You have to be on abilify for at least 2 weeks before the injection just to make sure there are no adverse effects. I use to get mine every 4 weeks. At first they used samples because they had to proved it worked for me and I was compliant for my insurance. I loved it the only side effect I had was I felt like I was punched in the arm for a few days. It didn't help me as much as the zyprexa does but I'd go back on that shot any day.