Aripiprazole (Abilify) price: India vs USA

Aripiprazole (Abilify)

Aripiprazole is a prescription medication used to treat certain mental health and mood disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and major depressive disorder. It belongs to a class of medications known as atypical antipsychotics (second-generation antipsychotics). It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain, specifically dopamine and serotonin.

Aripiprazole is widely prescribed in the United States and globally. Because it can affect mood, thinking, and behavior, it must be taken exactly as directed by a healthcare provider.

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Drug Information

• Generic Name: Aripiprazole
• Common Brand Names (USA): Abilify, Abilify Maintena, Aristada, Abilify Asimtufii, Abilify MyCite
• Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotic (Second-Generation Antipsychotic)
• Prescription Required: Yes
• Controlled Substance: No
• Dosage Forms: Oral tablets, Orally disintegrating tablets, Oral solution, Extended-release injectable suspension
• Route of Administration: Oral, Intramuscular injection
• Original Manufacturer (Abilify): Otsuka Pharmaceutical / Bristol-Myers Squibb

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Active Ingredient

Each tablet contains:

• Aripiprazole

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Available Strengths (USA)

Oral Tablets

• 2 mg
• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 15 mg
• 20 mg
• 30 mg

Orally Disintegrating Tablets (Abilify Discmelt)

• 10 mg
• 15 mg

Oral Solution

• 1 mg/mL

Extended-Release Injectable Suspensions

• Abilify Maintena: 300 mg, 400 mg (administered once monthly)
• Abilify Asimtufii: 720 mg, 960 mg (administered once every 2 months)
• Aristada (Aripiprazole Lauroxil): 441 mg, 662 mg, 882 mg, 1064 mg (administered monthly, every 6 weeks, or every 2 months depending on dose)

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Brand Names (USA)

• Abilify (Oral Tablets)
• Abilify Maintena / Abilify Asimtufii (Long-acting monthly/bimonthly injections)
• Aristada (Long-acting injectable pro-drug)
• Abilify MyCite (Tablet with an embedded sensor to track digital ingestion)
• Generic Aripiprazole

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Uses of Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole is prescribed for:

Schizophrenia

• Acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 13 to 17 years.

Bipolar I Disorder

• Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I disorder as monotherapy or as an add-on to lithium or valproate in adults and pediatric patients aged 10 to 17 years.
• Maintenance treatment of Bipolar I disorder as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

• Used as an adjunctive (add-on) treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who are already taking an antidepressant but need additional symptom relief.

Irritability Associated with Autistic Disorder

• Treatment of irritability (including symptoms of aggression, temper tantrums, self-injurious behavior, and rapidly changing moods) in pediatric patients aged 6 to 17 years.

Tourette's Disorder

• Treatment of Tourette's disorder in pediatric patients aged 6 to 18 years.

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How Aripiprazole Works

Aripiprazole is primarily classified as a dopamine D2 receptor partial agonist and a serotonin 5-HT1A receptor partial agonist, as well as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist.

Unlike older antipsychotics that completely block dopamine pathways, aripiprazole acts like a thermostat. If dopamine levels are too high in certain areas of the brain (which can cause hallucinations or delusions), it scales them down. If dopamine levels are too low in other areas (which can cause lack of motivation or emotional flatness), it subtly boosts them. This unique stabilizing mechanism helps manage both the "positive" and "negative" symptoms of mood and psychotic disorders.

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General Dosage

The appropriate dose varies widely depending on the condition being treated, patient age, tolerability, and other concurrent medications.

• Schizophrenia: Typically started at 10 mg to 15 mg once daily in adults, with a target/maximum dose of 30 mg once daily.
• Bipolar I Disorder: Usually started at 15 mg once daily as monotherapy, or 10 mg to 15 mg once daily when added to other mood stabilizers.
• Major Depressive Disorder (Adjunctive): Typically started at a low dose of 2 mg to 5 mg once daily, and adjusted up to a maximum of 15 mg once daily if needed.
• Pediatric Dosing: Generally initiated at very low doses (e.g., 2 mg daily) and gradually titrated upwards based on the specific condition and tolerance.

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How to Take Aripiprazole

• Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without consulting them.
• Aripiprazole is typically taken once a day, with or without food.
• If using orally disintegrating tablets, allow the tablet to dissolve on the tongue without chewing, and swallow with or without liquid.
• Long-acting injectable versions must be administered exclusively by a healthcare professional in a clinic or hospital setting.
• Do not stop taking aripiprazole abruptly. Stopping suddenly can cause symptoms of your condition to return or worsen.

