Abilify Maintena Patient Counseling Information

Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (MEDICATION GUIDE).
Pathological Gambling and Other Compulsive Behaviors: Advise patients and their caregivers of the possibility that they may experience compulsive urges to shop, increased urges to gamble, compulsive sexual urges, binge eating and/or other compulsive urges and the inability to control these urges while taking aripiprazole. In some cases, but not all, the urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or stopped [see PRECAUTIONS].
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome: Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction referred to as NMS that has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs. Advise patients, family members, or caregivers to contact a health care provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs and symptoms of NMS [see PRECAUTIONS].
Tardive Dyskinesia: Advise patients that abnormal involuntary movements have been associated with the administration of antipsychotic drugs. Counsel patients to notify their health care provider if they notice any movements which they cannot control in their face, tongue, or other body part [see PRECAUTIONS].
Metabolic Changes (Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, and Weight Gain): Educate patients about the risk of metabolic changes, how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, and the need for specific monitoring, including blood glucose, lipids, and weight [see PRECAUTIONS].
Orthostatic Hypotension: Educate patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope especially early in treatment, and also at times of re-initiating treatment or increases in dosage [see PRECAUTIONS].
Leukopenia/Neutropenia: Advise patients with a pre-existing low WBC count or a history of drug-induced leucopenia/neutropenia that they should have their CBC monitored while receiving Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) [see PRECAUTIONS].
Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance: Because Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) may have the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, instruct patients to be cautious about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) therapy does not affect them adversely [see PRECAUTIONS].
Heat Exposure and Dehydration: Advise patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration [see RECAUTIONS].
Concomitant Medication: Advise patients to inform their health care providers of any changes to their current prescription or over-the-counter medications since there is a potential for clinically significant interactions [see INTERACTIONS].
Pregnancy: Advise patients that Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a neonate and to notify their healthcare provider with a known or suspected pregnancy. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Aripiprazole (Abilify Maintena) during pregnancy [see USE IN PREGNANCY & LACTATION].