Co-administration with Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors
When initiation of fluoxetine or paroxetine is considered, patients may be placed on the lowest dose (90 mg) of PERSERIS between 2- to 4-weeks before the planned start of fluoxetine or paroxetine therapy to adjust for the expected increase in plasma concentrations of risperidone.
When fluoxetine or paroxetine is initiated in patients receiving PERSERIS 90 mg, it is recommended to continue treatment with 90 mg unless clinical judgment necessitates interruption of PERSERIS treatment [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Co-administration with Strong CYP3A4 Inducers
At the initiation of therapy with carbamazepine or other known hepatic enzyme inducers, patients should be closely monitored during the first 4- to 8-weeks. In patients receiving PERSERIS 90 mg, consider increasing the dose to 120 mg. In patients receiving PERSERIS 120 mg, additional oral risperidone therapy may need to be considered.
On discontinuation of carbamazepine or other strong CYP3A4 hepatic enzyme inducers, the dosage of PERSERIS or any additional oral risperidone therapy should be re-evaluated and, if necessary, decreased to adjust for the expected increase in plasma concentration of risperidone.
For patients treated with PERSERIS 90 mg and discontinuing from carbamazepine or other strong CYP3A4 enzyme inducers, it is recommended to continue treatment with the 90 mg dose unless clinical judgment necessitates interruption of PERSERIS treatment [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, have been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics including risperidone. Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increased background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with schizophrenia and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the general population. Given these confounders, the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and hyperglycemia-related adverse events is not completely understood. However, epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of treatment-emergent hyperglycemia-related adverse events in patients treated with the atypical antipsychotics. Precise risk estimates for hyperglycemia-related adverse events in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics are not available.
Patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who are started on atypical antipsychotics, including PERSERIS, should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients with risk factors for diabetes mellitus (e.g., obesity, family history of diabetes) who are starting treatment with atypical antipsychotics, including PERSERIS, should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically during treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics, including PERSERIS, should be monitored for symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics, including PERSERIS, should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when the atypical antipsychotic, including risperidone, was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment despite discontinuation of risperidone.
Data from an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study with PERSERIS in adult subjects with schizophrenia are presented in Table 1.
Table 1. Changes in Fasting Glucose from Baseline to End of Study (EOS) and Postbaseline Abnormal Values of Glucose > 126 mg/dL in an 8-Week Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Adult Subjects with Schizophrenia
|
|
| PERSERIS 90 mg | PERSERIS 120 mg | Placebo |
| n = 98 | n = 106 | n = 96 |
| Serum Glucose, mg/dL, mean
† | | | |
| Mean Change from Baseline to EOS
| 5.7
| 6.3
| -0.9
|
| Glucose, > 126 mg/dL | | | |
| Proportion of Subjects with Postbaseline Abnormal Values‡ | 12/104 (11.5%)
| 14/111 (12.6%)
| 8/109 (7.3%)
|
Similar changes from baseline in serum glucose were observed in subjects receiving PERSERIS during an open-label, 12-month long-term safety study. Additionally, the mean HbA1c increased from 5.6 to 5.7% over the 12-months.
Dyslipidemia
Undesirable alterations in lipids have been observed in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.
Data from an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study with PERSERIS in adult subjects with schizophrenia are presented in Table 2.
Table 2. Changes in Cholesterol from Baseline to End of Study (EOS) and Postbaseline Abnormal Values of Cholesterol ≥ 300 mg/dL in an 8-Week Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Adult Subjects with Schizophrenia
|
|
| PERSERIS 90 mg | PERSERIS 120 mg | Placebo |
| Cholesterol, mg/dL, mean
† | n = 98
| n = 106
| n = 96
|
| Mean Change from Baseline to EOS
| -0.5
| -0.5
| 1.1
|
| Cholesterol, ≥ 300 mg/dL | | | |
| Proportion of Subjects with Postbaseline Abnormal Values‡ | 2/104 (1.9%)
| 2/111 (1.8%)
| 2/109 (1.8%)
|
Weight Gain
Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use. Clinical monitoring of weight is recommended.
Data from an 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study with PERSERIS in adult subjects with schizophrenia are presented in Table 3.
