Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness. You may have questions if you were just diagnosed or are caring for someone who was just diagnosed with schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia affects about 1 in 100 adults in the
United States
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, you’re not alone. There are millions of people who may understand what you might be going through.
While the exact cause of schizophrenia is not known, experts think a combination of risk factors could be involved in developing the condition, including:
Family history
(genetics)
Brain chemistry
and structure
Environmental factors
People are usually diagnosed in early adulthood. Starting treatment as soon as possible is important. Talk with your healthcare team about your treatment options, including long-acting injectables like ARISTADA.
If you and your healthcare provider decide that ARISTADA is right for you, you may need to test for tolerability using oral aripiprazole. After your tolerability to the oral medication has been established, you will receive a starting regimen as determined by your healthcare provider.
Watch Kelsey discuss when she talked with her healthcare team and knew she needed
medicine for her schizophrenia
These videos are sponsored by Alkermes, Inc.
Individual results may vary.
This reflects the patient experience at the time of filming and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms and available treatment options.
Symptoms & Treatments
Common schizophrenia symptoms
People living with schizophrenia have many different symptoms. The types of symptoms someone has and how severe they are may change over time. Common symptoms of schizophrenia can include:
Hallucinations
When you see or hear things that aren’t there. You may see people or hear voices talking to you even when you’re alone.
Delusions
When you hold on to false beliefs, even with proof that they’re false or illogical.
Unusual thinking or disorganized speech
When your thoughts or words are disorganized or especially strange.
Disinterest or lack of enjoyment in daily activities
When you have trouble taking pleasure in everyday life, especially in things you used to do.
Loss of motivation
When you have difficulty wanting to perform your responsibilities or work toward your goals.
Difficulty showing emotions
When you have difficulty expressing how you feel to others.
Difficulty processing information to make decisions
When you find it hard to take action or come to a conclusion.
These are not all the symptoms of schizophrenia.
With ongoing communication, you and your healthcare team can discuss your experience living with schizophrenia and any treatment options that may work for you.
There are different types of treatment options
What’s the difference between pills and a long-acting injectable when treating schizophrenia?
Pills:
With a pill, you may need to remember to take it every day to treat your schizophrenia
Injectables:
Some antipsychotic medications are given as injections once a month or once every 2 months
You may receive an injection at different intervals depending on the medication and your treatment plan
Long-acting injectables may be recommended to treat schizophrenia for those who prefer them instead of oral treatment options
ARISTADA was proven to TREAT sYMPTOMs
of schizophrenia
in adult patients in a clinical study
Every person responds to schizophrenia medication differently. Talk with your healthcare team to find out if ARISTADA may be right for you.
These videos are sponsored by Alkermes, Inc.
Individual results may vary.
This reflects the patient experience at the time of filming and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms and available treatment options.
Self-Care & Working With Your Team
It’s important to connect with a healthcare provider to treat your schizophrenia
Working with a healthcare team may:
Help you and the people who support you manage your schizophrenia symptoms
Provide guidance about various treatment options
Guide the decision if a long-acting injectable such as ARISTADA might be right for you
Hear from Kelsey about the benefits of working
with a healthcare team
These videos are sponsored by Alkermes, Inc.
Individual results may vary.
This reflects the patient experience at the time of filming and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms and available treatment options.
How can you care for yourself?
You can help make sure you’re ready for each step on your treatment journey with your healthcare team by focusing on your health and setting treatment goals.
Set treatment goals
Stick with your
treatment plan
It’s important to take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider and stick with it. By doing so consistently, you and your healthcare team can better manage your condition.
Have a
support system
Involve people who may support you in your treatment goals. Involving friends and family in your plans will empower them and their ability to assist you.
Keep track and keep going
Consider trying this coloring book or journal. You can also track your treatment goals, keep a daily journal of how you’re feeling, and write down questions for your healthcare provider.
Partner with your
healthcare team
They’re here to help. Talk openly with them about how you’re doing with your treatment plan. Honest communication can help your healthcare providers manage your schizophrenia symptoms and treatment goals.
Watch Kelsey and Julian talk about self-care
and getting help from others
These videos are sponsored by Alkermes, Inc.
Individual results may vary.
This reflects the patient experience at the time of filming and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider about symptoms and available treatment options.
Stay healthy
Eat well
Considering your nutrition could have benefits to your overall health. There are many approaches to start adjusting your nutrition including in-person communities, services that include meal delivery, and internet-based interventions.
Stay active
Exercise may benefit your overall health and fitness. Work with your healthcare team to find an exercise or activity you enjoy and can add to your daily routine.
