Other
Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. REXULTI is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients aged 24 years and younger in short-term studies. Monitor closely for clinical worsening and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The safety and efficacy of REXULTI have not been established in pediatric patients [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2), Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus
Hyperglycemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics. There have been reports of hyperglycemia in patients treated with REXULTI [see Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. Assess fasting plasma glucose before or soon after initiation of antipsychotic medication, and monitor periodically during long-term treatment.
Major Depressive Disorder
In the 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical trials in patients with MDD, the proportions of patients with shifts in fasting glucose from normal (<100 mg/dL) to high (≥126 mg/dL) and borderline (≥100 and <126 mg/dL) to high were similar in patients treated with REXULTI and placebo.
In the long-term, open-label depression studies, 5% of patients with normal baseline fasting glucose experienced a shift to high while taking REXULTI+Antidepressant (ADT); 25% of subjects with borderline fasting glucose experienced shifts to high. Combined, 9% of subjects with normal or borderline fasting glucose experienced shifts to high fasting glucose during the long-term depression studies.
Schizophrenia
In the 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical trials in patients with schizophrenia, the proportions of patients with shifts in fasting glucose from normal (<100 mg/dL) to high (≥126 mg/dL) or borderline (≥100 and <126 mg/dL) to high were similar in patients treated with REXULTI and placebo.
In the long-term, open-label schizophrenia studies, 8% of patients with normal baseline fasting glucose experienced a shift from normal to high while taking REXULTI, 17% of subjects with borderline fasting glucose experienced shifts from borderline to high. Combined, 10% of subjects with normal or borderline fasting glucose experienced shifts to high fasting glucose during the long-term schizophrenia studies.
Dyslipidemia
Atypical antipsychotics cause adverse alterations in lipids. Before or soon after initiation of antipsychotic medication, obtain a fasting lipid profile at baseline and monitor periodically during treatment.
Major Depressive Disorder
In the 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical trials in patients with MDD, changes in fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol were similar in REXULTI- and placebo-treated patients. Table 4 shows the proportions of patients with changes in fasting triglycerides.
| Proportion of Patients with Shifts Baseline to Post-Baseline | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placebo | 1 mg/day | 2 mg/day | 3 mg/day | |
| Triglycerides Normal to High | 6% | 5% | 13% | 9% |
| (<150 mg/dL to ≥200 and <500 mg/dL) | (15/257) denotes n/N where N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result. n=the number of subjects with shift. | (7/145) | (15/115) | (13/150) |
| Normal/Borderline to Very High | 0% | 0% | 0.7% | 0% |
| (<200 mg/dL to ≥500 mg/dL) | (0/309) | (0/177) | (1/143) | (0/179) |
In the long-term, open-label depression studies, shifts in baseline fasting cholesterol from normal to high were reported in 9% (total cholesterol), 3% (LDL cholesterol), and shifts in baseline from normal to low were reported in 14% (HDL cholesterol) of patients taking REXULTI. Of patients with normal baseline triglycerides, 17% experienced shifts to high, and 0.2% experienced shifts to very high. Combined, 0.6% of subjects with normal or borderline fasting triglycerides experienced shifts to very high fasting triglycerides during the long-term depression studies.
Schizophrenia
In the 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical trials in patients with schizophrenia, changes in fasting total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol were similar in REXULTI- and placebo-treated patients. Table 5 shows the proportions of patients with changes in fasting triglycerides.
| Proportion of Patients with Shifts Baseline to Post-Baseline | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placebo | 1 mg/day | 2 mg/day | 4 mg/day | |
| Triglycerides Normal to High | 6% | 10% | 8% | 10% |
| (<150 mg/dL to ≥200 and <500 mg/dL) | (15/253) denotes n/N where N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result. n=the number of subjects with shift. | (7/72) | (19/232) | (22/226) |
| Normal/Borderline to Very High | 0% | 0% | 0% | 0.4% |
| (<200 mg/dL to ≥500mg/dL) | (0/303) | (0/94) | (0/283) | (1/283) |
In the long-term, open-label schizophrenia studies, shifts in baseline fasting cholesterol from normal to high were reported in 6% (total cholesterol), 2% (LDL cholesterol), and shifts in baseline from normal to low were reported in 17% (HDL cholesterol) of patients taking REXULTI. Of patients with normal baseline triglycerides, 13% experienced shifts to high, and 0.4% experienced shifts to very high triglycerides. Combined, 0.6% of subjects with normal or borderline fasting triglycerides experienced shifts to very high fasting triglycerides during the long-term schizophrenia studies.
