Abilify Maintena® Injection for Schizophrenia and Bipolar I

Abilify Maintena is a long-acting aripiprazole injection used monthly for adults. It helps manage schizophrenia and supports maintenance treatment in bipolar I disorder. This page explains key uses, dosing basics, storage tips, and how to access US shipping from Canada, including options for Abilify Maintena price without insurance.

What Abilify Maintena Is and How It Works

Abilify Maintena® is a once-monthly intramuscular injection containing aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic. It works as a dopamine D2 partial agonist and serotonin 5-HT1A partial agonist, with 5-HT2A antagonism. This pharmacologic profile can help stabilize mood and reduce psychotic symptoms over time. Many adults receive it in a clinic setting for maintenance after establishing oral tolerability.

Border Free Health connects U.S. patients with licensed Canadian partner pharmacies; prescriptions are verified with prescribers before dispensing.

Typical adult use includes a clinic-administered dose each month. The formulation is designed for sustained aripiprazole release. The reference regimen often starts at a high-strength option; for many adults, Abilify Maintena 400 mg is considered, though a lower strength may be chosen for tolerability. The treatment can reduce daily pill burden while supporting continuity of care alongside regular follow-up with your clinician.

For background information on related conditions, see Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder.

Who It’s For

This therapy is indicated for adults with schizophrenia. It is also indicated for maintenance monotherapy in adults with bipolar I disorder. Candidates are typically stabilized on oral aripiprazole before transitioning to the long-acting injection under a healthcare professional’s supervision.

It is not approved for patients with dementia-related psychosis. Avoid use if there is a known hypersensitivity to aripiprazole or any component. Use caution in individuals with a history of seizures, cardiovascular disease, a risk of orthostatic hypotension, or metabolic concerns. Discuss risks and benefits with your prescriber based on your medical history and current medicines.

Dosage and Usage

Administration is intramuscular, usually in the gluteal or deltoid muscle by a qualified professional. A standard schedule is once monthly on a consistent date. Labeling commonly recommends starting with a high-strength dose and continuing monthly thereafter. An initial period of oral supplementation is standard to maintain therapeutic levels during the first month.

The label also outlines adjustments when side effects occur. If tolerability is an issue, a lower strength may be used at your prescriber’s discretion. Refer to the official label for full instructions and administration steps. For provider-directed scheduling details, see Abilify Maintena dosing discussions in the package labeling and professional resources.

Strengths and Forms

Available presentations include a single-use vial for reconstitution or a single-use prefilled syringe kit, depending on market availability. Common strengths include 300 mg and 400 mg. Selection depends on prior oral tolerability, clinical response, and prescriber judgment. Availability may vary by supplier and by fulfillment partner.

Kits generally include the components necessary for suspension preparation and intramuscular use in a clinic setting. The vial presentation is reconstituted immediately before injection and used promptly. Pharmacy supply may include either a vial or a ready-to-use kit; the specific option can differ by lot and manufacturer packaging.

Missed Dose and Timing

If a scheduled monthly injection is missed, timing rules depend on how long it has been since the last dose and whether it is an early maintenance dose or a later maintenance dose. In general, the official label provides specific windows for late injections and whether additional oral aripiprazole is needed. Contact your prescriber promptly for individualized guidance. Do not attempt to self-inject or change the regimen on your own.

Storage and Travel Basics

Keep this medicine in its original packaging until use. Store at room temperature and protect from light. Avoid excessive heat and do not freeze. For travel to your appointment, carry the sealed kit or vial in a protective container and keep it dry. If your trip involves hot or cold conditions, use an insulated carrier as advised by your clinician or pharmacy. Pharmacy partners maintain temperature-controlled handling when required.

Do not pre-mix the suspension at home. Reconstitution and injection should occur in a controlled clinical setting. If you need to bring your supply to a clinic, confirm storage and handling steps with your provider ahead of time. For general product-handling information, see topics like Abilify Maintena storage in labeling and professional references.

Benefits

This long-acting therapy can support maintenance treatment when oral adherence is challenging. Monthly administration reduces daily dosing and may simplify routines for many adults. The agent’s mechanism as a dopamine-serotonin modulator may help maintain symptom control after stabilization on oral therapy. Clinic-based dosing also allows periodic monitoring of response and tolerability, which can support overall continuity of care.