Table 3. Changes in Body Weight from Baseline to End of Study (EOS) and ≥ 7% Increase from Baseline in an 8-Week Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study in Adult Subjects with Schizophrenia
|
|
| PERSERIS 90 mg | PERSERIS 120 mg | Placebo |
| Weight
† | n = 105
| n = 112
| n = 107
|
| Mean Change from Baseline to EOS, kg
| 4.4
| 5.3
| 2.6
|
| Weight Gain | | | |
| ≥ 7% Increase from Baseline‡ | 35/107 (32.7%)
| 48/114 (42.1%)
| 20/111 (18.0%)
|
In an open-label, 12-month long-term safety study, for all subjects receiving PERSERIS, mean weight increased approximately 2 kg from baseline to Day 85, then remained stable for the remainder of the study.
Other Adverse Drug Reactions Observed During the Clinical Trial Evaluation of PERSERIS
The following list does not include reactions: 1) already listed in previous tables or elsewhere in labeling, 2) which are part of the disease state, 3) for which a drug cause was remote, 4) which were so general as to be uninformative, or 5) which were not considered to have significant clinical implications.
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: neutropenia
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: vertigo
Endocrine Disorders: hyperprolactinemia
Eye Disorders: blepharospasm
Gastrointestinal Disorders: nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain upper, salivary hypersecretion, hypoesthesia oral, tongue movement disturbance
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: injection site reaction (including injection site pain, induration, pruritus, bruising, erythema, inflammation, swelling and irritation) fatigue, edema peripheral, asthenia, chest discomfort
Investigations: blood prolactin increased, blood glucose increased, glycosylated hemoglobin increased, electrocardiogram abnormal, electrocardiogram QT prolonged, blood creatine phosphokinase increased
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: diabetes mellitus, decreased appetite
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders: arthralgia, muscle twitching, joint stiffness, trismus
Nervous System Disorders: headache, dizziness, tremor, drooling, dyskinesia, lethargy, dystonia, hypoesthesia, oromandibular dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, cogwheel rigidity, dysarthria, balance disorder, parkinsonian rest tremor, parkinsonism, slow speech
Psychiatric Disorders: insomnia, libido decreased, bruxism, restlessness, anorgasmia, loss of libido
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: erectile dysfunction, galactorrhea, breast tenderness, breast pain, amenorrhea, breast engorgement, ejaculation delayed, ejaculation disorder, gynecomastia, hypomenorrhea, breast discharge, breast enlargement, ejaculation failure, menstruation delayed, menstruation irregular, polymenorrhea
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: night sweats
Vascular Disorders: hypertension, hypotension, orthostatic hypotension
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Clinical Trial Evaluations of Oral Risperidone
The following is a list of additional ADRs that have been reported during the clinical trial evaluation of oral risperidone, regardless of frequency of occurrence:
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: anemia, granulocytopenia
Cardiac Disorders: tachycardia, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrioventricular block first degree, bundle branch block left, bundle branch block right, atrioventricular block
Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: ear pain, tinnitus
Eye Disorders: vision blurred, oculogyration, ocular hyperemia, eye discharge, conjunctivitis, eye rolling, eyelid edema, eye swelling, eyelid margin crusting, dry eye, lacrimation increased, photophobia, glaucoma, visual acuity reduced
Gastrointestinal Disorders: dysphagia, fecaloma, fecal incontinence, gastritis, lip swelling, cheilitis, aptyalism
General Disorders: thirst, gait disturbance, chest pain, influenza-like illness, pitting edema, edema, chills, sluggishness, malaise, face edema, discomfort, generalized edema, drug withdrawal syndrome, peripheral coldness, feeling abnormal
Immune System Disorders: drug hypersensitivity
Infections and Infestations: nasopharyngitis, upper respiratory tract infection, sinusitis, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, influenza, ear infection, viral infection, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, eye infection, localized infection, cystitis, cellulitis, otitis media, onychomycosis, acarodermatitis, bronchopneumonia, respiratory tract infection, tracheobronchitis, otitis media chronic
Investigations: body temperature increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, heart rate increased, eosinophil count increased, white blood cell count decreased, hemoglobin decreased, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, hematocrit decreased, body temperature decreased, blood pressure decreased, transaminases increased
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: polydipsia, anorexia
Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders: joint swelling, musculoskeletal chest pain, posture abnormal, myalgia, neck pain, muscular weakness, muscle rigidity, muscle contracture, rhabdomyolysis
Nervous System Disorders: dizziness postural, disturbance in attention, unresponsive to stimuli, depressed level of consciousness, movement disorder, hypokinesia, bradykinesia, transient ischemic attack, coordination abnormal, cerebrovascular accident, masked facies, speech disorder, syncope, loss of consciousness, muscle contractions involuntary, Parkinson's disease, tongue paralysis, akinesia, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular disorder, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, diabetic coma, head titubation
Psychiatric Disorders: agitation, blunted affect, confusional state, middle insomnia, nervousness, sleep disorder, listlessness
Renal and Urinary Disorders: enuresis, dysuria, pollakiuria, urinary incontinence
Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: vaginal discharge, menstrual disorder, retrograde ejaculation, sexual dysfunction
Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: nasal congestion, dyspnea, epistaxis, wheezing, pneumonia aspiration, sinus congestion, dysphonia, productive cough, pulmonary congestion, respiratory tract congestion, rales, respiratory disorder, hyperventilation, nasal edema
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: rash, dry skin, erythema, skin discoloration, skin lesion, pruritus, skin disorder, rash erythematous, rash papular, acne, hyperkeratosis, seborrheic dermatitis, rash generalized, rash maculopapular
Vascular Disorders: flushing
Discontinuations Due to Adverse Drug Reactions (ADRs)
There was no single adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at a rate of ≥ 2% in PERSERIS-treated patients and greater than placebo.
Dose Dependency of Adverse Drug Reactions in Clinical Trials
Changes in Body Weight
Data from the double-blind placebo-controlled study indicated there was a dose-dependent increase in mean changes in weight from baseline to postdose assessments in the PERSERIS 90 mg and 120 mg groups compared with the placebo group [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5), Adverse Reactions (6.1, Table 4)].
Increased Prolactin
In the 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study, there was a typical increase in mean prolactin levels in fasting blood samples from baseline to the EOS assessments in both the PERSERIS 90 mg and 120 mg groups, while mean prolactin for the placebo group remained stable during the study. Changes in mean prolactin were dose-dependent and more pronounced in female subjects than male subjects.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS)
Several methods were used to measure EPS, including: (1) the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) global clinical rating score which evaluates akathisia, (2) the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) scores which evaluates dyskinesia, (3) the Simpson-Angus Scale (SAS) global score which broadly evaluates parkinsonism, and (4) the incidence of spontaneous reports of EPS-related adverse reactions.
In the 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the mean changes from baseline in BARS, AIMS, and SAS total scores were comparable between PERSERIS- and placebo-treated patients. At all postbaseline assessments, mean changes from baseline were between -0.1 and 0.2 (inclusive) for the BARS, between 0 and 0.2 (inclusive) for the AIMS and between -0.1 and 0.2 (inclusive) for the SAS.
The rates of ADRs associated with EPS were similar across treatment groups, including placebo. There was a higher incidence of akathisia in the PERSERIS 120 mg (6.8%) group compared with the PERSERIS 90 mg (2.6%) and placebo group (4.2%); reports of extrapyramidal disorders were higher in the PERSERIS 90 mg group (4.3%) compared with the PERSERIS 120 mg (1.7%) and placebo group (0.8%). In contrast, there was a higher incidence of dystonia in the placebo group (2.5%) compared with the PERSERIS groups (0 and 0.9%, respectively).
Dystonia
Symptoms of dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, may occur in susceptible individuals during the first few days of treatment. Dystonic symptoms include: spasm of the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or protrusion of the tongue. Although these symptoms can occur at low doses, they occur more frequently and with greater severity with high potency and at higher doses of first generation antipsychotic drugs. An elevated risk of acute dystonia has been observed in males and younger age groups.
Changes in ECG
In the 8-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study, there were no clinically relevant differences in mean changes from baseline to EOS in ECG parameters, including QTcF (Fridericia's corrected QT interval), QRS and PR intervals, and heart rate, in subjects in either PERSERIS treatment group (90 mg and 120 mg) compared with placebo. Similarly, in the 12-month, long-term safety study, there were no clinically relevant changes in mean ECG interval values from baseline to postdose assessments.
