Source: FDA, National Drug Code (US) Revision Year: 2020
VIIBRYD is contraindicated in:
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients, and over 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater in antidepressant-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1.
Table 1. 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:
| Age Range (years) | Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated |
|---|---|
| Increases Compared to Placebo | |
| <18 | 14 additional patients |
| 18-24 | 5 additional patients |
| Decreases Compared to Placebo | |
| 25-64 | 1 fewer patient |
| ≥65 | 6 fewer 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 and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
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 VIIBRYD, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs), including VIIBRYD, can precipitate serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. The risk is increased with concomitant use of other serotonergic drugs (including triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, amphetamines, and St. John’s Wort) and with drugs that impair metabolism of serotonin, i.e., MAOIs [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7)]. Serotonin syndrome can also occur when these drugs are used alone. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome were noted in 0.1% of MDD patients treated with VIIBRYD in premarketing clinical trials.
Serotonin syndrome signs and symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, delirium, and coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, dizziness, diaphoresis, flushing, hyperthermia), neuromuscular symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity, myoclonus, hyperreflexia, incoordination), seizures, and gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
The concomitant use of VIIBRYD with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate VIIBRYD in a patient being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. No reports involved the administration of methylene blue by other routes (such as oral tablets or local tissue injection). If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking VIIBRYD, discontinue VIIBRYD before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications (4), Drug Interactions (7.1)].
Monitor all patients taking VIIBRYD for the emergence of serotonin syndrome. Discontinue treatment with VIIBRYD and any concomitant serotonergic agents immediately if the above symptoms occur, and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. If concomitant use of VIIBRYD with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms.
Drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake inhibition, including VIIBRYD, increase the risk of bleeding events. Concomitant use of aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), other antiplatelet drugs, warfarin, and other anticoagulants may add to this risk. Case reports and epidemiological studies (case-control and cohort design) have demonstrated an association between use of drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake and the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding. Bleeding events related to drugs that interfere with serotonin reuptake have ranged from ecchymosis, hematoma, epistaxis, and petechiae to life-threatening hemorrhages.
Inform patients about the risk of bleeding associated with the concomitant use of VIIBRYD and antiplatelet agents or anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor coagulation indices when initiating, titrating, or discontinuing VIIBRYD.
In patients with bipolar disorder, treating a depressive episode with VIIBRYD or another antidepressant may precipitate a mixed/manic episode. In controlled clinical trials, patients with bipolar disorder were excluded; however, symptoms of mania or hypomania were reported in 0.1% of undiagnosed patients treated with VIIBRYD. Prior to initiating treatment with VIIBRYD, screen patients for any personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania [see Dosage and Administration (2.2)].
Adverse reactions after discontinuation of serotonergic antidepressants, particularly after abrupt discontinuation, include: nausea, sweating, dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances (e.g., paresthesia, such as electric shock sensations), tremor, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, hypomania, tinnitus, and seizures. A gradual reduction in dosage rather than abrupt cessation is recommended whenever possible [see Dosage and Administration (2.5)].
VIIBRYD has not been systematically evaluated in patients with a seizure disorder. Patients with a history of seizures were excluded from clinical studies. VIIBRYD should be prescribed with caution in patients with a seizure disorder.
The pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many antidepressant drugs including VIIBRYD may trigger an angle closure attack in a patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy. Avoid use of antidepressants, including VIIBRYD, in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles.
Hyponatremia may occur as a result of treatment with SNRIs and SSRIs, including VIIBRYD. Cases of serum sodium lower than 110 mmol/L have been reported. Signs and symptoms of hyponatremia include headache, difficulty concentrating, memory impairment, confusion, weakness, and unsteadiness, which may lead to falls. Signs and symptoms associated with more severe and/or acute cases have included hallucination, syncope, seizure, coma, respiratory arrest, and death. In many cases, this hyponatremia appears to be the result of the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH).
In patients with symptomatic hyponatremia, discontinue VIIBRYD and institute appropriate medical intervention. Elderly patients, patients taking diuretics, and those who are volume-depleted may be at greater risk of developing hyponatremia with SSRIs and SNRIs [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5)].
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions and varying lengths of time, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical studies of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in practice.
The most commonly observed adverse reactions in VIIBRYD-treated patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in placebo-controlled studies (incidence ≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo) were diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and insomnia.
The safety of VIIBRYD was evaluated in 3,007 patients (18-70 years of age) diagnosed with MDD who participated in clinical studies, representing 676 patient-years of exposure. In an open-label 52 week study at 40 mg daily, 599 patients were exposed to VIIBRYD for a total of 348 patient-years.