Side Effects and Safety

• Injection-site pain or swelling
• Akathisia or restlessness
• Sleepiness or fatigue
• Headache
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Anxiety or insomnia
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Weight or metabolic changes

Serious risks can include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, severe allergic reactions, and impulse-control issues. Antipsychotics carry a boxed warning for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Seek urgent care for signs of high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, severe rash, or trouble breathing. Report new or worsening mood, agitation, or unusual urges to your prescriber.

For a deeper look at tolerability across this drug class and related topics, see our article on Difference Between OCD And OCPD, which discusses diagnostic nuances often managed within mental health care.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Aripiprazole is metabolized primarily via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 pathways. Strong inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes can affect exposure. Alcohol and other central nervous system depressants may enhance sedation or dizziness. Use caution with medicines that impact blood pressure or cause dehydration, as orthostatic hypotension can occur. Tell your prescriber about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take.

Monitor for changes in blood sugar and lipids, especially if you have metabolic risk factors. Stay hydrated in hot weather and rise slowly from sitting to reduce lightheadedness. Your healthcare professional may plan periodic lab work and clinical check-ins.

What to Expect Over Time

At the start, many adults continue oral aripiprazole for a short period to ensure stable levels while the injection reaches steady state. You may notice gradual symptom maintenance rather than immediate changes. Clinic visits allow your healthcare professional to assess response, manage side effects, and confirm the timing of future doses. Consistency is important. Using calendar reminders or a clinic scheduling system can help you stay on track each month.

Mild injection-site discomfort can happen after a dose. Report persistent or severe reactions. Over time, regular assessments help determine whether the current strength is suitable. If your clinical status changes, your prescriber may re-evaluate the overall treatment plan.

Compare With Alternatives

Other long-acting antipsychotic injections are available. Paliperidone palmitate is a common option; see Invega Sustenna Injection for details on that product. Another option is risperidone long-acting therapy; see Risperdal Consta Kit. Your prescriber will match the treatment to your diagnosis, previous response, and safety considerations.

Pricing and Access

We offer Canadian pharmacy fulfilment with transparent options for self-pay, cash price comparisons, and out-of-pocket planning. Learn how aripiprazole injection cost compares under Canadian pricing and U.S. fulfilment. If you are paying cash, you can review available supply sizes and discuss clinic administration fees separately with your provider’s office. For broad mental health options, browse our Mental Health category.

Need a savings update or coupon information? See our site-wide Promotions page for current opportunities. Our cross-border model helps leverage Canadian pricing while ensuring products Ships from Canada to US through licensed partners.

Availability and Substitutions

Supply can vary by strength and by kit versus vial presentation. If a specific configuration is unavailable, your prescriber may suggest a clinically appropriate alternative or a different strength. For patients who require a different aripiprazole format, see the oral option here: Aripiprazole. Clinic policies may also affect which presentation they can accept for administration.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates are adults with a confirmed diagnosis who have established oral aripiprazole tolerability. Those with difficulty taking daily tablets may benefit from a monthly schedule. People with a history of severe allergic reaction to aripiprazole or components should avoid this product. Individuals with uncontrolled metabolic disease, significant cardiovascular instability, or recurrent dehydration require careful evaluation.

To manage costs, consider multi-month ordering to reduce per-shipment fees. Set reminders for refills several weeks before your clinic date to avoid gaps. If your clinic allows, you can coordinate delivery timing to their office. Use secure checkout and maintain updated contact details so we can reach your prescriber for verification when needed. Explore condition pages such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder for broader care context.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Diagnosis fit: is this long-acting option appropriate for me now?
• Oral overlap: how long should I continue oral aripiprazole?
• Strength choice: what factors guide the initial monthly dose?
• Monitoring: how often will we check weight, glucose, and lipids?
• Clinic logistics: where will injections be given and by whom?
• Missed dose: what happens if my appointment is delayed?
• Side effects: which symptoms should prompt a direct call?

Authoritative Sources

For full prescribing information and preparation steps, consult the official resources below. Refer to the Abilify Maintena package insert and professional monographs for comprehensive directions, cautions, and administration guidance.

• Manufacturer: Product Site
• FDA DailyMed
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

For additional educational reading across mental health, see our condition categories, including Mental Health.

Ready to proceed? Add to cart, upload your prescription, and choose prompt, express shipping with US delivery from Canada. This information is not a substitute for medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s directions and the official label.