Brexpiprazole
-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. Brexpiprazole is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
-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 Brexpiprazole have not been established in pediatric patients.
Brexpiprazole is indicated for:
- Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Treatment of schizophrenia
- Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
The recommended starting dosage for Brexpiprazole as adjunctive treatment is 0.5 mg or 1 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food.
Titrate to 1 mg once daily, then up to the target dosage of 2 mg once daily. Dosage increases should occur at weekly intervals based on the patients clinical response and tolerability. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 3 mg. Periodically reassess to determine the continued need and appropriate dosage for treatment.
- Treatment of Schizophrenia
The recommended starting dosage for Brexpiprazole is 1 mg once daily on Days 1 to 4, taken orally with or without food.
The recommended target Brexpiprazole dosage is 2 mg to 4 mg once daily. Titrate to 2 mg once daily on Day 5 through Day 7, then to 4 mg on Day 8 based on the patients clinical response and tolerability. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 4 mg.
- Dosage Adjustments for Hepatic Impairment
For patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score 7), the maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once daily for patients with MDD, and 3 mg once daily for patients with schizophrenia.
- Dosage Adjustments for Renal Impairment
For patients with moderate, severe or end-stage renal impairment (creatinine clearance CLcr<60 mL/minute), the maximum recommended dosage is 2 mg once daily for patients with MDD and 3 mg once daily for patients with schizophrenia.
- Dosage Modifications for CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers and for Concomitant use with CYP Inhibitors or Inducers
Dosage adjustments are recommended in patients who are known cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2D6 poor metabolizers and in patients taking concomitant CYP3A4 inhibitors or CYP2D6 inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inducers (see Table 1). If the coadministered drug is discontinued, adjust the Brexpiprazole dosage to its original level. If the coadministered CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, reduce the Brexpiprazole dosage to the original level over 1 to 2 weeks.
- Table 1: Dosage Adjustments of Brexpiprazole for CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers and for Concomitant Use with CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 Inhibitors and/or CYP3A4 Inducers
REXULTI: Brexpiprazole's Brand name
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analyses of 17 placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10-week controlled trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the placebo group.
Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. Brexpiprazole is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients, and over 4,400 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients age 24 years and younger was greater in antidepressant-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 2.
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric studies. There were suicides in the adult studies, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about antidepressant drug effect on suicide.
- Table 2: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients
It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance studies in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of depression.
Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing Brexpiprazole, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
In placebo-controlled trials in elderly subjects with dementia, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had a higher incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack, including fatal stroke. Brexpiprazole is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs.
Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability. Additional signs may include elevated creatinine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure.
If NMS is suspected, immediately discontinue Brexpiprazole and provide intensive symptomatic treatment and monitoring.
Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements, may develop in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs. The risk appears to be highest among the elderly, especially elderly women, but it is not possible to predict which patients are likely to develop the syndrome. Whether antipsychotic drugs differ in their potential to cause tardive dyskinesia is unknown.
The risk of tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will become irreversible increase with the duration of treatment and the cumulative dose. The syndrome can develop after a relatively brief treatment period, even at low doses. It may also occur after discontinuation of treatment.
There is no known treatment for established cases of tardive dyskinesia, although the syndrome may remit, partially or completely, if antipsychotic treatment is discontinued. Antipsychotic treatment itself, however, may suppress (or partially suppress) the signs and symptoms of the syndrome, possibly masking the underlying process. The effect that symptomatic suppression has upon the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown.
Given these considerations, Brexpiprazole should be prescribed in a manner most likely to reduce the risk of tardive dyskinesia. Chronic antipsychotic treatment should generally be reserved for patients: (1) who suffer from a chronic illness that is known to respond to antipsychotic drugs; and (2) for whom alternative, effective, but potentially less harmful treatments are not available or appropriate. In patients who do require chronic treatment, use the lowest dose and the shortest duration of treatment needed to produce a satisfactory clinical response. Periodically reassess the need for continued treatment.
If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient on Brexpiprazole, drug discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with Brexpiprazole despite the presence of the syndrome.
