Aripiprazole tablets

What is this medicine?

ARIPIPRAZOLE (ay ri PIP ray zole) is an atypical antipsychotic. It is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression. It is also used to treat Tourette's disorder and some symptoms of autism. This medicine may also be used in combination with antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• confusion

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• fever or chills, sore throat

• inability to keep still

• males: prolonged or painful erection

• new or increased gambling urges, sexual urges, uncontrolled spending, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges

• problems with balance, talking, walking

• seizures

• signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome like confusion; fast or irregular heartbeat; high fever; increased sweating; stiff muscles

• sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg

• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

• trouble swallowing

• uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• constipation

• headache

• nausea, vomiting

• trouble sleeping

• weight gain

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• brexpiprazole

• cisapride

• dronedarone

• metoclopramide

• pimozide

• thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol

• carbamazepine

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for blood pressure

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, fluconazole, posaconazole, and itraconazole

• clarithromycin

• dofetilide

• fluoxetine

• other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

• paroxetine

• quinidine

• rifampin

• ziprasidone

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• dehydration

• dementia

• diabetes

• heart disease

• history of stroke

• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

• Parkinson's disease

• seizures

• suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member

• an unusual or allergic reaction to aripiprazole, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose.

Patients and their families should watch out for worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of antidepressant treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

You may get dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warmly in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your healthcare provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

There have been reports of uncontrollable and strong urges to gamble, binge eat, shop, and have sex while taking this medicine. If you experience any of these or other uncontrollable and strong urges while taking this medicine, you should report it to your health care provider as soon as possible.