Weight Gain
Weight gain has been observed in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics, including REXULTI. Monitor weight at baseline and frequently thereafter.
Major Depressive Disorder
Table 6 shows weight gain data at last visit and percentage of adult patients with ≥7% increase in body weight at endpoint from the 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical studies in patients with MDD.
| Placebo n=407 | 1 mg/day n=225 | 2 mg/day n=187 | 3 mg/day n=228 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Change from Baseline (kg) at Last Visit | ||||
| All Patients | +0.3 | +1.3 | +1.6 | +1.6 |
| Proportion of Patients with a ≥7% Increase in Body Weight (kg) at Any Visit (*n/N) | ||||
| 2% (8/407) N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result. | 5% (11/225) | 5% (9/187) | 2% (5/228) | |
In the long-term, open-label depression studies, 4% of patients discontinued due to weight increase. REXULTI was associated with mean change from baseline in weight of 2.9 kg at week 26 and 3.1 kg at week 52. In the long-term, open label depression studies, 30% of patients demonstrated a ≥7% increase in body weight and 4% demonstrated a ≥7% decrease in body weight.
Schizophrenia
Table 7 shows weight gain data at last visit and percentage of adult patients with ≥7% increase in body weight at endpoint from the 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical studies in patients with schizophrenia.
| Placebo n=362 | 1 mg/day n=120 | 2 mg/day n=362 | 4 mg/day n=362 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Change from Baseline (kg) at Last Visit | ||||
| All Patients | +0.2 | +1.0 | +1.2 | +1.2 |
| Proportion of Patients with a ≥7% Increase in Body Weight (kg) at Any Visit (*n/N) | ||||
| 4% (15/362) denotes n/N where N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result. | 10% (12/120) | 11% (38/362) | 10% (37/362) | |
In the long-term, open-label schizophrenia studies, 0.6% of patients discontinued due to weight increase. REXULTI was associated with mean change from baseline in weight of 1.3 kg at week 26 and 2.0 kg at week 52. In the long-term, open label schizophrenia studies, 20% of patients demonstrated a ≥7% increase in body weight and 10% demonstrated a ≥7% decrease in body weight.
Major Depressive Disorder
The safety of REXULTI was evaluated 1,054 patients (18 to 65 years of age) diagnosed with MDD who participated in two 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical trials in patients with major depressive disorder in which REXULTI was administered at doses of 1 mg to 3 mg daily as adjunctive treatment to continued antidepressant therapy; patients in the placebo group continued to receive antidepressant therapy [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].
Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation of Treatment
A total of 3% (17/643) of REXULTI-treated patients and 1% (3/411) of placebo-treated patients discontinued due to adverse reactions.
Common Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions associated with the adjunctive use of REXULTI (incidence of 2% or greater and adjunctive REXULTI incidence greater than adjunctive placebo) that occurred during acute therapy (up to 6‑weeks in patients with MDD) are shown in Table 8.
| Placebo (N=411) | REXULTI | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mg/day (N=226) | 2 mg/day (N=188) | 3 mg/day (N=229) | All REXULTI (N=643) | ||
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | |||||
| Constipation | 1% | 3% | 2% | 1% | 2% |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | |||||
| Fatigue | 2% | 3% | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Infections and Infestations | |||||
| Nasopharyngitis | 2% | 7% | 1% | 3% | 4% |
| Investigations | |||||
| Weight Increased | 2% | 7% | 8% | 6% | 7% |
| Blood Cortisol Decreased | 1% | 4% | 0% | 3% | 2% |
| Metabolism and Nutrition | |||||
| Increased Appetite | 2% | 3% | 3% | 2% | 3% |
| Nervous System Disorders | |||||
| Akathisia | 2% | 4% | 7% | 14% | 9% |
| Headache | 6% | 9% | 4% | 6% | 7% |
| Somnolence | 0.5% | 4% | 4% | 6% | 5% |
| Tremor | 2% | 4% | 2% | 5% | 4% |
| Dizziness | 1% | 1% | 5% | 2% | 3% |
| Psychiatric Disorders | |||||
| Anxiety | 1% | 2% | 4% | 4% | 3% |
| Restlessness | 0% | 2% | 3% | 4% | 3% |
Dose-Related Adverse Reactions in the MDD trials
In Studies 1 and 2, among the adverse reactions that occurred at ≥2% incidence in the patients treated with REXULTI +ADT, the incidences of akathisia and restlessness increased with increases in dose.