Pain Assessment and Local Injection Site Reactions
Local injection site pain was assessed using subject-reported VAS scales (0 = no pain to 100 = unbearably painful). In the 8-week, double-blind placebo-controlled study, the mean subject-reported injection site pain VAS scores were similar for all treatment groups following both injections. Pain scores decreased from a mean of 27 (VAS score) 1 minute after the first dose to a range of 3 to 7 (VAS score) 30 to 60 minutes postdose. In the 12-month, long-term safety study, the 1-minute postdose injection site pain VAS scores were highest on Day 1 (mean of 25) and decreased over time with subsequent injections (14 to 16 following last injection).
The local injection site was assessed by appropriately trained personnel. Throughout the clinical development program, the maximum reported intensity at any time point for each injection site assessment (pain, tenderness, inflammation/swelling and erythema) was none or mild for most subjects receiving PERSERIS.
Most subjects (≥ 79%) reported no tenderness and most who had tenderness reported mild severity. Less than 1% of subjects had moderate tenderness at any time point and 1 subject at Injections 1, 2, and 5 had severe tenderness. At each time point, most subjects (≥ 75%) reported no pain on injection. Of subjects who did have pain on injection, almost all of these were mild at each time point; only 1 or 2 subjects at Injections 1, 2, 7, and 12 had moderate pain on injection. At least 92% of subjects reported no erythema on each injection. All reports of erythema were of mild severity except for 2 cases of moderate erythema on Injection 1. Inflammation/swelling had a similar profile, with at least 88% of subjects reporting no inflammation/swelling and only mild symptoms except for 1 case of moderate severity on Injection 1.
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, including PERSERIS, during pregnancy. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to register patients by contacting the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or online at http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.
Risk Summary
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery (see Clinical Considerations). Overall available data from published epidemiologic studies of pregnant women exposed to risperidone have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data). There are risks to the mother associated with untreated schizophrenia and with exposure to antipsychotics, including PERSERIS, during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations).
Oral administration of risperidone to pregnant mice caused cleft palate at doses 3- to 4-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 16 mg/day with maternal toxicity observed at 4-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area. Risperidone was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at doses up to 6-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area. Increased stillbirths and decreased birth weight occurred after oral risperidone administration to pregnant rats at 1.5-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area. Learning was impaired in offspring of rats when the dams were dosed at 0.6-times the MRHD and offspring mortality increased at doses 0.1- to 3-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area.
Subcutaneous administration of the delivery system to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused developmental toxicity that included post-implantation loss, decreased number of live fetuses, decreased fetal weight and fetal malformations (external, skeletal, and visceral), at doses that are 52- (rat) and 43- (rabbit) times the delivery system amount present in 120 mg risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension based on mg/m2 body surface area. These effects could be attributed to NMP an excipient in the delivery system based on information in the published literature (see Data). Subcutaneous administration of the delivery system to pregnant and lactating rats had no effect on embryo/fetal and postnatal development at doses up to 17-times the delivery system amount present in 120 mg risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension based on mg/m2 body surface area.
The estimated background risks of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2 to 4% and 15 to 20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk
There is a risk to the mother from untreated schizophrenia, including increased risk of relapse, hospitalization, and suicide. Schizophrenia is associated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth. It is not known if this is a direct result of the illness or other comorbid factors.
Fetal/neonatal adverse reactions
Extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder have been reported in neonates who were exposed to antipsychotic drugs, including risperidone, during the third trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms have varied in severity. Monitor neonates for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms and manage symptoms appropriately. Some neonates recovered within hours or days without specific treatment; others required prolonged hospitalization.
Data
Human Data
Published data from observational studies, birth registries, and case reports on the use of atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy do not report a clear association with antipsychotics and major birth defects. A prospective observational study including 6 women treated with risperidone demonstrated placental passage of risperidone. A retrospective cohort study from a Medicaid database of 9258 women exposed to antipsychotics during pregnancy did not indicate an overall increased risk for major birth defects. There was a small increase in the risk of major birth defects (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.56) and of cardiac malformations (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 0.88 to 1.81) in a subgroup of 1566 women exposed to risperidone during the first trimester of pregnancy; however, there is no mechanism of action to explain the difference in malformation rates.
Animal data
No developmental toxicity studies were conducted with subcutaneous risperidone suspension.
