KEIRA: I like writing because you can go anywhere, be anything, be anyone. It’s helped me have
a safe and healthy outlet to express myself. I don’t really remember a time in my life where I didn’t have any
symptoms. I have always struggled with paranoia, anxiety, and depression. When I was younger, I didn’t realize
really anything was wrong. It was really when I started getting older, I realized it wasn’t what other people
experience. That’s when my writing became extremely dark. The voices in my head and the hallucinations got
really bad.
JENNIFER: Keira was always extremely smart. She read and could write before she was 3. But very
timid. She didn’t engage in conversation unless somebody spoke to her, but I just thought she was an introvert
and didn’t think anything was wrong until her junior year of high school. When she was 17, she went away in the
summertime for a few weeks, and I saw a different side of her. She was writing me some letters, you know, and
sending me messages that I thought were really dark. And when she returned home, things just continued to get
worse.
KEIRA: I remember that I had a really bad breakdown my senior year of high school. And that’s
when I had my first hospitalization. After that, I was in and out of the hospital constantly. At first doctors
thought it was just depression and anxiety. Then the diagnoses kept changing over time. It was a really dark
chapter of my life.
JENNIFER: Keira didn’t show any emotion. She walked around with a flat affect. The paranoia got
worse. Her writings became really scary. She was becoming violent and started hurting herself. Everyone assumed
she was just on drugs or alcohol, it was really frustrating. It made me realize there is such need for education
on this topic, especially in her age group. I’m an ER nurse, so I know the drill. I knew she wasn’t taking
drugs, so I kept pressing for answers.
KEIRA: When I was first hospitalized, I wasn’t completely open and honest with the nurses and
doctors, because the voices in my head told me not to talk about them, and I was scared. In the summer of 2019,
when I was 25 years old, I was hospitalized again. I decided to finally be more open and honest to get the
proper help I needed. I realized the doctors and the nurses there were all just trying to help me. The
psychiatrist at the hospital took some time to evaluate me. He talked to me about the symptoms I was having and
then diagnosed me with schizophrenia. I was afraid, but I also had a sense of relief to finally know what was
going on. I think deep down I had always suspected, but I just didn’t want to admit it.
JENNIFER: I didn’t understand schizophrenia and what it would mean for my daughter’s future.
And then, we found out about ARISTADA.
KEIRA: The psychiatrist who diagnosed me with schizophrenia recommended ARISTADA. He told us
ARISTADA is an injection with an option to receive it every 2 months. He told us about all the benefits and the
risks, and after discussing it with my mom, I decided to try it.
NARRATOR: ARISTADA INITIO®
(aripiprazole lauroxil) and
ARISTADA® (aripiprazole lauroxil) may not be right for everyone.
ARISTADA INITIO is a prescription medicine given as a one-time injection and is used in combination with oral aripiprazole to start
ARISTADA treatment, or re-start ARISTADA treatment after a missed dose, when
ARISTADA is used for the treatment
of schizophrenia in adults.
ARISTADA is a prescription medicine given by injection by a healthcare professional and used to treat
schizophrenia in adults.
It is not known if ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA are safe and effective in
children under 18 years of age.
Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of
death when treated with antipsychotic medicines including ARISTADA INITIO
and ARISTADA. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA are not for the treatment of
people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia).
Before you start treatment with ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA, tell your
healthcare provider if you have ever taken Abilify®, Abilify Maintena®, or
any aripiprazole product before.
People who are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ARISTADA should not receive ARISTADA.
People must first tolerate oral aripiprazole before receiving ARISTADA INITIO
or ARISTADA.
The most common side effect of ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA includes feeling
like you need to move to stop
unpleasant feelings (akathisia). Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or
does not go away.
When starting ARISTADA, you may receive a one-time injection called ARISTADA
INITIO along with 30 mg of oral
aripiprazole. In some cases, your doctor will have you start with 21 days of oral aripiprazole if ARISTADA INITIO is not right for you.
Please watch and consider the additional Important Safety Information contained in this video.
KEIRA: I started treatment and stayed in the hospital for about 2 weeks. I was released and
then had a follow-up with my nurse shortly after, who I continue to see on an
ongoing basis. I like
that I don’t
have to remember to take a pill every day. A nurse gives me my injections at home. Since starting on ARISTADA,
I’ve noticed an improvement in my symptoms. This has just been my experience on ARISTADA. Yours may be
different. Talk to your healthcare team about what may be best for you.
JENNIFER: I’m happy to see her doing better. She’s working with her healthcare team to stay on
her treatment plan.