Schizophrenia
The safety of REXULTI was evaluated in 852 patients (18 to 65 years of age) diagnosed with schizophrenia who participated in two 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical trials in which REXULTI was administered at daily doses of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].
Common Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions associated with REXULTI (incidence of 2% or greater and REXULTI incidence greater than placebo) during short-term (up to 6‑weeks) trials in patients with schizophrenia are shown in Table 9.
| Placebo (N=368) | REXULTI | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mg/day (N=120) | 2 mg/day (N=368) | 4 mg/day (N=364) | ALL REXULTI (N=852) | ||
| Gastrointestinal Disorders | |||||
| Dyspepsia | 2% | 6% | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Diarrhea | 2% | 1% | 3% | 3% | 3% |
| Investigations | |||||
| Weight Increased | 2% | 3% | 4% | 4% | 4% |
| Blood Creatine Phosphokinase Increased | 1% | 4% | 2% | 2% | 2% |
| Nervous System Disorders | |||||
| Akathisia | 5% | 4% | 5% | 7% | 6% |
| Tremor | 1% | 2% | 2% | 3% | 3% |
| Sedation | 1% | 2% | 2% | 3% | 2% |
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
Major Depressive Disorder
The incidence of reported EPS-related adverse reactions, excluding akathisia, was 6% for REXULTI+ADT-treated patients versus 3% for placebo+ADT-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia events for REXULTI+ADT-treated patients was 9% versus 2% for placebo+ADT-treated patients.
In the 6‑week, placebo-controlled MDD studies, data was objectively collected on the Simpson Angus Rating Scale (SAS) for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) for akathisia and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Score (AIMS) for dyskinesia. The mean change from baseline at last visit for REXULTI+ADT-treated patients for the SAS, BARS and AIMS was comparable to placebo treated patients. The percentage of patients who shifted from normal to abnormal was greater in REXULTI+ADT-treated patients versus placebo+ADT for the BARS (4% versus 0.6%) and the SAS (4% versus 3%).
Schizophrenia
The incidence of reported EPS-related adverse reactions, excluding akathisia, was 5% for REXULTI-treated patients versus 4% for placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia events for REXULTI-treated patients was 6% versus 5% for placebo-treated patients.
In the 6‑week, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose schizophrenia studies, data was objectively collected on the Simpson Angus Rating Scale (SAS) for extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) for akathisia and the Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale (AIMS) for dyskinesia. The mean change from baseline at last visit for REXULTI-treated patients for the SAS, BARS and AIMS was comparable to placebo-treated patients. The percentage of patients who shifted from normal to abnormal was greater in REXULTI-treated patients versus placebo for the BARS (2% versus 1%) and the SAS (7% versus 5%).
Dystonia
Symptoms of dystonia 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. While 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 is observed in males and younger age groups.
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of REXULTI
Other adverse reactions (≥1% frequency and greater than placebo) within the short-term, placebo-controlled trials in patients with MDD and schizophrenia are shown below. The following listing does not include adverse reactions: 1) already listed in previous tables or elsewhere in the labeling, 2) for which a drug cause was remote, 3) which were so general as to be uninformative, 4) which were not considered to have clinically significant implications, or 5) which occurred at a rate equal to or less than placebo.
Eye Disorders: Vision Blurred
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Nausea, Dry Mouth, Salivary Hypersecretion, Abdominal Pain, Flatulence
Infections and Infestations: Urinary Tract Infection
Investigations: Blood Prolactin Increased
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Myalgia
Psychiatric Disorders: Abnormal Dreams, Insomnia
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Hyperhidrosis
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to REXULTI during pregnancy. For more information contact the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.
Risk Summary
Adequate and well-controlled studies have not been conducted with REXULTI in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. However, neonates whose mothers are exposed to antipsychotic drugs, like REXULTI, during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms. In animal reproduction studies, no teratogenicity was observed with oral administration of brexpiprazole to pregnant rats and rabbits during organogenesis at doses up to 73 and 146 times, respectively, of maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 4 mg/day on a mg/m2 basis. However, when pregnant rats were administered brexpiprazole during the period of organogenesis through lactation, the number of perinatal deaths of pups was increased at 73 times the MRHD [see Data]. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population(s) is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
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 whose mothers were exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms have varied in severity. Some neonates recovered within hours or days without specific treatment; others required prolonged hospitalization. Monitor neonates for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms and manage symptoms appropriately.