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Common Side Effects

Common side effects may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Constipation
• Headache
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Anxiety, restlessness, or an inner urge to move (akathisia)
• Insomnia or excessive sleepiness/fatigue
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Blurred vision
• Increased saliva production

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Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but life-threatening reaction characterized by high fever, stiff/rigid muscles, severe confusion, sweating, and irregular heartbeats.
• Tardive Dyskinesia: Involuntary, repetitive muscle movements, usually involving the face, tongue, mouth, or jaw (such as smacking lips or blinking rapidly).
• Uncontrolled Compulsive Behaviors: Strong, uncontrollable urges to gamble, binge eat, spend money, or engage in other compulsive behaviors.
• High Blood Sugar (Hyperglycemia): Extreme thirst, frequent urination, fruity breath odor, or confusion, which can lead to ketoacidosis in severe cases.
• Difficulty swallowing or severe muscle spasms in the neck/throat.
• Suicidal thoughts or worsening depression, especially during the first few weeks of treatment or after a dose change.

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> ### Boxed Warnings > > > Aripiprazole carries two critical black box safety warnings: > Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death (often due to cardiovascular complications or infections like pneumonia). Aripiprazole is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. > Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Antidepressants and adjunctive therapies can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to age 24). Monitor all patients closely for changes in behavior or worsening depressive symptoms. > >

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Warnings and Precautions

Before taking aripiprazole, inform your healthcare provider if you have:

• A history of diabetes or family history of diabetes (blood sugar should be monitored regularly).
• Liver disease or kidney disease.
• Heart problems, high or low blood pressure, a history of stroke, or conditions that predispose you to low blood pressure.
• A history of seizures or epilepsy.
• A history of compulsive gambling, eating, or shopping disorders.
• Low white blood cell counts.

Temperature Regulation: Aripiprazole can make it harder for your body to cool down. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during strenuous exercise or in hot weather.

Dizziness on Standing: This drug can cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure when you stand up). Rise slowly from sitting or lying down to reduce the risk of fainting.

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Contraindications

Do not take aripiprazole if you:

• Have a known hypersensitivity or severe allergic reaction to aripiprazole or any of the inactive ingredients in the medication.

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Drug Interactions

Aripiprazole is heavily broken down by specific liver enzymes (CYP2D6 and CYP3A4). Medications that affect these enzymes can significantly alter aripiprazole levels in your body:

• Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole, Itraconazole, Clarithromycin) or Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Quinidine): These medications can increase aripiprazole concentrations, often requiring your doctor to reduce your aripiprazole dose.
• Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., Carbamazepine, Rifampin, Phenytoin): These medications can dramatically lower aripiprazole levels, making it less effective and often requiring a dose increase.
• Blood Pressure Medications: Aripiprazole may enhance the effects of certain antihypertensives, increasing the risk of excessively low blood pressure.
• Central Nervous System (CNS) Depressants: Combining aripiprazole with other drugs that cause drowsiness (like opioids, sleeping aids, or muscle relaxants) can cause extreme sedation.

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Food and Alcohol

• Alcohol: Avoid drinking alcohol while taking aripiprazole. Alcohol can worsen side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and impaired coordination, and can dangerously alter mental status.
• Food: Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food. Dietary intake does not significantly affect how the drug is absorbed.

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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Pregnancy

Using antipsychotic medications during the third trimester of pregnancy can expose the newborn to risks of withdrawal symptoms or extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary muscle movements or stiffness) after birth. Discuss the benefits and risks of continuing therapy with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Aripiprazole is present in human breast milk and can potentially cause sedation or poor weight gain in a nursing infant. It may also lower the mother's milk supply. Consult your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking this medication.

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Missed Dose

If you miss a dose:

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose completely and resume your normal dosing schedule.
• Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed one.
• If you miss an appointment for a long-acting injection, contact your healthcare provider immediately to reschedule.

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Overdose

Symptoms of an aripiprazole overdose may include extreme lethargy, increased blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, vomiting, tremors, aggression, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

An overdose is a medical emergency. Seek immediate emergency medical care or call a poison control center if an overdose is suspected.

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Storage

• Store aripiprazole oral tablets, solution, and disintegrating tablets at room temperature between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and protected from moisture and heat.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

> ### Disclaimer > > > This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.