New listing: aripiprazole injection (Abilify Maintena)

Kia ora

We are writing to inform you of two new listings:

• aripiprazole 300 mg and 400mg injection (Abilify Maintena)

Key Date:

• Both of these products will be listed (funded) from 1 January 2026

Key messages:

• Abilify Maintena can now be administered by intramuscular injection into either the gluteal or deltoid muscle. The previous listed (funded) products did not include the extra needle to use for deltoid administration. The package with needle for deltoid administration was available for a time in early 2024.   Please see the datasheet for detailed instructions on administration.

• The two new packs have been harmonised between Australia and New Zealand to ensure consistency across both countries.

• The Medsafe approved indication has been expanded to include maintenance treatment to prevent the recurrence of manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder in adults as monotherapy as well as acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Questions: 

If you have any queries, please contact us at enquiry@pharmac.govt.nz

Please share this information:

Please share this information with your colleagues and within your networks.

Ngā mihi,

Anna I Senior Advisor Implementation

Pharmac | Te Pātaka Whaioranga | PO Box 10 254 | Level 9, 40 Mercer Street, Wellington

P: 0800 660 050 | www.pharmac.govt.nz

Pharmac will be closed over the Christmas break from Thursday 25 December 2025, reopening Monday 5 January 2026.