Data
Animal Data
Pregnant rats were treated with oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day (7.3, 24, and 73 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) of brexpiprazole during the period of organogenesis. Brexpiprazole was not teratogenic and did not cause adverse developmental effects at doses up to 73 times the MRHD.
Pregnant rabbits were treated with oral doses of 10, 30, and 150 mg/kg/day (49, 146, and 730 times the MRHD) of brexpiprazole during the period of organogenesis. Brexpiprazole was not teratogenic and did not cause adverse developmental effects at doses up to 146 times the MRHD. Findings of decreased body weight, retarded ossification, and increased incidences of visceral and skeletal variations were observed in fetuses at 730 times the MRHD, a dose that induced maternal toxicity.
In a study in which pregnant rats were administered oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day (7.3, 24, and 73 times the MRHD) during the period of organogenesis and through lactation, the number of live-born pups was decreased and early postnatal deaths increased at a dose 73 times the MRHD. Impaired nursing by dams, and low birth weight and decreased body weight gain in pups were observed at 73 times, but not at 24 times, the MRHD.
Risk Summary
Lactation studies have not been conducted to assess the presence of brexpiprazole in human milk, the effects of brexpiprazole on the breastfed infant, or the effects of brexpiprazole on milk production. Brexpiprazole is present in rat milk. The development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for REXULTI and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from REXULTI or from the underlying maternal condition.
Charcoal
Oral activated charcoal and sorbitol (50 g/240 mL), administered one hour after ingesting oral brexpiprazole, decreased brexpiprazole Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) by approximately 5% to 23% and 31% to 39% respectively; however, there is insufficient information available on the therapeutic potential of activated charcoal in treating an overdose with REXULTI.
Hemodialysis
There is no information on the effect of hemodialysis in treating an overdose with REXULTI; hemodialysis is unlikely to be useful because brexpiprazole is highly bound to plasma proteins.
Cardiac Electrophysiology
At a dose 3-times the MRHD for the treatment of schizophrenia and 4-times the MRHD for adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of MDD, REXULTI does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Absorption
After single dose administration of REXULTI tablets, the peak plasma brexpiprazole concentrations occurred within 4 hours after administration; and the absolute oral bioavailability was 95%. Brexpiprazole steady-state concentrations were attained within 10-12 days of dosing.
REXULTI can be administered with or without food. Administration of a 4 mg REXULTI tablet with a standard high fat meal did not significantly affect the Cmax or AUC of brexpiprazole. After single and multiple once daily dose administration, brexpiprazole exposure (Cmax and AUC) increased in proportion to the dose administered. In vitro studies of brexpiprazole did not indicate that brexpiprazole is a substrate of efflux transporters such as MDRI (P-gp) and BCRP.
Distribution
The volume of distribution of brexpiprazole following intravenous administration is high (1.56±0.42 L/kg), indicating extravascular distribution. Brexpiprazole is highly protein bound in plasma (greater than 99%) to serum albumin and α1-acid glycoprotein, and its protein binding is not affected by renal or hepatic impairment. Based on results of in vitro studies, brexpiprazole protein binding is not affected by warfarin, diazepam, or digitoxin.
Elimination
Metabolism
Based on in vitro metabolism studies of brexpiprazole using recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP1A1, 1A2, 2A6, 2B6, 2C8, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6, 2E1, and 3A4), the metabolism of brexpiprazole was shown to be mainly mediated by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6.
In vivo brexpiprazole is metabolized primarily by CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes. After single- and multiple-dose administrations, brexpiprazole and its major metabolite, DM-3411, were the predominant drug moieties in the systemic circulation. At steady-state, DM-3411 represented 23% to 48% of brexpiprazole exposure (AUC) in plasma. DM-3411 is considered not to contribute to the therapeutic effects of brexpiprazole.
Based on in vitro data, brexpiprazole showed little to no inhibition of CYP450 isozymes.
Excretion
Following a single oral dose of [14C]-labeled brexpiprazole, approximately 25% and 46% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Less than 1% of unchanged brexpiprazole was excreted in the urine and approximately 14% of the oral dose was recovered unchanged in the feces. Apparent oral clearance of a brexpiprazole oral tablet after once daily administration is 19.8 (±11.4) mL/h/kg. After multiple once daily administration of REXULTI, the terminal elimination half-lives of brexpiprazole and its major metabolite, DM-3411, were 91 hours and 86 hours, respectively.
Studies In Specific Populations
Exposures of brexpiprazole in specific populations are summarized in Figure 1. Population PK analysis indicated exposure of brexpiprazole in patients with moderate renal impairment was higher compared to patients with normal renal function.
