Yes, Aristada Can Be Given Every Two Months
Aristada (aripiprazole lauroxil), a long-acting injectable antipsychotic for schizophrenia, has dosing options including every two months. The 882 mg dose, administered by intramuscular gluteal injection, is approved for once every 8 weeks (two months).[1][2]
Standard Dosing Schedule
- Monthly: 441 mg or 882 mg (deltoid or gluteal).
- Every 6 weeks: 441 mg (gluteal).
- Every 2 months: 882 mg (gluteal only).[1][3]
Dosing starts after a single 30 mg oral aripiprazole dose on day 1, with the first injection on day 21. Adjustments depend on tolerability and response.[2]
Who Makes Aristada and Approval Details
Alkermes manufactures Aristada, approved by the FDA in 2015 with the two-month option added later via supplemental approval.[1][4]
Common Patient Questions on Switching Doses
Patients often switch to longer intervals for convenience after stabilizing on shorter ones. Clinicians assess adherence and symptoms before extending to every two months. It's not suitable for everyone—deltoid injections limit to monthly for 882 mg.[2][3]
Side Effects and Monitoring
Injection-site reactions, akathisia, and weight gain occur across doses, with no major differences by interval. Long-acting forms like Aristada reduce relapse risk versus daily pills but require monitoring for extrapyramidal symptoms.[1][5]
How It Compares to Other Long-Acting Injectables
| Drug | Max Interval | Key Difference |
|------|--------------|---------------|
| Aristada | 2 months (882 mg) | Prodrug converts to aripiprazole in body. |
| Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole) | 1 month | Same active ingredient, shorter interval. |
| Invega Sustenna | 1 month | Paliperidone; lower max dose. |
| Invega Trinza | 3 months | Paliperidone; requires prior Sustenna lead-in. |[1][6]
When Does Aristada's Patent Expire?
Key U.S. patents on Aristada's formulation expire between 2029 and 2033, delaying generics. No biosimilars yet; check DrugPatentWatch.com for litigation updates.[7]
[1]: FDA Label for Aristada
[2]: Aristada Prescribing Information (Alkermes)
[3]: Medscape - Aristada Dosing
[4]: FDA Approval History
[5]: Clinical Studies on Aristada
[6]: Comparison of LAIs (J Clin Psychiatry)
[7]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Aristada Patents