Oral administration of risperidone to pregnant mice during organogenesis caused cleft palate at 10 mg/kg/day which is 3-times the MRHD of 16 mg/day based on mg/m2 body surface area; maternal toxicity occurred at 4-times the MRHD. Risperidone was not teratogenic when administered orally to rats at 0.6 to 10 mg/kg/day and rabbits at 0.3 to 5 mg/kg/day, which are up to 6-times the MRHD of 16 mg/day risperidone based on mg/m2 body surface area. Learning was impaired in offspring of rats dosed orally throughout pregnancy at 1 mg/kg/day which is 0.6-times the MRHD and neuronal cell death increased in fetal brains of offspring of rats dosed during pregnancy at 1 and 2 mg/kg/day which are 0.6- and 1.2-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area; postnatal development and growth of the offspring were also delayed.
Rat offspring mortality increased during the first 4 days of lactation when pregnant rats were dosed throughout gestation at 0.16 to 5 mg/kg/day which are 0.1- to 3-times the MRHD of 16 mg/day based on mg/m2 body surface area. It is not known whether these deaths were due to a direct effect on the fetuses or pups or to effects on the dams; a no-effect dose could not be determined. The rate of stillbirths was increased at 2.5 mg/kg or 1.5-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area. In a rat cross-fostering study the number of live offspring was decreased, the number of stillbirths increased, and the birth weight was decreased in offspring of drug-treated pregnant rats. In addition, the number of deaths increased by Day 1 among offspring of drug-treated pregnant rats, regardless of whether or not the offspring were cross-fostered. Risperidone also appeared to impair maternal behavior in that offspring body weight gain and survival (from Day 1 to 4 of lactation) were reduced in offspring born to control but reared by drug-treated dams. All of these effects occurred at 5 mg/kg which is 3-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 and the only dose tested in the study.
Subcutaneous administration of the delivery system to pregnant rats and rabbits during the period of organogenesis caused maternal toxicity (decreased body weight, weight gain and food intake), post-implantation loss, decrease in number of live fetuses and decrease in fetal weight at doses that are 52- (rat), and 43- (rabbit) times the delivery system amount present in monthly 120 mg risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension based on mg/m2 body surface area. Developmental toxicity in both rat and rabbit included skeletal and visceral malformations at doses 35- (rat), and 43- (rabbit) times the delivery system amount present in monthly 120 mg risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension based on mg/m2 body surface area. The NOAEL dose for these effects in both species is 17-times the delivery system amount present in monthly 120 mg risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension based on mg/m2 body surface area. These effects could be related to NMP, an excipient present in the delivery system. In published animal developmental toxicity studies, NMP administered orally daily to pregnant rats during organogenesis produced developmental toxicity below maternally toxic levels and resulted in dose-dependent decrease in fetal body weights, increased incidence of post-implantation loss, incomplete ossification and increased incidence of external, visceral and skeletal malformations. These toxicities occurred at doses that are ~3- to 12-times the NMP amount present in monthly 120 mg risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension based on mg/m2 body surface area.
Risk Summary
Limited data from published literature reports the presence of risperidone and its metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, in human breast milk at relative infant dose ranging between 2.3 and 4.7% of the maternal weight-adjusted dosage. There are reports of sedation, failure to thrive, jitteriness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors and abnormal muscle movements) in breastfed infants exposed to risperidone (see Clinical Considerations). There is no information on the effects of risperidone on milk production. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for PERSERIS and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from PERSERIS or from the mother's underlying condition.
Clinical Considerations
Infants exposed to PERSERIS through breastmilk should be monitored for excess sedation, failure to thrive, jitteriness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors and abnormal muscle movements).
Infertility
Females
Based on the pharmacologic action of risperidone (D2 receptor antagonism), treatment with PERSERIS may result in an increase in serum prolactin levels, which may lead to a reversible reduction in fertility in females of reproductive potential [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Absorption
PERSERIS contains risperidone in a liquid delivery system. Following subcutaneous injection, it forms a depot that provides sustained plasma levels of risperidone over the monthly dosing interval.
After single subcutaneous injection, PERSERIS shows two absorption peaks for risperidone in plasma. The first peak of risperidone occurs with a Tmax of 4- to 6-hours and is due to an initial release of the drug during the depot formation process. A second peak of risperidone is observed at 10- to 14-days post-dose and is associated with the slow release of risperidone from the subcutaneous depot. The first and second peaks of risperidone are of similar magnitude. For both 9-hydroxyrisperidone and total active moiety, the median Tmax of the first peak ranges from 4- to 48-hours and the second peak ranges from 7- to 11-days.