Atypical antipsychotic drugs, including Brexpiprazole, have caused metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and body weight gain. Although all of the drugs in the class to date have been shown to produce some metabolic changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile.
- 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 Brexpiprazole. 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 Brexpiprazole 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 Brexpiprazole+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 Brexpiprazole 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 Brexpiprazole, 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 Brexpiprazole- and placebo-treated patients. Table 3 shows the proportions of patients with changes in fasting triglycerides.
- Table 3: Change in Fasting Triglycerides in the 6-Week, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose MDD Trials
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 Brexpiprazole. 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 Brexpiprazole- and placebo-treated patients. Table 4 shows the proportions of patients with changes in fasting triglycerides.
- Table 5: Change in Fasting Triglycerides in the 6-Week, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Schizophrenia Trials
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 Brexpiprazole. 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 Brexpiprazole. Monitor weight at baseline and frequently thereafter.
- Major Depressive Disorder
Table 5 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.
- Table 5: Increases in Body Weight in the 6-Week, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose MDD Trials
In the long-term, open-label depression studies, 4% of patients discontinued due to weight increase. Brexpiprazole 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 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 schizophrenia.
- Table 6: Increases in Body Weight in the 6-Week, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Schizophrenia Trials
In the long-term, open-label schizophrenia studies, 0.6% of patients discontinued due to weight increase. Brexpiprazole 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.
Leukopenia and neutropenia have been reported during treatment with antipsychotic agents. Agranulocytosis (including fatal cases) has been reported with other agents in this class.
Possible risk factors for leukopenia and neutropenia include pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC) or absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and history of drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia. In patients with a pre-existing low WBC or ANC or a history of drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia, perform a complete blood count (CBC) frequently during the first few months of therapy. In such patients, consider discontinuation of Brexpiprazole at the first sign of a clinically significant decline in WBC in the absence of other causative factors.
Monitor patients with clinically significant neutropenia for fever or other symptoms or signs of infection and treat promptly if such symptoms or signs occur. Discontinue Brexpiprazole in patients with absolute neutrophil count <1000/mm3 and follow their WBC until recovery.
Atypical antipsychotics cause orthostatic hypotension and syncope. Generally, the risk is greatest during initial dose titration and when increasing the dose. In the short-term, placebo-controlled clinical studies of Brexpiprazole+ADT in patients with MDD, the incidence of orthostatic hypotension-related adverse reactions in Brexpiprazole+ADT-treated patients compared to placebo+ADT patients included: dizziness (2% vs. 2%) and orthostatic hypotension (0.1% vs. 0%). In the short-term, placebo-controlled clinical studies of Brexpiprazole in patients with schizophrenia, the incidence of orthostatic hypotension-related adverse reactions in Brexpiprazole-treated patients compared to placebo patients included: dizziness (2% versus 2%), orthostatic hypotension (0.4% versus 0.2%), and syncope (0.1% versus 0%).
Orthostatic vital signs should be monitored in patients who are vulnerable to hypotension, (e.g., elderly patients, patients with dehydration, hypovolemia, concomitant treatment with antihypertensive medication), patients with known cardiovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or conduction abnormalities), and patients with cerebrovascular disease. Brexpiprazole has not been evaluated in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiovascular disease. Such patients were excluded from pre-marketing clinical trials.
Like other antipsychotic drugs, Brexpiprazole may cause seizures. This risk is greatest in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Conditions that lower the seizure threshold may be more prevalent in older patients.
Atypical antipsychotics may disrupt the bodys ability to reduce core body temperature. Strenuous exercise, exposure to extreme heat, dehydration, and anticholinergic medications may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature; use Brexpiprazole with caution in patients who may experience these conditions.
Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. Antipsychotic drugs, including Brexpiprazole, should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration.
Brexpiprazole, like other antipsychotics, has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. In 6-week, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with MDD, somnolence (including sedation and hypersomnia) was reported in 4% for Brexpiprazole+ADT-treated patients compared to 1% of placebo+ADT patients.
