Schizophrenia Daily News Blog

Injectable Abilify (Aripiprazole) Now Available

Bristol-Myers Squibb and Otsuka Pharmaceutical announced the launch of Abilify (aripiprazole) Injection, an injectable form of Abilify, for intramuscular use. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had approved Abilify Injection on 20 September 2006.

Abilify Injection, which provides healthcare professionals with ready-to-use single-dose vial (9.75 mg/1.3 mL), provides control of agitation in adults with schizophrenia or bipolar mania within approximately 2 hours independent of sedation.

Acute agitation is a common cause of psychiatric emergencies characterized by a range of behaviors that includes excessive motor and/or verbal activity, irritability, uncooperativeness, verbal outburst or abuse and threatening behavior or language.

The prescribing information for Abilify (aripiprazole) Injection instructs that if ongoing Abilify therapy is clinically indicated, Abilify Oral should replace Abilify Injection as soon as possible.

The press release states that many physicians would prefer to start with an injectable agent in the acute setting and then transition to the oral formulation of the same agent for long-term disease management. Abilify Injection now provides healthcare professionals with the ability to start and stay with Abilify in the treatment of schizophrenia or Bipolar I Disorder (manic or mixed).

Read the full press release: ABILIFY® (Aripiprazole) Injection for Intramuscular Use for Adults With Agitation Associated With Schizophrenia or Bipolar Mania Now Available (12 December 2006)