Distribution
Following a subcutaneous injection of PERSERIS, the apparent volume of distribution is large. The extensively large values are because PERSERIS is administered as a depot injection. Risperidone is bound to albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein. The plasma protein binding of risperidone is approximately 90%, and that of its major metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, is 77%. Neither risperidone nor 9-hydroxyrisperidone displace each other from plasma binding sites.
Elimination
Metabolism
Risperidone is extensively metabolized in the liver. The main metabolic pathway is through hydroxylation of risperidone to 9-hydroxyrisperidone by the enzyme cytochrome CYP2D6 with minor contribution by CYP3A4. A minor metabolic pathway is through N-dealkylation. The main metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone, has similar pharmacological activity as risperidone. Consequently, the clinical effect of the drug results from the combined concentrations of risperidone plus 9-hydroxyrisperidone).
CYP2D6, is the enzyme responsible for metabolism of many neuroleptics, antidepressants, antiarrhythmics, and other drugs. CYP2D6 is subject to genetic polymorphism (about 6 to 8% of Caucasians, and a very low percentage of Asians, have little or no activity and are “poor metabolizers”) and to inhibition by a variety of substrates and some non-substrates, notably quinidine. Extensive CYP2D6 metabolizers convert risperidone rapidly into 9-hydroxyrisperidone, whereas poor CYP2D6 metabolizers convert it much more slowly. Plasma exposure to total active moiety was similar in CYP2D6 extensive, intermediate and poor metabolizers following subcutaneous injection with PERSERIS, supporting no need for dose adjustment based on genotype of CYP2D6.
Excretion
Risperidone and its metabolites are eliminated via the urine and, to a much lesser extent, via the feces. As illustrated by a mass balance study of a single 1 mg oral dose of 14C-risperidone administered as solution to 3 healthy male volunteers, total recovery of radioactivity at 1-week was 84%, including 70% in the urine and 14% in the feces.
Following a single subcutaneous injection of PERSERIS, the apparent terminal half-life of risperidone ranges between 9- and 11-days on average. This half-life is related to the slow release of risperidone from the subcutaneous depot and subsequent absorption of risperidone into the systemic circulation. The mean apparent terminal half-life ranges between 8- to 9-days for both 9-hydroxyrisperidone and total active moiety, on average.
Drug Interaction Studies
No specific drug interaction studies have been performed with PERSERIS. The drug interaction data provided in this section is based on studies with oral risperidone. Effects of other drugs on the exposures of risperidone, 9-hydroxyrisperidone and total active moiety as well as the effects of risperidone on the exposures of other drugs is summarized below.
Effects of Other Drugs on Risperidone, 9-hydroxyrisperidone and Total Active Moiety Pharmacokinetics
Strong CYP2D6 Inhibitors (Fluoxetine and Paroxetine)
Fluoxetine (20 mg once daily) and paroxetine (20 mg once daily), potent CYP2D6 inhibitors, have been shown to increase the plasma concentration of risperidone by 2.5- to 2.8-fold and 3- to 9-fold, respectively. Fluoxetine did not affect the plasma concentration of 9-hydroxyrisperidone. Paroxetine lowered the concentration of 9-hydroxyrisperidone by about 10%. The effects of discontinuation of concomitant fluoxetine or paroxetine therapy on the pharmacokinetics of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone have not been studied.
Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitor (Erythromycin)
There were no significant interactions between oral risperidone and erythromycin, a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor.
Strong CYP3A4 Inducer (Carbamazepine)
Carbamazepine co-administration with oral risperidone decreased the steady-state plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone by about 50%. Plasma concentrations of carbamazepine did not appear to be affected. Co-administration of other known CYP3A4 enzyme inducers (e.g., phenytoin, rifampin, and phenobarbital) with risperidone may cause similar decreases in the combined plasma concentrations of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone, which could lead to decreased efficacy of PERSERIS.
Amitriptyline, Cimetidine, Ranitidine, Clozapine, Topiramate
Clinically meaningful pharmacokinetic interaction between PERSERIS and other drugs, such as amitriptyline, cimetidine, ranitidine and clozapine, is not expected.
- Amitriptyline did not affect the pharmacokinetics of risperidone or of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone combined following concomitant administration with oral risperidone.