In 6-week, placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with schizophrenia, somnolence (including sedation and hypersomnia) was reported in 5% of Brexpiprazole-treated patients compared to 3% of placebo-treated patients.
Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including motor vehicles, until they are reasonably certain that Brexpiprazole therapy does not affect them adversely.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:
- Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults
- Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions Including Stroke in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- Tardive Dyskinesia
- Metabolic Changes
- Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis
- Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope
- Seizures
- Body Temperature Dysregulation
- Dysphagia
- Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
The safety of Brexpiprazole 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 Brexpiprazole 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.
- Adverse Reactions Reported as Reasons for Discontinuation of Treatment
A total of 3% (17/643) of Brexpiprazole-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 Brexpiprazole (incidence of 2% or greater and adjunctive Brexpiprazole incidence greater than adjunctive placebo) that occurred during acute therapy (up to 6-weeks in patients with MDD) are shown in Table 8.
- Table 7: Adverse Reactions in Pooled 6-Week, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose MDD Trials (Studies 1 and 2)*
REXULTI: Brexpiprazole's Brand name
- 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 Brexpiprazole +ADT, the incidences of akathisia and restlessness increased with increases in dose.
The safety of Brexpiprazole 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 Brexpiprazole was administered at daily doses of 1 mg, 2 mg and 4 mg.
- Common Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions associated with Brexpiprazole (incidence of 2% or greater and Brexpiprazole incidence greater than placebo) during short-term (up to 6-weeks) trials in patients with schizophrenia are shown in Table 8.
- Table 8: Adverse Reactions in Pooled 6-Week, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Schizophrenia Trials (Studies 3 and 4)*
REXULTI: Brexpiprazole's Brand name
- Major Depressive Disorder
The incidence of reported EPS-related adverse reactions, excluding akathisia, was 6% for Brexpiprazole+ADT-treated patients versus 3% for placebo+ADT-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia events for Brexpiprazole+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 Brexpiprazole+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 Brexpiprazole+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 Brexpiprazole-treated patients versus 4% for placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia events for Brexpiprazole-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 Brexpiprazole-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 Brexpiprazole-treated patients versus placebo for the BARS (2% versus 1%) and the SAS (7% versus 5%).
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 (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
- Table 9: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Brexpiprazole
REXULTI: Brexpiprazole's Brand name
Based on pharmacokinetic studies, no dosage adjustment of Brexpiprazole is required when administered concomitantly with CYP2B6 inhibitors (e.g., ticlopidine) or gastric pH modifiers (e.g., omeprazole). Additionally, no dosage adjustment for substrates of CYP2D6 (e.g., dextromethorphan), CYP3A4 (e.g., lovastatin), CYP2B6 (e.g., bupropion), BCRP (e.g., rosuvastatin), or P-gp (e.g., fexofenadine) is required when administered concomitantly with Brexpiprazole.
- Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to Brexpiprazole during pregnancy. For more information contact the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visit HTTP/.
- Risk Summary
Adequate and well-controlled studies have not been conducted with Brexpiprazole in pregnant women to inform drug-associated risks. However, neonates whose mothers are exposed to antipsychotic drugs, like Brexpiprazole, 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. 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.
Based on the results of a safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics trial, the pharmacokinetics of once daily oral administration of brexpiprazole (up to 3 mg/day for 14 days) as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of elderly subjects (70 to 85 years old, N=11) with MDD were comparable to those observed in adults subjects with MDD.
Antipsychotic drugs increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Brexpiprazole is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. 
There is limited clinical trial experience regarding human overdosage with Brexpiprazole.
Consult a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org) for up-to-date guidance and advice regarding a Brexpiprazole overdosage. Management of overdose should concentrate on supportive therapy, maintaining an adequate airway, oxygenation and ventilation, and management of symptoms. Close medical supervision and monitoring should continue until the patient recovers.
- 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 Brexpiprazole.
- Hemodialysis
There is no information on the effect of hemodialysis in treating an overdose with Brexpiprazole; hemodialysis is unlikely to be useful because brexpiprazole is highly bound to plasma proteins.
- Controlled Substance
Brexpiprazole is not a controlled substance.
