Aripiprazole: What Should I Discuss With My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Aripiprazole

Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking aripiprazole?

Aripiprazole is not for use in psychotic conditions that are related to dementia. Aripiprazole has caused fatal heart attack and stroke in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Before taking aripiprazole, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• heart disease, high blood pressure, heart rhythm problems;
• a history of heart attack or stroke;
• a history of breast cancer;
• seizures or epilepsy;
• a personal or family history of diabetes; or
• trouble swallowing.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use aripiprazole, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.

The liquid form (oral solution) of this medication may contain up to 15 grams of sugar per dose. Before taking aripiprazole oral solution, tell your doctor if you have diabetes.

The orally disintegrating tablet form of this medication may contain over 3 milligrams of phenylalanine per tablet. Before taking Abilify Discmelt, tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.

Aripiprazole may cause you to have high blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Talk to your doctor if you have any signs of hyperglycemia such as increased thirst or urination, excessive hunger, or weakness. If you are diabetic, check your blood sugar levels on a regular basis while you are taking aripiprazole.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Aripiprazole can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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Last updated:	August 28, 2006