Figure 1: Effects of Intrinsic Factors on Brexpiprazole Pharmacokinetics
Drug Interaction Studies
Effects of other drugs on the exposures of brexpiprazole are summarized in Figure 2. Based on simulation, a 5.1-fold increase in AUC values at steady-state is expected when extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 are administered with both strong CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors. A 4.8-fold increase in mean AUC values at steady-state is expected in poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
| Figure 2: The Effects of Other Drugs on Brexpiprazole Pharmacokinetics |
The effects of REXULTI on the exposures of other drugs are summarized in Figure 3.
| Figure 3: The Effects of REXULTI on Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs |
Carcinogenesis
Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were conducted in ICR mice and SD rats. Brexpiprazole was administered orally for two years to male and female mice at doses of 0.75, 2 and 5 mg/kg/day (0.9 to 6.1 times the oral MRHD of 4 mg/day based on mg/m2 body surface area) and to male and female rats at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg and 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day, respectively (2.4 to 24 and 7.3 to 73 times the oral MRHD, males and females). In female mice, the incidence of mammary gland adenocarcinoma was increased at all doses and the incidence of adenosquamous carcinoma was increased at 2.4 and 6.1 times the MRHD. No increase in the incidence of tumors was observed in male mice. In the rat study, brexpiprazole was not carcinogenic in either sex at doses up to 73 times the MRHD.
Proliferative and/or neoplastic changes in the mammary and pituitary glands of rodents have been observed following chronic administration of antipsychotic drugs and are considered to be prolactin mediated. The potential for increasing serum prolactin level of brexpiprazole was shown in both mice and rats. The relevance for human risk of the findings of prolactin-mediated endocrine tumors in rodents is unknown.
Mutagenesis
Brexpiprazole was not mutagenic when tested in the in vitro bacterial reverse mutation assay (Ames test). Brexpiprazole was negative for clastogenic activity in the in vivo micronucleus assay in rats, and was not genotoxic in the in vivo/in vitro unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in rats. In vitro with mammalian cells brexpiprazole was clastogenic but only at doses that induced cytotoxicity. Based on a weight of evidence, brexpiprazole is not considered to present a genotoxic risk to humans.
Impairment of Fertility
Female rats were treated with oral doses of 0.3, 3 or 30 mg/kg/day (0.7, 7.3, and 73 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) prior to mating with untreated males and continuing through conception and implantation. Estrus cycle irregularities and decreased fertility were observed at 3 and 30 mg/kg/day. Prolonged duration of pairing and increased preimplantation losses were observed at 30 mg/kg/day.
Male rats were treated with oral doses of 3, 10, or 100 mg/kg/day (7.3, 24 and 240 times the oral MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) for 63 days prior to mating with untreated females and throughout the 14 days of mating. No differences were observed in the duration of mating or fertility indices in males at any dose of brexpiprazole.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Dosage and Administration
Advise patients that REXULTI can be taken with or without food. Advise patients regarding importance of following dosage escalation instructions [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), (2.2)].
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction ‑Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) that has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs. Advise patients to contact a health care provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs or symptoms of NMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].
Tardive Dyskinesia
Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and to contact their health care provider if these abnormal movements occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].
Metabolic Changes
Educate patients about the risk of metabolic changes, how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, and the need for specific monitoring, including blood glucose, lipids, and weight [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].
Pathological Gambling and Other Compulsive Behaviors
Advise patients and their caregivers of the possibility that they may experience compulsive urges to shop, intense urges to gamble, compulsive sexual urges, binge eating and/or other compulsive urges and the inability to control these urges while taking REXULTI. In some cases, but not all, the urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or stopped [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].
Leukopenia, Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis
Advise patients with a pre-existing low WBC or a history of drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia that they should have their CBC monitored while taking REXULTI [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope
Educate patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope especially early in treatment, and also at times of re-initiating treatment or increases in dosage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].
Heat Exposure and Dehydration
Counsel patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].
Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance
Caution patients about performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating hazardous machinery or operating a motor vehicle, until they are reasonably certain that REXULTI therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].
Concomitant Medications
Advise patients to inform their health care providers of any changes to their current prescription or over-the-counter medications because there is a potential for clinically significant interactions [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Pregnancy
Advise patients that third trimester use of REXULTI may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a neonate and to notify their healthcare provider with a known or suspected pregnancy. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to REXULTI during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].
Manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 101-8535 Japan
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©2018, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 101-8535 Japan
Approved February 2018