Manage stress
Try some stress-reducing activities, such as practicing yoga or meditation or getting more sleep.
Address unhealthy habits
If you think you have a problem with drugs, tobacco, and/or alcohol, talk with your healthcare provider to see if there is anything you may need to change.
Doctor Discussion Guide
It’s important for you or your loved one to talk about treatment options with a healthcare team. Discussing questions you may have about your personal experience or the personal experience of a loved one, as well as any concerns about treating schizophrenia, could make a difference.
Create your personalized Doctor Discussion Guide
Question 1
Select the statement that you identify with:
Please select a statement
Question 2 of 7
How happy is your loved one with their current schizophrenia treatment?
Choose a number between 1-10. (1=Not happy at all/discontinued; 5=Just okay; 10=Very happy)
If your loved one is not currently on any medication, select OTHER; they can talk to their doctor about available treatment options.
Other12345678910
Question 3 of 7
What does your loved one like about their schizophrenia treatment?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Question 4 of 7
Has your loved one experienced any of the following symptoms of schizophrenia?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Question 5 of 7
What are some of your loved one’s treatment goals for the management of their
schizophrenia?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Question 6 of 7
As a caregiver, what do you want to learn more about?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Question 7 of 7
What issues do you think your loved one may want to talk to their doctor about?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Your customized discussion guide is ready
You can use your personalized Doctor Discussion
Guide to talk about ARISTADA as a schizophrenia treatment option for your loved one.
Please choose how you’d like to get your discussion guide—you may select multiple
options.
This is not meant to be a screening or diagnostic tool, but is meant to gather your and your loved one’s experiences to discuss with their healthcare provider.
If you’ve chosen “Other” for any question, use the notes page to jot down questions and topics to discuss with your loved one’s healthcare provider.
Question 2 of 5
How happy are you with your current schizophrenia treatment?
Choose a number between 1-10. (1=Not happy at all/discontinued; 5=Just okay; 10=Very happy)
If you are not currently on any medication select OTHER and talk to your doctor about available treatment options.
Other12345678910
Question 3 of 5
What do you like about your current schizophrenia medication?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Question 4 of 5
What are some of your treatment goals for the management of your schizophrenia?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Question 5 of 5
Are there any areas of your life that you may want to discuss with your doctor right
now?
Select up to 3 that best apply
Your customized discussion guide is ready
You can bring your personalized ARISTADA Doctor
Discussion Guide with you to your next appointment with your healthcare provider.
Please choose how you’d like to get your discussion guide—you may select multiple
options.
This is not meant to be a screening or diagnostic tool, but is meant to gather your experience to discuss with your healthcare provider. If you’ve chosen “Other” for any question, use the notes page to jot down questions and topics to discuss with your healthcare provider.
Always discuss side effects, symptoms, and treatment options with your healthcare provider.
Enter your phone number below to receive a text message of your Doctor Discussion Guide
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION AND INDICATION FOR ARISTADA INITIO AND ARISTADA
INDICATION
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.
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.
INDICATION
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.
KELSEY: Big realization for me that I needed to be on medication would be when I wasn’t
actually
taking it. Those moments I weren’t taking my medicine, I would be in the hospital. They would start me on
medicine there. And I’d come out of it, be released, be on my medicine for a little bit and then kind of the
same cycle. When I wasn’t on my medicine, I would feel really bad. You know, I felt like symptoms were worse and
I just wasn’t myself. I got to that point where, you know, the realization of these symptoms are getting really
bad and I don’t like the way I feel.
JULIAN: Every day, all day I work with computers. I usually get hundreds of computers. If
there’s a problem with the computer, we try to fix the computer. I would hope to go back to school and finish my
degree in information technology. I wasn’t able to finish college because it turns out I needed to be fixed
myself. I started to have problems when I couldn’t concentrate. Like, I would have like rapid thoughts. I would
like be like anxious or stressed, and I would be angry, like I got real angry.
JOSE: Julian’s mother and I split up when he was around five, and he lived with his mom for most
of his life—till his early twenties. He came to live with my sister and
I, and he enrolled in college
here. I started noticing a difference in his behavior—around a few months
after he got into college. There
was something different in his eyes.
JULIAN: I really didn’t have an idea what was going on with me. The paranoia got worse and
worse. And then after a while, I started seeing things and hearing things. I was feeling like rage. I told my
aunt that I was feeling aggravated, and after that she said I should go to the hospital. I went to the hospital
and they evaluated me. They gave me some medication. They released me, but my symptoms just kept getting worse
and worse. Sometimes I would wake up and like see things, like geometric shapes and stuff— like in the
floor or like in the wall. And I also had like an episode when I was— there was a fire extinguisher, and
then I started seeing like the bull and the eagle, and I got angry. So, I started to write the bad thoughts that
I was having in my journal.
