Question 1

What is Aristada?

Accepted Answer

Aristada is an atypical antipsychotic medication. As a prodrug of aripiprazole, it undergoes a chemical conversion in the body to become active. This process allows the medication to provide a sustained release of the active ingredient over an extended period.

The medication works by modulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. By balancing these chemical messengers, the therapy supports the regulation of various physiological and neurological processes.

Question 2

What is Aristada used for?

Accepted Answer

Aristada is used to treat schizophrenia .

Question 3

How does Aristada work?

Accepted Answer

Mechanism of Action

Aristada belongs to a class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics. It is a prodrug, which means that after it is injected, the body must chemically convert it into its active form, aripiprazole, before it can begin to work.

The medication works by influencing the activity of neurotransmitters, which are natural chemicals that carry signals between nerve cells in the brain. It primarily targets two specific neurotransmitters:

Dopamine: This chemical is involved in how the brain processes rewards, emotions, and perceptions of reality.

Serotonin: This chemical helps regulate mood, sleep, and cognitive functions.

The exact way aripiprazole works is not fully understood. However, researchers believe it acts as a stabilizer. It can partially activate or block dopamine and serotonin receptors depending on the levels of those chemicals in the brain. By balancing this activity, the medication helps manage symptoms related to thinking, feelings, and behavior.

Extended-Release Delivery

Aristada is an extended-release formulation. Once injected into the muscle, the medication is released slowly into the bloodstream. This delivery method allows the drug to maintain a steady level in the body over several weeks or months, depending on the specific dose and schedule.

Question 4

What are the active ingredients in Aristada?

Accepted Answer

The active ingredient in Aristada is aripiprazole lauroxil .

Question 5

What are the side effects of Aristada?

Accepted Answer

Common side effects of Aristada may include:

akathisia

weight gain

injection site pain

and others

Always consult with a healthcare professional about potential side effects.

Question 6

What drug class is Aristada?

Accepted Answer

Aristada belongs to the atypical antipsychotic drug class.

Question 7

What is the dosage of Aristada and how do I take it?

Accepted Answer

Administration

Aristada is given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. It is typically injected into the muscle of the upper arm (deltoid) or the buttocks (gluteal muscle).

Dosing Schedule

This medication is designed to release slowly into the body over time. Depending on the specific treatment plan determined by a healthcare provider, injections may be scheduled at the following intervals:

Once monthly

Every six weeks

Every two months

Starting Treatment

When beginning Aristada, a healthcare provider may require the patient to continue taking oral aripiprazole for a specific period to ensure the medication reaches effective levels in the bloodstream. Alternatively, a separate initiation injection may be used alongside a single dose of oral medication to start treatment.

Missed Doses

It is important to receive every injection as scheduled. If an appointment is missed, the healthcare provider should be contacted immediately to reschedule the injection. Missing a dose may require the use of supplemental oral medication or a change in the injection schedule to maintain the effectiveness of the treatment.

Question 8

Is Aristada safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

Pregnancy

The use of Aristada during the third trimester of pregnancy may lead to complications for the newborn. Infants exposed to antipsychotic medications like Aristada late in pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms or extrapyramidal symptoms after birth. These symptoms can include:

Agitation or irritability

Muscle stiffness or weakness

Tremors

Sleepiness

Difficulty breathing

Feeding problems

Healthcare providers may monitor newborns for these signs if exposure occurred during the final months of pregnancy. There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors outcomes for individuals who take psychiatric medications during pregnancy. Patients are encouraged to discuss their treatment plan with their doctor if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding

Aripiprazole, the active medication in Aristada, has been found in human breast milk. It is not fully known how this may affect a nursing infant or the production of breast milk. When deciding whether to breastfeed while using Aristada, it is important to consider the clinical need for the medication and the potential benefits of breastfeeding for the child. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider to evaluate the best course of action for their specific situation.

Question 9

What forms and strengths does Aristada come in?

Accepted Answer

Aristada is supplied as an extended-release injectable suspension. This medication is intended for intramuscular administration only and must be injected by a healthcare provider.

The medication is available in the following formulations:

Extended-Release Injectable Suspension: A long-acting formulation administered into the deltoid muscle of the arm or the gluteal muscle of the buttocks.

Aristada Initio: A specific formulation of the injectable suspension used for the initiation of treatment.

Question 10

What is the FDA approval status of Aristada?

Accepted Answer

FDA Approval and Indications

Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil) was approved by the FDA in October 2015. It is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults. As a long-acting injectable, it is administered by a healthcare professional into the arm or buttocks every four to eight weeks, depending on the dose prescribed.

Boxed Warning

The FDA requires a boxed warning for Aristada because elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis who are treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Aristada is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Safety Communications and Regulatory Actions

The FDA has issued specific safety communications and updated labeling for aripiprazole products, including Aristada, regarding the following risks:

Impulse-Control Problems: In 2016, the FDA warned that aripiprazole can lead to new or worsening compulsive urges, such as gambling, binge eating, shopping, and sexual urges. These behaviors may occur even in patients without a prior history of such impulses and typically resolve when the medication is stopped or the dose is lowered.

CNS Depression: The FDA has issued general warnings regarding the serious risks of combining central nervous system (CNS) depressants, which can lead to extreme sedation and respiratory distress.

Adverse Event Monitoring: The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) identified impulse control disorders as a potential signal of serious risk in early 2016, leading to subsequent safety labeling changes for the drug class.

Question 11

What should I know about Aristada and cost?

Accepted Answer

Factors Influencing Cost

Aristada is a brand-name medication, and there is currently no generic version available. The total price of treatment can vary based on several factors:

Dosage and Schedule: Aristada is available in multiple strengths and can be administered once monthly, every six weeks, or every two months. The specific regimen prescribed by a healthcare provider will affect the overall cost.

Insurance Coverage: Many commercial insurance plans, as well as Medicare and Medicaid, cover Aristada. However, the out-of-pocket cost will depend on the specific plan's copayments, deductibles, and whether the drug is on the plan's preferred formulary.

Administration Fees: Because Aristada must be administered by a healthcare professional as an intramuscular injection, patients may incur additional costs for the office visit or the administration procedure itself.

Financial Assistance Programs

The manufacturer may offer financial assistance to eligible patients to help manage the cost of the medication. This may include:

Copay Savings Cards: These may reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients with commercial insurance.

Patient Assistance Programs: These programs are often available for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured and meet specific income requirements.

Patients should consult their insurance provider or a healthcare professional to determine the exact cost and explore available savings options.

Aristada

Medication Quick Facts

📋Overview

What It's Used For

How It Works

Side Effects

Warnings & Precautions

Dosage & How to Take

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Forms & Strengths

FDA / Regulatory Status

Price Information

FAQ

Found an Error?