The adverse reaction information presented below was derived from studies of VIIBRYD 20 mg and 40 mg daily in patients with MDD including:
These studies included a titration period of 10 mg daily for 7 days, followed by 20 mg daily for 7 days or to 40 mg daily over 2 weeks. In these clinical trials, VIIBRYD was administered with food.
In these studies, 7.3% of the VIIBRYD-treated patients discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 3.5% of placebo-treated patients. The most common adverse reaction leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of the VIIBRYD-treated patients in the placebo-controlled studies was nausea (1.4%).
Table 2 shows the incidence of common adverse reactions occurring in ≥2% of VIIBRYD-treated patients and greater than the rate of placebo-treated patients in MDD Studies. There were no dose-related adverse reactions between 20 mg and 40 mg reported.
Table 2. Common Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of VIIBRYD-treated Patients and Greater than the Rate of Placebo-Treated Patients:
| System Organ Class Preferred Term | Placebo N=967 | VIIBRYD 20 mg/day N=288 | VIIBRYD 40 mg/day N=978 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gastrointestinal disorders | |||
| Diarrhea | 10% | 26% | 29% |
| Nausea | 7% | 22% | 24% |
| Dry mouth | 5% | 8% | 7% |
| Vomiting | 2% | 4% | 5% |
| Abdominal pain 1 | 3% | 7% | 4% |
| Dyspepsia | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Flatulence | 1% | 3% | 3% |
| Gastroenteritis | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Abdominal distension | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| Nervous system disorders | |||
| Headache 2 | 14% | 15% | 14% |
| Dizziness | 5% | 6% | 8% |
| Somnolence | 2% | 4% | 5% |
| Paresthesia | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Psychiatric disorders | |||
| Insomnia | 2% | 7% | 6% |
| Abnormal dreams | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Restlessness 3 | 1% | 2% | 3% |
| General disorders | |||
| Fatigue | 3% | 4% | 3% |
| Cardiac disorders | |||
| Palpitations | <1% | 1% | 2% |
| Metabolism and nutrition disorders | |||
| Increased appetite | 1% | 1% | 3% |
| Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders | |||
| Arthralgia | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| Investigations | |||
| Increased weight | 1% | 1% | 2% |
1 Includes abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain upper, and abdominal pain.
2 Includes headache and tension headache
3 Includes restlessness, akathisia, and restless legs syndrome
Sexual adverse reactions are presented in Table 3.
Table 3 displays the most common sexual adverse reactions in the placebo-controlled MDD studies.
Table 3. Common Sexual Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥2% of VIIBRYD-treated Patients and Greater than the Rate of Placebo-Treated Patients:
| Preferred Term | Males | Females | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Placebo N=416 | VIIBRYD 20 mg/day N=122 | VIIBRYD 40 mg/day N=417 | Placebo N=551 | VIIBRYD 20 mg/day N=166 | VIIBRYD 40 mg/day N=561 | |
| Abnormal Orgasm* | <1% | 2% | 2% | 0% | 1% | 1% |
| Erectile dysfunction | 1% | 0% | 3% | − | − | − |
| Libido decreased | <1% | 3% | 4% | <1% | 2% | 2% |
| Ejaculation disorder | 0% | 1% | 2% | − | − | − |
− Not applicable
* Includes abnormal orgasm and anorgasmia
The following list does not include reactions: 1) already listed in previous tables or elsewhere in 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 significant clinical implications, or 5) which occurred at a rate equal to or less than placebo.