- Abuse
Animals given access to Brexpiprazole did not self-administer the drug, suggesting that Brexpiprazole does not have rewarding properties.
- Dependence
Humans and animals that received chronic Brexpiprazole administration did not demonstrate any withdrawal signs upon drug discontinuation. This suggests that Brexpiprazole does not produce physical dependence.
Brexpiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic, is available as tablets. Brexpiprazole is 7-{4-butoxy}quinolin-2(1H)-one. The empirical formula is C25H27N3O2S and its molecular weight is 433.57. The chemical structure is:
Brexpiprazole tablets are for oral administration and are available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg and 4 mg strengths. Inactive ingredients include lactose monohydrate, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, and talc. Colorants include titanium dioxide, iron oxide and ferrosferric oxide.
- 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, Brexpiprazole does not prolong the QTc interval to any clinically relevant extent.
Absorption
After single dose administration of Brexpiprazole 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.
Brexpiprazole can be administered with or without food. Administration of a 4 mg Brexpiprazole 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 (1.560.42 L/kg), indicating extravascular distribution. Brexpiprazole is highly protein bound in plasma (greater than 99%) to serum albumin and 1-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
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 brexpirazole 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 -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 Brexpiprazole, 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.
- Figure 2: The Effects of Other Drugs on Brexpiprazole Pharmacokinetics
The effects of Brexpiprazole on the exposures of other drugs are summarized in Figure 3.
- Figure 3: The Effects of Brexpiprazole 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.
The efficacy of Brexpiprazole in the adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) was evaluated in two 6-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose trials of adult patients meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for MDD, with or without symptoms of anxiety, who had an inadequate response to prior antidepressant therapy (1 to 3 courses) in the current episode and who had also demonstrated an inadequate response throughout the 8 weeks of prospective antidepressant treatment (with escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine controlled-release, sertraline, duloxetine delayed release, or venlafaxine extended-release). Inadequate response during the prospective antidepressant treatment phase was defined as having persistent symptoms without substantial improvement throughout the course of treatment.
Patients in Study 228 (hereafter Study 1) were randomized to Brexpiprazole 2 mg once a day or placebo. Patients in Study 227 (hereafter Study 2) were randomized to Brexpiprazole 1 or 3 mg once a day or placebo. For patients randomized to Brexpiprazole, all patients initiated treatment at 0.5 mg once daily during Week 1. At Week 2, the Brexpiprazole dosage was increased to 1 mg in all treatment groups, and either maintained at 1 mg or increased to 2 mg or 3 mg once daily, based on treatment assignment, from Week 3 onwards. The dosages were then maintained for the 4 remaining weeks.
The primary endpoint was change from baseline to Week 6 in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), a 10-item clinician-related scale used to assess the degree of depressive symptomatology, with 0 representing no symptoms, and 60 representing worst symptoms.
At randomization, the mean MADRS total score was 27. In Studies 1 and 2, Brexpiprazole  2 mg/day and 3 mg/day were superior to placebo + ADT in reducing mean MADRS total scores. Results from the primary efficacy parameters for both fixed dose trials are shown below in Table 10. Figure 4 below shows the time course of response based on the primary efficacy measure (MADRS) in Study 1.
- Table 10: Summary of Efficacy Results for Studies 1 and 2 for the Adjunctive Treatment of MDD
REXULTI: Brexpiprazole's Brand name
An examination of population subgroups did not suggest differential response based on age, gender, race or choice of prospective antidepressant.
- Figure 4: Change from Baseline in MADRS Total Score by Study Visit (Week) in Patients with MDD in Study 1
The efficacy of Brexpiprazole in the treatment of adults with schizophrenia was demonstrated in two 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose clinical trials in patients who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for schizophrenia.
In both studies, Study 231 (hereafter Study 3) and Study 230 (hereafter Study 4), patients were randomized to Brexpiprazole 2 or 4 mg once per day or placebo. Patients in the Brexpiprazole groups initiated treatment at 1 mg once daily on Days 1 to 4. The Brexpiprazole dosage was increased to 2 mg on Days 5 to 7. The dosage was then either maintained at 2 mg once daily or increased to 4 mg once daily, depending on treatment assignment, for the 5 remaining weeks.
