REXULTI Tablet Ref.[11112] Active ingredients: Brexpiprazole

5.1 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. 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. REXULTI is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

5.2 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults

In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and over 4400 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 3.

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 3. 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 REXULTI, in patients whose depression is persistently worse or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

5.3 Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions Including Stroke in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis

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. REXULTI is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

5.4 Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs, including REXULTI. 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 REXULTI and provide intensive symptomatic treatment and monitoring.

5.5 Tardive Dyskinesia

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.

Tardive dyskinesia 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 tardive dyskinesia is unknown.

Given these considerations, REXULTI 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 REXULTI, drug discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with REXULTI despite the presence of the syndrome.

5.6 Metabolic Changes

Atypical antipsychotic drugs, including REXULTI, 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 REXULTI. 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.

Table 4. Change in Fasting Triglycerides in the 6-Week Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose MDD Trials:

n=the number of subjects with shift
^* denotes n/N where N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result

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.

Table 5. Change in Fasting Triglycerides in the 6-Week Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Schizophrenia Trials:

n=the number of subjects with shift
^* denotes n/N where N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result

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.

Table 6. Increases in Body Weight in the 6-Week Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose MDD Trials:

n=the number of subjects with a shift ≥7%
^* N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result

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.

Table 7. Increases in Body Weight in the 6-Week Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Schizophrenia Trials:

n=the number of subjects with a shift ≥7%
^* denotes n/N where N=the total number of subjects who had a measurement at baseline and at least one post-baseline result

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.

5.7 Pathological Gambling and Other Compulsive Behaviors

Post-marketing case reports suggest that patients can experience intense urges, particularly for gambling, and the inability to control these urges while taking REXULTI. Other compulsive urges, reported less frequently, include: sexual urges, shopping, eating or binge eating, and other impulsive or compulsive behaviors. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important for prescribers to ask patients or their caregivers specifically about the development of new or intense gambling urges, compulsive sexual urges, compulsive shopping, binge or compulsive eating, or other urges while being treated with REXULTI. In some cases, although not all, urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or the medication was discontinued. Compulsive behaviors may result in harm to the patient and others if not recognized. Consider dose reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops such urges.

5.8 Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis

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 REXULTI 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 REXULTI in patients with absolute neutrophil count <1000/mm³ and follow their WBC until recovery.

5.9 Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope

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 REXULTI + ADT in patients with MDD, the incidence of orthostatic hypotension-related adverse reactions in REXULTI + ADT-treated patients compared to placebo + ADT-treated patients included: dizziness (2% versus 2%) and orthostatic hypotension (0.1% versus 0%). In the short-term, placebo-controlled clinical studies of REXULTI in patients with schizophrenia, the incidence of orthostatic hypotension-related adverse reactions in REXULTI-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. REXULTI has not been evaluated in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiovascular disease. Such patients were excluded from the premarketing clinical trials.

5.10 Falls

Antipsychotics, including REXULTI, may cause somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and sensory instability, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures or other injuries. For patients with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects, complete fall risk assessments when initiating antipsychotic treatment and recurrently for patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy.

5.11 Seizures

Like other antipsychotic drugs, REXULTI 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.

5.12 Body Temperature Dysregulation

Atypical antipsychotics may disrupt the body’s 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 REXULTI with caution in patients who may experience these conditions.

5.13 Dysphagia

Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. Antipsychotic drugs, including REXULTI, should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration.

5.14 Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment

REXULTI, like other antipsychotics, has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. In the 6-week placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with MDD, somnolence (including sedation and hypersomnia) was reported in 4% for REXULTI + ADT-treated patients compared to 1% of placebo + ADT-treated patients.

In the 6-week placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with schizophrenia, somnolence (including sedation and hypersomnia) was reported in 5% of REXULTI-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 REXULTI 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 [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1)]
• Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]
• Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions Including Stroke in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)]
• Tardive Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)]
• Metabolic Changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)]
• Pathological Gambling and Other Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)]
• Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
• Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)]
• Falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10)]
• Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.11)]
• Body Temperature Dysregulation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)]
• Dysphagia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.13)]
• Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)]

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the 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.

Major Depressive Disorder

The safety of REXULTI was evaluated in 1054 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.

Table 8. Adverse Reactions in Pooled 6-Week Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose MDD Trials (Studies 1 and 2)*:

^* Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of REXULTI-treated patients and greater incidence than in placebo-treated patients

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.

Table 9. Adverse Reactions in Pooled 6-Week Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose Schizophrenia Trials (Studies 3 and 4)*:

^* Adverse reactions that occurred in ≥2% of REXULTI-treated patients and greater incidence than in placebo-treated patients

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Major Depressive Disorder

The incidence of reported extrapyramidal symptoms (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 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-treated patients 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 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

The following adverse reaction has been identified during post-approval use of REXULTI. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.

Nervous System disorders: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Interactions with REXULTI

Table 10. Clinically Important Drug Interactions with REXULTI:

^* In the clinical trials examining the adjunctive use of REXULTI in the treatment of MDD, dosage was not adjusted for strong CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine). Thus, CYP considerations are already factored into general dosing recommendations, and REXULTI may be administered without dosage adjustment in patients with MDD.

7.2 Drugs Having No Clinically Important Interactions with REXULTI

Based on pharmacokinetic studies, no dosage adjustment of REXULTI 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 REXULTI.

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/m ² 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 to 4% and 15 to 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/m ² 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.

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Clinical studies of the efficacy of REXULTI did not include any patients aged 65 or older to determine whether they respond differently from younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, and cardiac function, concomitant diseases, and other drug therapy.

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 adult subjects with MDD.

Antipsychotic drugs increase the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. REXULTI is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

8.8 Renal Impairment

Reduce the maximum recommended dosage in patients with moderate, severe, or end-stage renal impairment (CLcr<60 mL/minute). Patients with impaired renal function (CLcr<60 mL/minute) had higher exposure to brexpiprazole than patients with normal renal function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Greater exposure may increase the risk of REXULTI-associated adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.4)].

Reduce the maximum recommended dosage in patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥7). Patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score ≥7) generally had higher exposure to brexpiprazole than patients with normal hepatic function [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. Greater exposure may increase the risk of REXULTI-associated adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.3)].

8.6 CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers

Dosage adjustment is recommended in known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, because these patients have higher brexpiprazole concentrations than normal metabolizers of CYP2D6. Approximately 8% of Caucasians and 3–8% of Black/African Americans cannot metabolize CYP2D6 substrates and are classified as poor metabolizers [see Dosage and Administration (2.5), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

8.9 Other Specific Populations

No dosage adjustment for REXULTI is required on the basis of a patient’s sex, race, or smoking status [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

REXULTI is not a controlled substance.

Animals given access to REXULTI did not self-administer the drug, suggesting that REXULTI does not have rewarding properties.

Humans and animals that received chronic REXULTI administration did not demonstrate any withdrawal signs upon drug discontinuation. This suggests that REXULTI does not produce physical dependence.