Reactions are categorized by body system according to the following definitions: frequent adverse reactions are those occurring in at least 1/100 patients; infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare reactions are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients:
Cardiac disorders:
infrequent: ventricular extrasystoles
Eye disorders:
infrequent: dry eye, vision blurred, rare: cataracts
Nervous System:
frequent: sedation, tremor; infrequent: migraine
Psychiatric disorders:
infrequent: panic attack
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:
in frequent: hyperhidrosis, night sweats
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of VIIBRYD. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Reports of adverse reactions temporally associated with VIIBRYD that have been received since market introduction and that are not listed above include the following:
General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: irritability
Nervous System Disorders: sleep paralysis
Psychiatric Disorders: hallucinations, suicide attempt, suicidal ideation
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders: rash, generalized rash, urticaria, drug eruption
Gastrointestinal System: acute pancreatitis
Table 4. Clinically Important Drug Interactions with VIIBRYD:
| Concomitant Drug Name or Drug Class | Clinical Rationale | Clinical Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) | The concomitant use of MAOIs and serotonergic drugs including VIIBRYD increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. | VIIBRYD is contraindicated in patients taking MAOIs, including MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue [see Contraindications (4), Dosage and Administration (2.3), and Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. |
| Other Serotonergic Drugs | The concomitant use of serotonergic drugs including VIIBRYD and other serotonergic drugs increases the risk of serotonin syndrome. | Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome, particularly during VIIBRYD initiation. If serotonin syndrome occurs, consider discontinuation of VIIBRYD and/or concomitant serotonergic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. |
| Antiplatelet Agents and Anticoagulants | Serotonin release by platelets plays an important role in hemostasis. The concurrent use of an antiplatelet agent or anticoagulant with VIIBRYD may potentiate the risk of bleeding. | Inform patients of the increased risk of bleeding with the concomitant use of VIIBRYD and antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants. For patients taking warfarin, carefully monitor the international normalized ratio (INR) when initiating, titrating, or discontinuing VIIBRYD [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. |
| Strong CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., itraconazole, clarithromycin, voriconazole) | The concomitant use of VIIBRYD and strong CYP3A4 inhibitors increased the exposure of vilazodone compared to the use of VIIBRYD alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. | The VIIBRYD dose should not exceed 20 mg once daily with the concomitant use of a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. |
| Strong CYP3A4 Inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampin) | The concomitant use of VIIBRYD and strong CYP3A4 inducers decreased the exposure of vilazodone compared to the use of VIIBRYD alone [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. | Based on clinical response, consider increasing the dosage of VIIBRYD, over 1 to 2 weeks in patients taking strong CYP3A4 inducers for greater than 14 days [see Dosage and Administration (2.4), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. |
| Digoxin | Digoxin is a narrow therapeutic index drug. Concomitant use of VIIBRYD increased digoxin concentrations [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]. | Measure serum digoxin concentrations before initiating concomitant use of VIIBRYD. Continue monitoring and reduce digoxin dose as necessary. |
Based on pharmacokinetic studies, no dosage adjustment is required for drugs that are substrates of CYP1A2, CYP2B6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and/or P-glycoprotein (except narrow therapeutic index drugs, e.g., digoxin), when VIIBRYD is administered concomitantly [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at https://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/antidepressants/.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of VIIBRYD in pregnant women. The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. However, the background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2-4% and of miscarriage is 15-20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. In animal reproduction studies, oral administration of vilazodone during the period of organogenesis at doses up to 48 and 17 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) in rats and rabbits, respectively, resulted in decreased fetal body weight gain and delayed skeletal ossification but no teratogenic effects were observed. Decreased fetal body weight and delayed skeletal ossification were not observed at doses up to 10 and 4 times the MRHD in rats and rabbits, respectively [see Data].
A prospective, longitudinal study followed 201 pregnant women with a history of major depressive disorder who were euthymic and taking antidepressants at the beginning of pregnancy. The women who discontinued antidepressants during pregnancy were more likely to experience a relapse of major depression than women who continued antidepressants. Consider the risks of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medication during pregnancy and postpartum.
Exposure to SSRIs and SNRIs, including VIIBRYD, in late pregnancy may lead to an increased risk for neonatal complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding, and/or persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Monitor neonates who were exposed to VIIBRYD in the third trimester of pregnancy for PPHN and drug discontinuation syndrome [see Data)].
Third Trimester Exposure:
Neonates exposed to SSRIs or SNRIs late in the third trimester, have developed complications requiring prolonged hospitalization, respiratory support, and tube feeding. These findings are based on post-marketing reports. Such complications can arise immediately upon delivery. Reported clinical findings have included respiratory distress, cyanosis, apnea, seizures, temperature instability, feeding difficulty, vomiting, hypoglycemia, hypotonia, hypertonia, hyperreflexia, tremor, jitteriness, irritability, and constant crying. These features are consistent with either a direct toxic effect of SSRIs and SNRIs or, possibly, a drug discontinuation syndrome. In some cases, the clinical picture was consistent with serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Exposure during late pregnancy to SSRIs may have an increased risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). PPHN occurs in 1-2 per 1,000 live births in the general population and is associated with substantial neonatal morbidity and mortality. In a retrospective case-control study of 377 women whose infants were born with PPHN and 836 women whose infants were born healthy, the risk for developing PPHN was approximately six-fold higher for infants exposed to SSRIs after the 20th week of gestation compared to infants who had not been exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. A study of 831,324 infants born in Sweden in 1997-2005 found a PPHN risk ratio of 2.4 (95% CI 1.2-4.3) associated with patient-reported maternal use of SSRIs “in early pregnancy” and a PPHN risk ratio of 3.6 (95% CI 1.2-8.3) associated with a combination of patient-reported maternal use of SSRIs “in early pregnancy” and an antenatal SSRI prescription "in later pregnancy."