KEIRA: I do still have bad days every once in a while. But I have learned better coping skills
and how to handle them better. It’s easier to talk about what I’m going through now. If I’m having a bad day, I
talk to my mom, my best friend, or my brother. I’m getting back into volunteering at a horse farm, and I really
enjoy my job as a dog groomer. In the future, I’d like to open my own dog grooming shop and publish a book.
JENNIFER: My advice to other families and caregivers going through this is to seek help. Keep
pushing, you know. Don’t settle for an answer you don’t understand.
KEIRA: Thinking about the future is still very new to me. I’d tell my future self to keep her
head up. Be proud of how far you’ve come. Let go of the past and just keep moving forward. The next chapter of
my journey is unwritten. I don’t know what’s to come, and that’s okay.
NARRATOR: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of
death when treated with antipsychotic medicines including ARISTADA INITIO
and ARISTADA. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA are not for the treatment of
people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia).
Contraindication: Do not receive ARISTADA INITIO or ARISTADA if you
are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ARISTADA. Allergic reactions to aripiprazole
have ranged from rash, hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in
the chest, and swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA may cause serious side effects
including:
- Cerebrovascular problems (including stroke) in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis that can lead to death.
-
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition that can lead to death. Call your
healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have some or all
of the following signs and symptoms of NMS:
- high fever
- stiff muscles
- confusion
- sweating
- changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure
-
Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). ARISTADA
INITIO and ARISTADA may cause movements that
you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even
if you stop receiving ARISTADA. Tardive dyskinesia may also start after you stop receiving ARISTADA.
-
Problems with your metabolism such as:
-
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Increases in blood sugar can happen in some
people who receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA. Extremely high
blood sugar can lead to coma
or death. If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (such as being overweight or a
family history of diabetes), your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you
receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA and during your treatment
with ARISTADA.
-
-
-
Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms of high
blood sugar:
- feel very thirsty
- need to urinate more than usual
- feel very hungry
- feel weak or tired
- feel sick to your stomach
- feel confused, or your breath smells fruity
-
- Increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood
-
Weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should check your weight
regularly.
-
Unusual and uncontrollable (compulsive) urges. Some people taking aripiprazole have had
strong unusual urges such as gambling that cannot be controlled (compulsive gambling). Other compulsive
urges include sexual urges, shopping, and eating or binge eating. If you or your family members notice
that you are having unusual strong urges, talk to your healthcare provider.
-
Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). You may feel lightheaded or faint
when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
-
Falls. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA may make you sleepy or
dizzy when standing which
may make you at risk for falls and related injuries.
- Low white blood cell count
- Seizures (convulsions)
-
Problems controlling your body temperature. Avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated.
Do not exercise too much. In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible. Stay
out of the sun. Do not wear too much clothing or heavy clothing. Drink plenty of water.
- Difficulty swallowing
The most common side effects of ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA
include restlessness or feeling
like you need to move (akathisia). These are not all the possible side effects of ARISTADA INITIO and
ARISTADA. You should tell your healthcare provider about any side-effects
you have.
Do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA affect you. ARISTADA
INITIO and ARISTADA may affect your judgment, thinking or motor skills.
Before receiving ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA tell your healthcare provider
about all of your medical
conditions, including if you:
-
have not taken Abilify®, Abilify Maintena®, or any aripiprazole
product before
- have or had heart problems or a stroke
-
have diabetes or high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar. Your healthcare
provider should check your blood sugar before you receive ARISTADA INITIO
and/or ARISTADA and during
your treatment with ARISTADA
- have or had low or high blood pressure
- have or had seizures (convulsions)
- have or had a low white blood cell count
- have problems that may affect you receiving an injection in your buttocks or your arm
-
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ARISTADA INITIO
and/or ARISTADA will harm
your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking ARISTADA INITIO
and/or ARISTADA, talk to your
healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics.
You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388, or
visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/
-
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA
can pass into your breast milk.
It is not known if it may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed
your baby if you receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA and other
medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects. Do not start or stop any medicines
after you receive ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA without talking to your
healthcare provider first.
If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. You are
encouraged to report all side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or
call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KELSEY: Growing up in school, I had problems where I wasn’t understanding people and I was, you
know, bullied. I had a really hard time making friends. They would distance themselves from me, and I really
honestly didn’t know why. Going through those years, those are kind of like the most important years of your
life where you’re kind of developing and everything, and I didn’t really have the friends around me that I guess
I could say needed.
CHRISTY: First time I noticed there was something a little amiss with Kelsey was, I believe, in
elementary school. Kelsey was having problems with processing, and her teacher noticed it too; the
misinterpretation of what one of the kids would say to her, and she would take it all wrong and get offended as
though she didn’t process it correctly.
