New Abilify 2-Month Injection
A Breakthrough in Long-Acting Bipolar Treatment
The Abilify 2-month injection is a new medicine for adults with bipolar disorder 1. It’s also used for schizophrenia. It’s called Abilify Asimtufii, and it’s special because you only need to get it once every two months instead of every month like other similar medicines. The Abilify 2-month injection is similar to other long-acting injections, but it lasts longer. For example, Abilify Maintena is given once a month, while this new version is given every two months.
Both work the same way in your body, but the Abilify 2-month injection means fewer trips to the doctor and fewer shots overall.
Here at BP Harmony, we want to democratize knowledge regarding bipolar disorder management through new medications like this. However, ALWAYS consult a licensed health professional whether starting or changing medications is right for you.
For more, in depth, guidance on bipolar disorder, consider purchasing out book and masterclass to support our work.
How it Works
The Abilify 2-month injection is given as a shot in your buttocks by a doctor or nurse. It slowly releases medicine into your body over two months, so you don’t have to take pills every day. This can make it easier for people to stick to their treatment plan.
There are two doses available:
- 960 mg (the usual dose)
- 720 mg (a lower dose that your doctor might choose)
When you first start the Abilify 2-month injection, your doctor might have you take Abilify pills for two weeks after your first shot. This helps make sure you have enough medicine in your body right away.
Is It Right for You?
The Abilify 2-month injection might be a good choice if:
You’ve taken Abilify pills before and they worked well for you
- You have trouble remembering to take daily pills
- You want a treatment that doesn’t require thinking about it every day
- You’re okay with getting shots in your buttocks
However, it might not be the best choice if:
- You don’t like getting shots
- You have had bad side effects from Abilify before
- You need to be able to stop your medicine quickly. Injections last in your body for a long time so this may not be ideal if you become pregnant. Again, you should talk to your doctor about nuanced details.
Benefits
There are several good things about this new treatment:
- Fewer shots: You only need to get an injection every two months instead of every month.
- No daily pills: You don’t have to remember to take medicine every day.
- Steady medicine levels: The injection keeps a steady amount of medicine in your body over time.
- Fewer doctor visits: You don’t have to go to the doctor’s office as often.
Possible Side Effects
Like all medicines, the Abilify 2-month injection can cause side effects. Some common ones are:
- Weight gain
- Feeling restless or unable to sit still
- Pain where you got the shot
- Feeling sleepy
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
Most of these side effects are mild and may go away after a while. But it’s important to tell your doctor if they bother you or don’t go away.
There are also some rare but serious side effects to watch out for:
- Unusual movements you can’t control (especially in your face or tongue)
- Strong urges you can’t resist (like gambling or overeating)
- Feeling very hot or cold
- Trouble swallowing
- Seizures
- Feeling like you might faint
- Signs of infection (like fever or chills)
- High blood sugar
If you notice any of these, call your doctor right away.
How to Start Treatment
If you and your doctor think the Abilify 2-month injection might be right for you, here’s what will happen:
- Your doctor will explain how the treatment works and answer your questions.
- You’ll get your first injection at the doctor’s office or clinic.
- You might need to take Abilify pills for two weeks after your first shot.
- After that, you’ll come back every two months for your next injection.
Things to Remember
- Always go to your scheduled appointments to get your injection on time.
- If you miss an appointment, call your doctor right away to reschedule.
- Tell your doctor about any side effects you have, even if they seem minor.
- Don’t stop getting the injections without talking to your doctor first.
- Keep all your follow-up appointments so your doctor can check how you’re doing.
Conclusion
Most blog posts on BP Harmony are related to holistic, non-medication solutions to bipolar disorder. It is important to note that defining “balance” with bipolar disorder is an individual journey that you or your loved one must make along with the support of their healthcare provider, family, friends, a support group like BP Harmony.
We want you to make the decision that is best for you 🙂
Citations:
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-163617/abilify-maintena-intramuscular/details
- https://www.otsuka-us.com/news/otsuka-and-lundbeck-published-study-results-showing-aripiprazole-2-month-ready-use-long-acting
- https://www.drugs.com/abilify-maintena.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-abilify-dosage
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a615048.html
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-abilify-asimtufii
- https://www.lundbeck.com/content/dam/lundbeck-com/europe/ireland/lean-on-lundbeck/LUN1010_AbilifyMaintena_AM960_PatientBooklet_MAY24.pdf.coredownload.pdf
- https://www.abilifymaintena.com/bipolar-I
- https://www.va.gov/formularyadvisor/DOC_PDF/MON_Aripiprazole_ABILIFY_ASIMTUFII_Monograph_Nov_2023.pdf
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-abilify-maintena
