How do I get different forms of Abilify (Aripiprazole)?

How to Obtain Different Forms of Abilify (Aripiprazole)

Aripiprazole is available in multiple formulations, with the most appropriate form depending on the patient's condition, treatment needs, and insurance coverage.

Available Formulations of Aripiprazole

Oral Formulations

• Tablets: Available in multiple strengths (2mg, 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 30mg)

  • Starting dose for adults with schizophrenia: 10-15mg once daily 1
  • Can be taken without regard to meals 1
  • Dosage adjustments should generally not be made before 2 weeks (time needed to achieve steady-state) 1

• Oral Solution: Can be substituted for tablets on a mg-per-mg basis up to 25mg dose level 1

  • Patients receiving 30mg tablets should receive 25mg of solution 1

Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) Formulations

• Aripiprazole Monohydrate (Ari 2MRTU): Administered every 2 months (960mg) 2

  • Covers all recommended doses of oral aripiprazole (10-20mg) 2
  • Demonstrated efficacy for schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder 2

• Aripiprazole Lauroxil (AL): Administered every 2 months (1064mg) 2

  • May require a 1-day initiation regimen 2
  • Established efficacy for treatment of schizophrenia 2

How to Obtain Aripiprazole

1. Consult with a psychiatrist or primary care physician

   • A prescription is required for all forms of aripiprazole

2. For oral formulations:

   • Take prescription to any retail pharmacy
   • Consider cost implications - median AWP for tablets is approximately $878 for 2mg tablets 3

3. For long-acting injectable formulations:

   • Requires healthcare provider administration
   • May need prior authorization from insurance
   • Typically administered in a clinical setting (psychiatrist's office, clinic, or hospital)

4. Insurance considerations:

   • Check formulary status with your insurance provider
   • Some formulations may require step therapy (trying oral forms first)
   • Patient assistance programs may be available through the manufacturer

Clinical Considerations for Form Selection

• Oral tablets/solution: Appropriate for initial treatment and patients who can reliably take daily medication 1, 4

  • Offers dosing flexibility
  • Allows for rapid dose adjustments

• Long-acting injectables: Better for patients with adherence concerns or preference for less frequent dosing 2

  • Provides steady blood levels
  • Reduces risk of relapse due to missed doses
  • Improves treatment outcomes in patients with poor adherence

Safety Considerations

• Monitor for common side effects regardless of formulation:

  • Movement disorders (akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms) 5
  • Gastrointestinal disturbances (nausea, constipation) 5
  • Weight changes (less weight gain than some other antipsychotics) 4

• Aripiprazole has a favorable cardiovascular tolerability profile and reduced risk of metabolic syndrome compared to some other antipsychotics 4

• For patients with known CYP2D6 poor metabolizer status or those taking CYP3A4 inhibitors, dosage adjustments are necessary 1

Special Populations

• Adolescents: Different dosing recommendations apply

  • For bipolar I disorder (≥13 years): 10mg once daily for 12 weeks 6
  • For schizophrenia (13-17 years): Target dose of 10mg daily 1

• Patients with renal or hepatic impairment: May require dosage adjustments

Remember that treatment selection should be based on the patient's clinical needs, with consideration of efficacy, tolerability, and adherence factors.