blood) or
• Ischemic heart disease, history of or
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack), history of—Risk of hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) is increased

• Diabetes or family history of diabetes—May make condition worse and cause serious side effects

• Drug abuse or dependence, history of—May be more likely to develop dependence on this medicine

• Exposure to extreme heat or
• Strenuous exercise—Increased risk of heat stroke because aripiprazole effects the body's ability to cool itself

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), history of—May cause condition to worsen