KELSEY: When I started hearing voices first, I can think back to about when I was in grade
school. I thought that what I was feeling was normal, so I didn’t think to tell anybody. As I got older, the
symptoms continued to get worse and worse. The voices were louder and louder. I was seeing things, and I was
having really bad delusional thoughts.
CHRISTY: I had no idea. She never, ever once said to me that she was hearing voices as a child,
whatsoever. Not ‘til she was 20. I remember when Kelsey was talking to the walls. She was also talking to a mop
and thought it was her friend. I was extremely scared.
KELSEY: My initial breakdown was when I was 20 years old. I thought I was having a heart
attack. And so, I called the ambulance, and that’s how I wound up in the hospital. It kind of was just a
downward spiral after that, where it was hospital after hospital. And eventually, a psychiatrist diagnosed me
with schizophrenia. I was still in denial. I didn’t feel like that was the truth. Took me about 2 years to
accept my condition.
CHRISTY: I was devastated and complete disbelief. I didn’t understand it. I did a lot of
research and found out that we have a family history of schizophrenia. Knowing that Kelsey had schizophrenia was
incredibly hard for me to digest, and I could only focus on getting her the proper help. It was extremely
important for us to find the right doctor and the right medication for Kelsey.
KELSEY: I had tried several medications before my psychiatrist introduced me to ARISTADA. She
explained that ARISTADA is a injection given by a healthcare professional, and given my medical history, she
thought I would be an appropriate candidate to try this treatment. She went ahead and she told me the risks and
also the benefits, and after careful consideration, we decided that ARISTADA may be a good option for me.
NARRATOR: ARISTADA INITIO®
(aripiprazole lauroxil) and
ARISTADA® (aripiprazole lauroxil) may not be right for everyone.
ARISTADA INITIO is a prescription medicine given as a one-time injection and is used in combination with oral aripiprazole to start
ARISTADA treatment, or re-start ARISTADA treatment after a missed dose, when
ARISTADA is used for the treatment
of schizophrenia in adults.
ARISTADA is a prescription medicine given by injection by a healthcare professional and used to treat
schizophrenia in adults.
It is not known if ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA are safe and effective in
children under 18 years of age.
Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of
death when treated with antipsychotic medicines including ARISTADA INITIO
and ARISTADA. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA are not for the treatment of
people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion and memory loss (dementia).
Before you start treatment with ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA, tell your
healthcare provider if you have ever taken Abilify®, Abilify Maintena®, or
any aripiprazole product before.
People who are allergic to aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ARISTADA should not receive ARISTADA.
People must first tolerate oral aripiprazole before receiving ARISTADA INITIO
or ARISTADA.
The most common side effects of ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA include
restlessness or feeling like you need to
move (akathisia). These are not all the possible side effects of ARISTADA
INITIO and ARISTADA. You should tell
your healthcare provider about any side-effects you have.
When starting ARISTADA, you may receive a one-time injection called ARISTADA INITIO along with 30 mg of oral
aripiprazole. In some cases, your doctor will have you start with 21 days of oral aripiprazole if ARISTADA INITIO is not right for you.
Please watch the additional Important Safety Information contained in this video.
KELSEY: My doctor provided me with an overview of ARISTADA and told me I had the option of
getting an injection every 2 months. I’ve been on the 2-month dosing plan, and
it’s working well for me and my
schedule. My doctor stressed the importance of sticking to my prescription schedule. She told me if I missed a
dose for some reason, I should call her right away and discuss what to do next. Since being on treatment with
ARISTADA, my schizophrenia symptoms have improved. Remember, though, this is my experience on ARISTADA, and your
experience may be different. Living with schizophrenia can be tough. I do have difficult days still. I like to
talk to my mom. She’s an angel. She completely stood by my side and never—she never let go, and she never gave
up on me. You know, she really is my rock.
CHRISTY: I have never stopped fighting for my child. I fought to get the right team of doctors,
and it’s paid off. She’s doing very well. She is working and hopes to move into a place of her own. I am so
incredibly proud of her and how she is doing.
KELSEY: This disease carries a big stigma with it where people may judge you.
Something I would say to somebody who was just diagnosed with schizophrenia is, don’t give up. Because there is
somebody out there that cares. Everybody’s special and everybody has a place in this world. Never give up.
There’s hope at the end of the tunnel.
NARRATOR: IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Elderly people with dementia-related psychosis are at increased risk of
death when treated with antipsychotic medicines including ARISTADA INITIO
and ARISTADA. ARISTADA INITIO and
ARISTADA are not for the treatment of people who have lost touch with reality (psychosis) due to confusion
and memory loss (dementia).
