Medical HCPCS Procedure

Name of the Procedure:

Injection, aripiprazole, intramuscular, 0.25 mg (J0400)

Common Names: Abilify Injection, Intramuscular Aripiprazole

Technical Terms: IM Injection of Aripiprazole, J0400 IM Aripiprazole

Summary

This procedure involves the administration of aripiprazole via an intramuscular injection. Aripiprazole is an antipsychotic medication used primarily for treating specific mental health disorders. The medication is injected into muscle tissue for a more gradual absorption into the bloodstream.

Purpose

Medical Conditions:

• Schizophrenia
• Bipolar Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder (as an adjunct)
• Irritability associated with Autism

Goals:

• Stabilize mood swings.
• Reduce symptoms of psychosis.
• Enhance mood and functionality.

Indications

Symptoms and Conditions:

• Persistent hallucinations or delusions.
• Severe mood swings or episodes of mania.
• Lack of response to antidepressants in Major Depressive Disorder.
• Aggression or irritability in autism spectrum disorder patients.

Patient Criteria:

• Patients who have experienced non-compliance with oral medications.
• Individuals requiring a rapid onset of medication effects.

Preparation

Pre-procedure Instructions:

• No fasting is required.
• Inform the healthcare provider about all medications and supplements being taken.
• Blood tests or other diagnostic assessments may be ordered to check for potential contraindications.

Procedure Description

1. Preparation:
   • The healthcare professional will clean the injection site with an antiseptic.
2. Administration:
   • Aripiprazole is drawn into a syringe and injected into a muscle, typically in the buttock or the thigh.
3. Post-injection Monitoring:
   • The patient may be monitored briefly for any immediate adverse reactions.

Tools and Equipment:

• Syringe and needle.
• Antiseptic wipes.
• Band-aid.

Anesthesia or Sedation:

• None required for this procedure.

Duration

• The injection process itself generally takes less than 10 minutes.

Setting

• The procedure is typically performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or a psychiatric facility.

Personnel

• A trained nurse or a medical doctor administers the injection.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Pain or soreness at the injection site.
• Nausea.

Rare Risks:

• Allergic reactions.
• Infection at the injection site.
• Dystonia (muscle contractions).

Management:

• Over-the-counter pain medications can help manage pain at the injection site.
• Medical attention for severe reactions or complications.

Benefits

• Improved control over symptoms of mental health disorders.
• Greater adherence to medication regimen due to less frequent dosing.
• Potential for rapid symptom management.

Recovery

Post-procedure Care:

• Patients can normally resume daily activities immediately.
• Watch for adverse reactions and seek medical advice if symptoms appear.

Expected Recovery Time:

• Generally, there is no downtime required.

Restrictions and Follow-ups:

• No specific physical restrictions; follow-ups as prescribed by the healthcare provider.

Alternatives

Treatment Options:

• Oral aripiprazole tablets.
• Other antipsychotic medications.
• Behavioral therapy and psychotherapy.

Pros and Cons:

• Oral medications require daily adherence and can have adherence issues but are less invasive.
• Other antipsychotics might have different side effect profiles.

Patient Experience

During the Procedure:

• Patients might feel a slight pinch or pressure at the injection site.
• Generally well-tolerated with minimal discomfort.

After the Procedure:

• Mild soreness at the injection site is possible.
• Pain management options include over-the-counter analgesics.
• Most patients experience relief of symptoms soon after the initial injection, depending on their individual response to the medication.