Overview
11 . DESCRIPTION The active ingredient of VRAYLAR is cariprazine, an atypical antipsychotic, in hydrochloride salt form. The chemical name is trans -N-{4-[2-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)piperazine-1-yl]ethyl]cyclohexyl}-N’,N’-dimethylurea hydrochloride; its empirical formula is C 21 H 3 2 Cl 2 N 4 O•HCl and its molecular weight is 463.9 g/mol.
Mechanism of Action
12 . CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Figure 1. Plasma Concentration (Mean ± SE)-Time Profile During and Following 12-weeks of Treatment with Cariprazine 6 mg/daya 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of cariprazine is unknown. However, the efficacy of cariprazine could be mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at central dopamine D 2 and serotonin 5-HT 1A receptors and antagonist activity at serotonin 5-HT 2A receptors. Cariprazine forms two major metabolites, desmethylcariprazine (DCAR) and didesmethylcariprazine (DDCAR), that have in vitro receptor binding profiles similar to the parent drug. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Cariprazine acts as a partial agonist at the dopamine D 3 and D 2 receptors with high binding affinity (K i values 0.085 nM, and 0.49 nM (D 2L ) and 0.
Indications
- 1 . INDICATIONS AND USAGE VRAYLAR ® is indicated for: • Treatment of schizophrenia in adult and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 )] • Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adult and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 )] • Treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adult patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.
Common Doses
- 1.5 mg
- 6 mg
- 0.5 mg
- 4.5 mg
Dosage
2 . DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Administer VRAYLAR orally once daily with or without food ( 2 ) Starting Dose Recommended Dose Schizophrenia in Adults ( 2.2 ) 1.5 mg daily 1.5 mg to 6 mg daily Schizophrenia in Pediatric Patients (13-17 years) ( 2.2 ) 0.5 mg daily 1.5 mg to 4.5 mg daily Bipolar Mania in Adults ( 2.3 ) 1.5 mg daily 3 mg to 6 mg daily Bipolar Mania in Pediatric Patients (10-17 years) ( 2.3 ) 0.5 mg daily 3 mg or 4.5 mg daily Bipolar Depression in Adults ( 2.4 ) 1.5 mg daily 1.5 mg or 3 mg daily Adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for MDD in Adults ( 2.5 ) 1.5 mg daily 1.
Black Box Warning
WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS and SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS 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. VRAYLAR is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies.
Contraindications
- 4 . CONTRAINDICATIONS VRAYLAR is contraindicated in patients with history of a hypersensitivity reaction to cariprazine. Reactions have ranged from rash, pruritus, urticaria, and reactions suggestive of angioedema (e.g., swollen tongue, lip swelling, face edema, pharyngeal edema, and swelling face). Known hypersensitivity to VRAYLAR ( 4 )
Side Effects
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS 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 and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors [see Boxed Warning and 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 [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.
Interactions
- 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Table 15 displays clinically significant drug interactions with VRAYLAR. Table 15. Clinically Significant Drug Interactions with VRAYLAR Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitors Clinical Impact: Concomitant use of VRAYLAR with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor increases the exposures of cariprazine and its major active metabolite, didesmethylcariprazine (DDCAR), compared to use of VRAYLAR alone [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ]. Intervention: If VRAYLAR is used with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, reduce VRAYLAR dosage [see D osage and A dministration ( 2.6 ) ] .