No teratogenic effects were observed when vilazodone was given to pregnant rats or rabbits during the period of organogenesis at oral doses up to 200 and 36 mg/kg/day, respectively. These doses are 48 and 17 times, in rats and rabbits, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 40 mg on a mg/m2 basis. Fetal body weight gain was reduced, and skeletal ossification was delayed in both rats and rabbits at these doses; these effects were not observed at doses up to 10 times the MRHD in rats or 4 times the MRHD in rabbits.
When vilazodone was administered to pregnant rats at an oral dose of 30 times the MRHD during the period of organogenesis and throughout pregnancy and lactation, the number of live born pups was decreased. There was an increase in early postnatal pup mortality, and among surviving pups there was decreased body weight, delayed maturation, and decreased fertility in adulthood. There was some maternal toxicity at this dose. These effects were not seen at 6 times the MRHD.
There are no data on the presence of vilazodone in human milk, the effects of vilazodone on the breastfed infant, or the effects of the drug on milk production. However, vilazodone is excreted in rat milk [see Data]. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother’s clinical need for VIIBRYD and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from VIIBRYD or from the underlying maternal condition.
Administration of vilazodone to lactating rats at an oral dose of 30 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), resulted in early postnatal pup mortality, and among surviving pups there was decreased body weight and delayed maturation.
The safety and effectiveness of VIIBRYD have not been established in pediatric patients for the treatment of MDD.
Efficacy was not demonstrated in two adequate and well controlled, 8-week studies including a total of 1002 pediatric patients ages 7 years to 17 years of age with MDD. The following adverse reactions were reported in at least 5% of pediatric patients treated with VIIBRYD and occurred at a rate at least twice that for pediatric patients receiving placebo: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain/discomfort, and dizziness.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1), and Adverse Reactions (6.2)].
In a juvenile animal study, male and female rats were treated with vilazadone (10, 50, and 200 mg/kg/day) starting on postnatal day (PND) 21 through 90. A delay in the age of attainment of vaginal patency (i.e. sexual maturation) was observed in females starting at 50 mg/kg/day with a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 10 mg/kg/day. This NOAEL was associated with AUC levels similar to those measured at a maximum dose tested in pediatrics (30 mg). Adverse behavioral effects (lack of habituation in an acoustic startle test) were observed in males at 200 mg/kg and females starting at 50 mg/kg both during drug treatment and the recovery periods. The NOAEL for this finding was 50 mg/kg for males and 10 mg/kg for females, which was associated with AUC levels greater than (males) or similar (females), to those observed with the maximum dose tested in pediatric patients. An 8% decrease in femur mineral density was observed in female rats at 200 mg/kg, compared to the control group. The NOAEL for this finding was 50 mg/kg, which was associated with an AUC level greater than those measured at the maximum dose tested in pediatrics.
Based on a pharmacokinetic study, no dosage adjustment of VIIBRYD is recommended on the basis of age (see Figure 3). Results from pharmacokinetic study of a single 20 mg VIIBRYD dose in geriatric subjects (>65 years-old) vs. younger subjects (24-55 years-old) demonstrated that the pharmacokinetics were generally similar between the two age groups [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Clinical studies of VIIBRYD did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Of the 3,007 patients in clinical studies with VIIBRYD, 65 (2.2%) were 65 years of age or older, and 378 (12.6%) were 55 to 64 years of age. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be conservative, usually starting at the low end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal, or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Serotonergic antidepressants have been associated with cases of clinically significant hyponatremia in elderly patients, who may be at greater risk for this adverse reaction [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]. No other differences in adverse reactions were observed between geriatric and younger patients.
No dosage adjustment of VIIBRYD is necessary on the basis of gender, renal function (mild to severe renal impairment, glomerular filtration rate: 15-90 mL/minute), or hepatic function (mild to severe hepatic impairment, Child-Pugh score: 5-15 [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
VIIBRYD is not a controlled substance.
VIIBRYD has been systematically studied in animals and did not demonstrate abuse or dependence potential. While VIIBRYD has not been systematically studied in humans for its potential for abuse, there was no suggested evidence of drug-seeking behavior in the clinical studies.
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