Contraindication: Do not receive ARISTADA INITIO or ARISTADA if you
are allergic to
aripiprazole or any of the ingredients in ARISTADA. Allergic reactions to aripiprazole have ranged from rash,
hives and itching to anaphylaxis, which may include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, and swelling
of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue.
ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA may cause serious side effects including:
- Cerebrovascular problems (including stroke) in elderly people with dementia-related psychosis that can lead to death.
-
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a serious condition that can lead to death. Call your
healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you have some or all
of the following signs and symptoms of NMS:
- high fever
- stiff muscles
- confusion
- sweating
- changes in pulse, heart rate, and blood pressure
-
Uncontrolled body movements (tardive dyskinesia). ARISTADA
INITIO and ARISTADA may cause
movements that
you cannot control in your face, tongue, or other body parts. Tardive dyskinesia may not go away, even
if you stop receiving ARISTADA. Tardive dyskinesia may also start after you stop receiving ARISTADA.
-
Problems with your metabolism such as:
-
High blood sugar (hyperglycemia). Increases in blood sugar can happen in some
people who receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA. Extremely high
blood sugar can lead to coma
or death. If you have diabetes or risk factors for diabetes (such as being overweight or a
family history of diabetes), your healthcare provider should check your blood sugar before you
receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA and during your treatment
with ARISTADA.
-
-
-
Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these symptoms of high
blood sugar:
- feel very thirsty
- need to urinate more than usual
- feel very hungry
- feel weak or tired
- feel sick to your stomach
- feel confused, or your breath smells fruity
-
- Increased fat levels (cholesterol and triglycerides) in your blood
-
Weight gain. You and your healthcare provider should check your weight
regularly.
-
Unusual and uncontrollable (compulsive) urges. Some people taking aripiprazole have had
strong unusual urges such as gambling that cannot be controlled (compulsive gambling). Other compulsive
urges include sexual urges, shopping, and eating or binge eating. If you or your family members notice
that you are having unusual strong urges, talk to your healthcare provider.
-
Decreased blood pressure (orthostatic hypotension). You may feel lightheaded or faint
when you rise too quickly from a sitting or lying position.
-
Falls. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA may make you sleepy or dizzy when standing which
may make you at risk for falls and related injuries.
- Low white blood cell count
- Seizures (convulsions)
-
Problems controlling your body temperature. Avoid becoming too hot or dehydrated.
Do not exercise too much. In hot weather, stay inside in a cool place if possible. Stay
out of the sun. Do not wear too much clothing or heavy clothing. Drink plenty of water.
- Difficulty swallowing
The most common side effects of ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA
include restlessness or feeling
like you need to move (akathisia). These are not all the possible side effects of ARISTADA INITIO and
ARISTADA. You should tell your healthcare provider about any side-effects
you have.
Do not drive, operate hazardous machinery, or do other dangerous activities until you know how ARISTADA
INITIO and ARISTADA affect you. ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA may affect your
judgment, thinking or motor
skills.
Before receiving ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA tell your healthcare provider
about all of your medical
conditions, including if you:
-
have not taken Abilify®, Abilify Maintena®, or any aripiprazole
product before
- have or had heart problems or a stroke
-
have diabetes or high blood sugar or a family history of diabetes or high blood sugar. Your healthcare
provider should check your blood sugar before you receive ARISTADA INITIO
and/or ARISTADA and during
your treatment with ARISTADA
- have or had low or high blood pressure
- have or had seizures (convulsions)
- have or had a low white blood cell count
- have problems that may affect you receiving an injection in your buttocks or your arm
-
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ARISTADA INITIO
and/or ARISTADA will harm
your unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking ARISTADA INITIO
and/or ARISTADA, talk to your
healthcare provider about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics.
You can register by calling 1-866-961-2388, or
visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/
-
are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA
can pass into your breast milk.
It is not known if it may harm your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to feed
your baby if you receive ARISTADA INITIO and/or ARISTADA.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and
over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. ARISTADA INITIO
and ARISTADA and other
medicines may affect each other causing possible serious side effects. Do not start or stop any medicines
after you receive ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA without talking to your
healthcare provider first.
If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. You are
encouraged to report all side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or
call 1-800-FDA-1088.
KELSEY: My desire to get better, you know, was greater than the needle. So, I decided to go
ahead and tough up and go ahead and get that shot.
JULIAN: But if you’re taking all the medicines then it’s more of a reminder; you have to do it
every day. You have to take your medicine every day. You have to take a pill every day. I’m not scared of
needles, so I don’t have any problem with it. Do the research and see what other people have said about it. To
people out there thinking of getting an injectable, just give it a shot.