JOSE: He ended up giving my sister a journal for her to read to see what she thought of it, and
it was very concerning for her. There was one incident—it was violent. He ended up breaking my nephew’s
guitar on the concrete—just smashing it. We didn’t know what to do.
JULIAN: The next day we went to the hospital. After evaluating me throughout the week and
discussing all my symptoms, the doctor said that I have schizophrenia. I was in denial for a while.
JOSE: The accepting part was very difficult for him. He was fighting it for a long time, and he
did not want to take medicine. Until one day, we’re driving in the car, and I think he was planning on moving.
And I told him, “Julian, you can run all you want, but you can’t run away from your mind.”
JULIAN: I couldn’t deny it anymore. I knew I needed help. So, I started reading about
schizophrenia online. I tried a couple different treatments, and then my doctor introduced me to ARISTADA. She
said that ARISTADA is an injection I had the option to get at her office every 2 months. She said it may help me
with my symptoms. After talking about the benefits and the risks, I decided to try it out.
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.
JULIAN: I am doing well on ARISTADA. My schizophrenia symptoms have improved. And I feel lucky
to have support from my dad and my aunt. I really like that ARISTADA is an injection. I don’t have to remember
to take pills every day. I know that this is an ongoing process, so I’m continuing to work with my healthcare
team and my doctor. I’m continuing to work with computers, and I enjoy my job. I try to hang out with my
coworkers and not isolate myself. We just go to the movies and just hang out at their houses and stuff. I go to
support group every third Monday. It’s helpful to hear the stories. It’s like kind of knowing that you’re not
alone out there.
JOSE: He’s working with his doctor and he is staying on top of his treatments. I’m extremely
proud of Julian. It’s just to see him smile and enjoy himself and be around people and see the Julian that I
see, it’s really great. I’m happy for him. My advice to anybody going through this is just be there when they
need you. Just have to be very patient with the person you’re trying to help.
JULIAN: For me, accepting my diagnosis was very important because I could move forward. It was
kind of hard for me to open up to people at first about my condition. But when I did, I felt better. I wanna
move forward and continue my education in cyber security, and I hope to advance my career. I feel hopeful about
my future.
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: It’s important to have a good healthcare team because, you know, my
healthcare team is like my second family basically. I talk to my psychiatrist about everything and, and ask I
questions about the medicine. And or if I ever have some weird thought or whatever it is, and I feel totally
comfortable. And I feel like having a positive helpful healthcare team is very important to have when you’re
going down this road with schizophrenia. I feel like my nurse practitioner, she finds the time to fit me in her
schedule. And it’s very important especially when you’re dealing with a mental disease because, you have all
these fears and worries. And to have somebody who is willing to work with you, I feel is very important. I do
have a case manager, and she is also is very helpful. We talk about, you know, life skills. And there’s this
thing how she taught me how to if I get nervous just to do the self-talks and
kind of like calmly calm myself down and everything. And this has been a big help, and I feel like she’s been a
big help in my life too. I did see a great benefit of going to my appointments even when I’m not receiving my
injection. Because I’m able to, you know, one, catch up with my psychiatrist and see how it’s going, and then,
you know, of course ask questions if I have any.
KELSEY: Sometimes when you have a lot of stress and chaotic things going on, you know, you just
need to take a break. And to me the beach is really calming and really relaxing, so I like to go down there. I
like to look at the beach and it’s like my serene—like my quiet place I guess you could say. You know, I like to
go and just think, like sit on the beach and, you know, think about life. And when I’m really stressed out, I
just take a little walk down to the beach. My mom is my rock, but, you know, some people might have friends and,
you know, coworkers or somebody else. You know, and I just think it’s important to have somebody on your side.
And, you know, having confidence in the person that is on your side and trusting them is obviously important. I
know that my mom will never ever stop fighting for me.
JULIAN: I like to play video games or write, watch Netflix, a lot of
stand-up comedy, stuff like that. Well, it’s important to have family around. Like my aunt, my
uncle, and my father, they’re really supportive of me. So, they’ve been there throughout the whole journey; so
them being there actually helps a lot. So, I’m grateful for that.
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INDICATION
ARISTADA INITIO® (aripiprazole lauroxil) is a prescription medicine given as a one-time injection and is used in combination with oral aripiprazole to start ARISTADA® (aripiprazole lauroxil) 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.
