2.1 Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

The recommended starting dosage for REXULTI as adjunctive treatment is 0.5 mg or 1 mg once daily, taken orally with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

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 patient's clinical response and tolerability. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 3 mg. Periodically reassess to determine the continued need and appropriate dosage for treatment.

2.2 Treatment of Schizophrenia

The recommended starting dosage for REXULTI is 1 mg once daily on Days 1 to 4, taken orally with or without food [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

The recommended target REXULTI 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 patient's clinical response and tolerability. The maximum recommended daily dosage is 4 mg.

2.3 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 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.4 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 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.8), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.5 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 REXULTI dosage to its original level. If the coadministered CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, reduce the REXULTI dosage to the original level over 1 to 2 weeks [see Drug Interactions (7.1), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

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.

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.

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.

6.1 Clinical Trials Experience

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.

6.2 Postmarketing Experience

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

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.

8.1 Pregnancy

8.2 Lactation

8.4 Pediatric Use

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)].

8.5 Geriatric Use

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)].

8.6 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)].

8.7 Hepatic Impairment

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)].

8.8 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)].

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)].

9.1 Controlled Substance

REXULTI is not a controlled substance.

9.2 Abuse

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

9.3 Dependence

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.

Charcoal

Oral activated charcoal and sorbitol (50 g/240 mL), administered one hour after ingesting oral brexpiprazole, decreased brexpiprazole Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) by approximately 5% to 23% and 31% to 39% respectively; however, there is insufficient information available on the therapeutic potential of activated charcoal in treating an overdose with REXULTI.

Hemodialysis

There is no information on the effect of hemodialysis in treating an overdose with REXULTI; hemodialysis is unlikely to be useful because brexpiprazole is highly bound to plasma proteins.

12.1 Mechanism of Action

The mechanism of action of brexpiprazole in the treatment of major depressive disorder or schizophrenia is unknown. However, the efficacy of brexpiprazole may be mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at serotonin 5-HT1A and dopamine D2 receptors, and antagonist activity at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors.

12.2 Pharmacodynamics

Brexpiprazole has affinity (expressed as Ki) for multiple monoaminergic receptors including serotonin 5-HT1A (0.12 nM), 5-HT2A (0.47 nM), 5-HT2B (1.9 nM), 5-HT7 (3.7 nM), dopamine D2 (0.30 nM), D3 (1.1 nM), and noradrenergic α1A (3.8 nM), α1B (0.17 nM), α1D (2.6 nM), and α2C (0.59 nM) receptors. Brexpiprazole acts as a partial agonist at the 5-HT1A, D2, and D3 receptors and as an antagonist at 5-HT2A, 5-HT2B, 5-HT7, α1A, α1B, α1D, and α2C receptors. Brexpiprazole also exhibits affinity for histamine H1 receptor (19 nM) and for muscarinic M1 receptor (67% inhibition at 10 µM).

12.3 Pharmacokinetics

Studies in Specific Populations

Exposures of brexpiprazole in specific populations are summarized in Figure 1. Population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis indicated exposure of brexpiprazole in patients with moderate renal impairment was higher compared to patients with normal renal function.

Figure 1: Effects of Intrinsic Factors on Brexpiprazole Pharmacokinetics

Drug Interaction Studies

Effects of other drugs on the exposures of brexpiprazole are summarized in Figure 2. Based on simulation, a 5.1-fold increase in AUC values at steady-state is expected when extensive metabolizers of CYP2D6 are administered with both strong CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 inhibitors. A 4.8-fold increase in mean AUC values at steady-state is expected in poor metabolizers of CYP2D6 administered with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Figure 2: The Effects of Other Drugs on Brexpiprazole Pharmacokinetics

The effects of REXULTI on the exposures of other drugs are summarized in Figure 3.

Figure 3: The Effects of REXULTI on Pharmacokinetics of Other Drugs

13.1 Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

14.1 Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder

The efficacy of REXULTI 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 REXULTI 2 mg once a day or placebo. Patients in Study 227 (hereafter "Study 2") were randomized to REXULTI 1 or 3 mg once a day or placebo. For patients randomized to REXULTI, all patients initiated treatment at 0.5 mg once daily during Week 1. At Week 2, the REXULTI 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, REXULTI [+ antidepressant (ADT)] 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 11. Figure 4 below shows the time course of response based on the primary efficacy measure (MADRS) in Study 1.

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

14.2 Schizophrenia

The efficacy of REXULTI 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 REXULTI 2 or 4 mg once per day or placebo. Patients in the REXULTI groups initiated treatment at 1 mg once daily on Days 1 to 4. The REXULTI 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, REXULTI at both 2 mg/day and 4 mg/day was superior to placebo on the PANSS total score. In Study 4, REXULTI 4 mg/day was superior to placebo on the PANSS total score (Table 12). 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.

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 REXULTI 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 REXULTI (N=202). They were then randomized in the double-blind treatment phase to either continue REXULTI 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) Clinical Global 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 REXULTI 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 REXULTI 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 REXULTI-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.

16.1 How Supplied

REXULTI (brexpiprazole) tablets have markings on one side and are available in the following strengths and package configurations (see Table 13):

16.2 Storage

Store REXULTI tablets at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down, and instruct them to report such symptoms to the healthcare provider [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].

Dosage and Administration

Advise patients that REXULTI can be taken with or without food. Advise patients regarding importance of following dosage escalation instructions [see Dosage and Administration (2.1), (2.2)].

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction - neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) - that has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs. Advise patients to contact a healthcare provider or report to the emergency room if they experience signs or symptoms of NMS [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)].

Tardive Dyskinesia

Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and to contact their healthcare provider if these abnormal movements occur [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)].

Metabolic Changes

Educate patients about the risk of metabolic changes, how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, and the need for specific monitoring, including blood glucose, lipids, and weight [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)].

Pathological Gambling and Other Compulsive Behaviors

Advise patients and their caregivers of the possibility that they may experience compulsive urges to shop, intense urges to gamble, compulsive sexual urges, binge eating and/or other compulsive urges and the inability to control these urges while taking REXULTI. In some cases, but not all, the urges were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or stopped [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)].

Leukopenia, Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis

Advise patients with a pre-existing low WBC or a history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia that they should have their CBC monitored while taking REXULTI [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope

Educate patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope, especially early in treatment, and also at times of reinitiating treatment or increases in dosage [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9)].

Heat Exposure and Dehydration

Counsel patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions (5.12)].

Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance

Caution patients about performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating hazardous machinery or operating a motor vehicle, until they are reasonably certain that REXULTI therapy does not adversely affect their ability to engage in such activities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.14)].

Concomitant Medications

Advise patients to inform their healthcare providers of any changes to their current prescription or over-the-counter medications because there is a potential for clinically significant interactions [see Drug Interactions (7.1)].

Pregnancy

Advise patients that third trimester use of REXULTI may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a neonate and to notify their healthcare provider with a known or suspected pregnancy. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to REXULTI during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].