- Cimetidine and ranitidine increased the bioavailability of oral risperidone by 64% and 26%, respectively. However, cimetidine did not affect the AUC of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone combined, whereas ranitidine increased the AUC of risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone combined by 20%.
- Chronic administration of clozapine with oral risperidone have shown to affect the clearance of risperidone, however, clinical relevance is unknown.
- There was no clinically relevant effect of oral risperidone (1 to 6 mg/day) on the pharmacokinetics of topiramate 400 mg/day.
Effects of Oral Risperidone on Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs
Lithium
Repeated doses of oral risperidone (3 mg twice daily) did not affect the exposure (AUC) or peak plasma concentrations (Cmax) of lithium (n = 13).
Valproate
Repeated doses of oral risperidone (4 mg once daily) did not affect the pre-dose or average plasma concentrations and exposure (AUC) of valproate (1000 mg/day in three divided doses) compared to placebo (n = 21). However, there was a 20% increase in valproate peak plasma concentration (Cmax) after concomitant administration of oral risperidone.
Topiramate
Oral risperidone administered at doses from 1 to 6 mg/day concomitantly with topiramate 400 mg/day resulted in a 23% decrease in risperidone Cmax and a 33% decrease in risperidone AUC0-12 hour at steady state. Minimal reductions in the exposure to risperidone and 9-hydroxyrisperidone combined, and no change for 9-hydroxyrisperidone were observed. This interaction is unlikely to be of clinical significance. There was no clinically relevant effect of oral risperidone on the pharmacokinetics of topiramate.
Digoxin
Oral risperidone (0.25 mg twice daily) did not show a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin.
CYP2D6 Substrates (Donepezil and Galantamine)
In vitro studies indicate that risperidone is a relatively weak inhibitor of CYP2D6. Therefore, PERSERIS is not expected to substantially inhibit the clearance of drugs that are metabolized by this enzymatic pathway. In drug interaction studies, oral risperidone did not significantly affect the pharmacokinetics of donepezil and galantamine, which are metabolized by CYP2D6.
Specific Populations
Based on population pharmacokinetic analyses, age, sex and race do not have a clinically meaningful effect on the pharmacokinetics of PERSERIS.
Renal Impairment
PERSERIS was not studied in patients with renal impairment, however, such effect has been investigated with oral risperidone. In patients with moderate to severe renal disease treated with oral risperidone, the apparent clearance (CL/F) of total active moiety was decreased by 60% in patients with moderate to severe renal disease compared with young healthy subjects [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6)].
Hepatic Impairment
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of PERSERIS has not been studied.
The effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of oral risperidone has been evaluated in a dedicated phase I study. While the pharmacokinetics of risperidone in subjects with liver disease were comparable to those in young healthy subjects, the mean free fraction of risperidone in plasma was increased by about 35% because of the diminished concentration of both albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7)].
Carcinogenesis
No carcinogenicity studies were conducted with subcutaneous risperidone suspension. Carcinogenicity studies were conducted with oral risperidone in mice and rats. Risperidone was administered in the diet at doses of 0.63, 2.5, and 10 mg/kg for 18-months to mice and for 25-months to rats. These doses are equivalent to approximately 0.2-, 0.75-, and 3-times (mice) and 0.4-, 1.5-, and 6-times (rats) the MHRD of 16 mg/day, based on a mg/m2 body surface area. A maximum tolerated dose was not achieved in male mice. There were statistically significant increases in pituitary gland adenomas, endocrine pancreas adenomas, and mammary gland adenocarcinomas. The table below summarizes the multiples of the human dose on a mg/m2 (mg/kg) basis at which these tumors occurred.
