Aristada is given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. The dosage and injection schedule will depend on your doctor’s recommendation, but it is typically administered as one of the following:

• Aristada 441 mg: Given once a month.
• Aristada 662 mg: Given every 6 weeks.
• Aristada 882 mg: Given every 4 to 6 weeks.

Here’s how Aristada is used:

• Injection Administration: Aristada is injected into the muscle (usually the gluteal or deltoid muscle) by a healthcare provider. Depending on the 

2. Transition from Oral Aripiprazole: In some cases, if the patient has been on aripiprazole (Abilify) tablets for a while and is switching over to Aristada, the physician may choose to prescribe aripiprazole tablets for a few days prior to initiating Aristada injectable for ease of transition and drug tolerance.
3. Follow-Up Appointments: This procedure also requires attendance at multiple appointments where the medication will be administered and its effects monitored for potential adverse effects

.

4. Missed Doses: Contacting your physician for advice on when to re-inject the medication is crucial if you do not make it for an injection appointment. Do not modify the dosage or the injection schedule without a physician’s instruction.

Aristada indeed is based on Aripiprazole Lauroxil, which upon injection changes itself to the active metabolite of aripiprazole. As an atypical antipsychotic, aripiprazole is known to modulate the activity of both serotonin and dopamine in the human brain. Both these neurotransmitters are crucial components in the control of mood, cognition and behavior.

• Dopamine: Aripiprazole is a partial agonist of the dopamine D2 receptor, which allows varying levels of dopamine activity by stimulating the receptor but not to the extent of fully activating it. This helps in controlling positive symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions associated with schizophrenia disorder.

• Serotonin: Another means through which aripiprazole exerts its action is through interaction with serotonin receptors (5-HT1A and 5-HT2A), which plays a role in its ability to cope with mood and anxiety, and is important in the case of schizophrenia and its maintenance therapy in preventing relapse

.

Aristada, being an injectable medicine, is designed to offer a sustained effect because, after the injection, the medicine is released slowly from the muscle

. This makes it possible for the injections to be administered once a month or once every two months, increasing compliance in patients who tend to have problems with taking oral medication on a daily basis.

As with other atypical antipsychotic medications, Aristada is also associated with a number of adverse reactions. Side effects that occur the most frequently include:

• Injection Site Reactions: Pain, swelling, redness, or irritation at the location where Aristada was injected.
• Weight Gain: Some patients may experience moderate gain in weight.
• Drowsiness: Aristada may cause sedation or tiredness, more so when therapy is just been initiated.
• Restlessness: Commonly referred to as akathisia – this is an inner sensation of restlessness or the inability to stay still.

Prior to taking Aristada, communicate to your doctor existing medical conditions, especially:

• Pregnancy and lactation: Aristada is in the ‘C’ category for use during pregnancy, which indicates that the medications should be used only when the advantages outweigh risks. It is unknown about the excretion of Aristada in breast milk.

• Cardiac issues: History of heart attack or hypertension in the past and the use of Aristada may require monitoring.

• Liver or renal complications: Aristada is eliminated from the body by the liver hence, patients who have liver ailments may need a lower dose of the drug or closer observation during treatment.

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): In case of your high temperature, muscle rigidity, or disorientation, see your physician right away, as they may indicate the risk of NMS.

CYP450 Enzyme Interactions:

CYP3A4 inhibitors: ketoconazole, clarithromycin may result in increased Aripiprazole levels, thereby necessitating a dose decrease of Aristada.

Inhibitors of CYP2D6: fluoxetine, paroxetine increases Aripiprazole plasma levels and requires an adjustment in dosages

CYP3A4 inducers: carbamazepine, rifampin may reduce Aristada levels, potentially reducing efficacy, which may require dosage increases.

CNS Depressants:

Use of Aristada with CNS depressants, such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids may result in increased sedation or CNS depression.

Antipsychotic Drugs:

Concomitant use with other antipsychotics or dopamine antagonists may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), sedation, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS):

The risk of NMS may be increased when used with other dopamine antagonists or antipsychotics.

These are important dosage interactions for Aristada. Monitoring should be performed frequently, especially in patients receiving drugs that modulate the CYP450 enzyme system or CNS depressants.

The specific dosage of Aristada is affected by the patient’s needs and the severity of his or her condition. However, the following doses are more often than not administered

: • Aristada 441 mg: Given once a calendar month.

• Aristada 662 mg: Given in six weeks duration between doses

. • Aristada 882 mg: Given at intervals of four to six weeks. The doctor will ascertain how much is to be given and how frequently depending on your condition, previous treatment, and how well you respond to the medication.

Aristada is a medication that can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed health care practitioner and can not be self-administered

Most often, this treatment is recommended after careful consideration of one’s mental health given the implications of their schizophrenia in relation to the advantages of a long-acting injectable treatment.

1. What is Aristada?

   • Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) is an injectable medication used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

2. How does Aristada work?

   • Aristada works by balancing the chemicals in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin, to help manage the symptoms of schizophrenia.

3. Who should consider using Aristada?

   • Aristada is intended for adults diagnosed with schizophrenia who may benefit from long-acting injectable antipsychotics.

4. What is the dosing schedule for Aristada?

   • The dosing schedule can vary but typically involves injections every 4, 6, or 8 weeks, depending on the formulation and individual patient needs.

5. How is Aristada administered?

   • Aristada is administered as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional.

6. What are the common side effects of Aristada?

   • Common side effects may include weight gain, sedation, akathisia, and injection site reactions.

7. What should I do if I miss a dose of Aristada?

   • If you miss a dose, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on when to reschedule your injection.

8. Can Aristada be used in combination with other medications?

   • Aristada can be used with other medications, but it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking.

9. Is Aristada safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?

   • The safety of Aristada during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as it may have risks.

10. How long does it take for Aristada to start working?

    • Some patients may notice improvements within the first few weeks, but full effects may take longer to achieve.

11. Are there any contraindications for using Aristada?

    • Aristada should not be used in individuals with a known hypersensitivity to aripiprazole or its components.

12. What should I do if I experience severe side effects?

    • If you experience severe side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical help.

13. Can Aristada cause withdrawal symptoms?

    • Stopping Aristada abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms; consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing.

14. Is Aristada suitable for elderly patients?

    • Aristada can be prescribed to elderly patients, but careful monitoring for side effects is essential.

15. Does Aristada interact with alcohol or recreational drugs?

    • Alcohol and recreational drugs can increase the risk of side effects; it’s important to avoid these substances while on Aristada.

16. How should Aristada be stored?

    • Aristada should be stored in a refrigerator and protected from light until it is ready for use.

17. What lifestyle changes can support treatment with Aristada?

    • Healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, can support overall mental health while on Aristada.

18. Can Aristada affect my driving or operating machinery?

    • Aristada may cause drowsiness or impair judgment; caution is advised when driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

19. How do I know if Aristada is working for me?

    • Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will help monitor your symptoms and any improvements.

20. Where can I find additional information about Aristada?

    • Additional information can be found on the official prescribing information, medication guides, or by discussing with your healthcare provider.