Abilify is an FDA-approved anti-psychotic drug for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and depression. It is also prescribed for autistic disorder symptoms of aggression, mood swings and irritability. It is given to children with autistic disorder who are at least six years old. It was developed by a Japanese pharmaceutical company called Otsuka. In the United States, it is distributed by Otsuka America and Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Abilify comes in various forms- tablets, injection and oral solution. The tablets are available in different dosages- 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg. The orally disintegrating tablets come in 10 and 15 mg. The oral solution is available in 1 mg/L and is clear and colorless. The injection is ready-to-use with single-dose vials available in 9.75 mg/L. Dosage usually starts at 10 to 15 mg. The drug is taken once a day.
Abilify Cost Information
The prices of Abilify may vary depending on the dosage of the drug. For example, a 2 mg tablet costs around $24 without insurance. Abilify price will also vary depending on the store that sells the drug.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $717.30 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $717.30 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,011.76 |
Kmart |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $717.80 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $717.80 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,012.26 |
Kroger |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $718.55 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $718.55 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,013.01 |
Publix |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $717.85 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $717.85 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,012.31 |
Rite Aid |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $861.00 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $861.00 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,217.00 |
Target |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $811.00 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $811.00 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,206.00 |
Walgreens |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $732.13 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $732.13 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,031.80 |
Walmart |
| 2mg | 30 tablets | $711.83 |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $723.73 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $1,004.55 |
Short-Term Side Effects
The tablet may cause short term side effects to its users. Some of the common side effects associated with the use of Abilify are constipation, insomnia, cough, headache, anxiety, blurred vision, nausea, restlessness, tremors, fatigue, vomiting, runny nose and weight-gain.
Users of Abilify are advised to seek medical help in case they experience symptoms of fever, uneven heartbeats, stiff muscles, jerky muscle movement, sudden numbness or weakness, seizure, yellowing of the eyes or skin, and increased thirst or urination. Patients may have to discontinue using the drug if these symptoms persist.
Long-Term Side Effects
Like other anti-psychotic medications, the long-term intake of Abilify can result to tardive dyskinesia, an irreversible condition that is characterized by involuntary movement of the tongue and lips. It could also lead to neuroleptic malignant syndrome which has symptoms like high fevers, excessive sweating, irregular blood pressure, rigid muscles and altered mental status.
Interactions
The drug may not work if the patient is using drugs like Tegretol, which decreases the amount of Abilify in the body boosting the enzymes that degrade it. Patients should tell their doctors if they are using Tegretol as well as other medications like:
- Phenytoin
- Rifampin
- Phenobarbital
- Ketoconazole (which increases amount of Abilify in the body)
- Itraconazole
- Fluconazole
- Voriconazole
- Cimetidine
- Verapamil
- Diltiazem
- Erythromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Nefazodone
- Riton Avir
- Saquinavir
- Nelfinavir
- Indinavir
- Quinidine
How It Works
Abilify contains the active ingredient aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic. Unlike other antipsychotic ingredients, aripiprazole acts on the various receptors of the brain like dopamine and serotonin receptors. These receptors are involved in the transmission of messages between the brain cells. By stabilizing the activity of dopamine and serotonin in the brain, it is able to cure depression, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
Generic Alternatives
People who find Abilify too pricey can opt for generic alternatives to this medication. Lithium, pindolol and buspirone are some of the drugs that are given as an alternative to Abilify.
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