The primary efficacy endpoint of both trials was the change from baseline to Week 6 in the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score. The PANSS is a 30-item scale that measures positive symptoms of schizophrenia (7 items), negative symptoms of schizophrenia (7 items), and general psychopathology (16 items), each rated on a scale of 1 (absent) to 7 (extreme); the total PANSS scores range from 30 (best) to 210 (worst).
In Study 3, Brexpiprazole at both 2 mg/day and 4 mg/day was superior to placebo on the PANSS total score. In Study 4, Brexpiprazole  4 mg/day was superior to placebo on the PANSS total score (Table 11). Figure 5 shows the time course of response based on the primary efficacy measure (change from baseline in PANSS total score) in Study 3.
Examination of population subgroups based on age, gender and race did not suggest differential responsiveness.
- Table 11: Summary of Efficacy Results for Studies in Schizophrenia
REXULTI: Brexpiprazole's Brand name
- Figure 5: Change from Baseline in PANSS Total Score by Study Visit (Week) in Patients with Schizophrenia in Study 3
The safety and efficacy of Brexpiprazole as maintenance treatment in adults with schizophrenia aged 18 to 65 years were demonstrated in the maintenance phase of a randomized withdrawal trial (Study 331-10-232, hereafter Study 5). Patients were stabilized for at least 12 weeks on 1 to 4 mg/day of Brexpiprazole (N=202). They were then randomized in the double-blind treatment phase to either continue Brexpiprazole at their achieved stable dose (N=97), or to switch to placebo (N=105).
The primary endpoint in Study 5 was time from randomization to impending relapse during the double-blind phase, defined as: 1) CGI-Improvement score of 5 (minimally worse) and an increase to a score > 4 on PANSS conceptual disorganization, hallucinatory behavior, suspiciousness, or unusual thought content items, with either a 2 increase on a specific item or 4 point increase on the combined four PANSS items, 2) hospitalization due to worsening of psychotic symptoms, 3) current suicidal behavior, or 4) violent/aggressive behavior.
A pre-specified interim analysis demonstrated a statistically significantly longer time to relapse in patients randomized to the Brexpiprazole group compared to placebo-treated patients. The trial was subsequently terminated early because maintenance of efficacy had been demonstrated. The Kaplan-Meier curves of the cumulative proportion of patients with relapse during the double-blind treatment phase for Brexpiprazole and placebo groups are shown in Figure 6. The key secondary endpoint, the proportion of subjects who met the criteria for impending relapse, was statistically significantly lower in Brexpiprazole-treated patients compared with placebo group.
- Figure 6: Kaplan Meier Estimation of Percent Impending Relapse in Study 5
Note: A total of 202 subjects were randomized. Among them, one placebo subject did not take investigational medicinal product and one brexpiprazole subject did not have post-randomization efficacy evaluations. These two subjects were excluded from the efficacy analysis.
Brexpiprazole tablets have markings on one side, and are available in the following strengths and package configurations (see Table 12):
- Table 12: Package Configuration for Brexpiprazole Tablets
Advise the patient or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
- 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.
- Dosage and Administration
Advise patients that Brexpiprazole can be taken with or without food. Advise patients regarding importance of following dosage escalation instructions.
- 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.
- Tardive Dyskinesia
Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and to contact their health care provider if these abnormal movements occur.
- 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.
- 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 Brexpiprazole.
- 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.
- Heat Exposure and Dehydration
Counsel patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration.
- 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 Brexpiprazole therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities.
- 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.
- Pregnancy
Advise patients that third trimester use of Brexpiprazole 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 Brexpiprazole during pregnancy.
-  "REXULTI (brexpiprazole) Tablets, for Oral Use. Full Prescribing Information" (PDF). Rexulti (brexpiprazole) Patient Site. Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 101-8535 Japan. Retrieved 15 July 2015..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output q{quotes:"\"""\"""'""'"}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}