Table 7. Summary of Tumor Occurrence at the Multiples of the Human Dose on a mg/m2 (mg/kg) Basis with Oral Risperidone Dosing
| Multiples of Maximum Human Dose in mg/m2
(mg/kg) |
| Tumor Type | Species | Sex | Lowest Effect Level | Highest No-Effect Level |
| Pituitary adenomas | mouse | Female | 0.75 (9.4) | 0.2 (2.4) |
| Endocrine pancreas adenomas | rat | Male | 1.5 (9.4) | 0.4 (2.4) |
| Mammary gland adenocarcinomas | mouse | Female | 0.2 (2.4) | none |
| rat | Female | 0.4 (2.4) | none |
| rat | Male | 6.0 (37.5) | 1.5 (9.4) |
| Mammary gland neoplasm, Total | rat | Male | 1.5 (9.4) | 0.4 (2.4) |
Antipsychotic drugs have been shown to chronically elevate prolactin levels in rodents. Serum prolactin levels were not measured during the risperidone carcinogenicity studies; however, measurements during subchronic toxicity studies showed that risperidone elevated serum prolactin levels 5- to 6-fold in mice and rats at the same doses used in the carcinogenicity studies. An increase in mammary, pituitary, and endocrine pancreas neoplasms has been found in rodents after chronic administration of other antipsychotic drugs and is considered to be prolactin-mediated. The relevance for human risk of the findings of prolactin-mediated endocrine tumors in rodents is unclear [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Mutagenesis
No evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic potential for risperidone was found in the in vitro tests of Ames gene mutation, the mouse lymphoma assay, rat hepatocyte DNA-repair assay, the chromosomal aberration test in human lymphocytes, Chinese hamster ovary cells, or in the in vivo oral micronucleus test in mice and the sex-linked recessive lethal test in Drosophila.
No evidence of mutagenic potential was observed with risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension or its delivery system alone at doses of 150 mg/kg risperidone or 943 mg/kg delivery system in an in vivo micronucleus test in rats. The safety margins of risperidone were 12- to 19-times the maximum monthly plasma risperidone concentration observed for humans at the monthly MRHD of 120 mg risperidone based on plasma exposure, and 13-times the delivery system amount present in monthly 120 mg risperidone.
Impairment of Fertility
No mating and fertility studies were conducted with subcutaneous risperidone suspension. Oral risperidone (0.16 to 5 mg/kg) impaired mating, but not fertility, in rat reproductive studies at doses 0.1- to 3-times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), of 16 mg/day based on mg/m2 body surface area. The effect appeared to be in females, since impaired mating behavior was not noted in the male fertility study. In a subchronic study in Beagle dogs in which risperidone was administered orally at doses of 0.31 to 5 mg/kg, sperm motility and concentration were decreased at doses 0.6- to 10-times the MRHD based on mg/m2 body surface area. Dose-related decreases were also noted in serum testosterone at the same doses. Serum testosterone and sperm parameters partially recovered, but remained decreased after treatment was discontinued. A no-effect dose could not be determined in either rat or dog.
Subcutaneous administration of the delivery system to rats had no effect on fertility parameters in either sex up to a dose that is 17- (delivery system), and 23- (NMP) times the amount present in monthly 120 mg risperidone subcutaneous injectable suspension based on mg/m2 body surface area, respectively.
Instructions for General Use
Advise patients not to rub or massage the injection site and to be aware of the placement of any belts or clothing waistbands [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].
Orthostatic Hypotension
Advise patients of the risk of orthostatic hypotension and instruct in nonpharmacologic interventions that help to reduce the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension (e.g., sitting on the edge of the bed for several minutes before attempting to stand in the morning and slowly rising from a seated position) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment
Inform patients that PERSERIS has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. Advise caution about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that treatment with PERSERIS does not affect them adversely [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)].
Concomitant Medication
Advise patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, since there is a potential for interaction [see Drug Interactions (7)].
Alcohol
Advise patients to avoid alcohol during treatment with PERSERIS [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Metabolic Changes
Advise patients that treatment with PERSERIS can be associated with diabetes mellitus and hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and weight gain [see Warning and Precautions (5.5)].
Pregnancy
Advise patients to notify their healthcare professional if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with PERSERIS. Advise patients that PERSERIS may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a neonate. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to PERSERIS during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Lactation
Advise breastfeeding women using PERSERIS to monitor infants for somnolence, failure to thrive, jitteriness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (tremors and abnormal muscle movements) and to seek medical care if they notice these signs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].
Infertility
Advise females of reproductive potential that PERSERIS may impair fertility due to an increase in serum prolactin levels. The effects on fertility are reversible [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)].
Manufactured for:
Indivior Inc., North Chesterfield, VA 23235.
Powder syringe manufactured by Patheon Manufacturing Services, Greenville, NC 27834.
Liquid syringe manufactured by AMRI Global, Burlington, MA 01803.
PERSERIS™ is a trademark of Indivior UK Limited. All rights reserved.