Vraylar Drug Information

Generic name: CARIPRAZINE

Atypical Antipsychotic [EPC]

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Uses of Vraylar

  • . INDICATIONS AND USAGE VRAYLAR ® is indicated for:
  • Treatment of schizophrenia in adult and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older
  • Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adult and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older
  • Treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adult patients
  • Adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adult patients VRAYLAR is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for: Treatment of schizophrenia in adults and pediatric patients 13 years of age and older Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older Treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adults Adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults

Dosage & Administration of Vraylar

General Dosing Information VRAYLAR is given orally once daily and can be taken with or without food. Because of the long half-life of cariprazine and its active metabolites, changes in dose will not be fully reflected in plasma for several weeks. Prescribers should monitor patients for adverse reactions and treatment response for several weeks after starting VRAYLAR and after each dosage change.

Recommended Dosage in Schizophrenia Adult Patients

The starting dosage of VRAYLAR is 1.5 mg orally once daily. The recommended dosage range is 1.5 mg to 6 mg orally once daily. The dosage can be increased to 3 mg on Day 2.

Depending upon clinical response and tolerability, further dose adjustments can be made in 1.5 mg or 3 mg increments. In short-term controlled trials, dosages above 6 mg daily do not confer increased effectiveness sufficient to outweigh dose-related adverse reactions. Increase the dosage to 1.5 mg orally once daily on Day 3.

The maximum recommended dosage is 4.5 mg orally once daily.

In clinical trials, dosage titration at intervals of less than 14 days resulted in a higher incidence of adverse reactions. Initiating VRAYLAR is not recommended in pediatric patients while taking a strong or moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitor. Initiating a Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitor While Taking a Stable Dosage of VRAYLAR Dosage recommendations for adult and pediatric patients initiating a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor while on a stable dose of VRAYLAR (see Table 2): Table 2: Dosage Modifications for VRAYLAR When Initiating a Strong or Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitor and While Taking a Stable Dos ag e of VRAYLAR in Adult and Pediatric Patients When the strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, the VRAYLAR dosage may need to be increased based on clinical response and tolerability.

Dosage Modifications for Patients Concomitantly Taking VRAYLAR with CYP3A4 Inducers Concomitant use of VRAYLAR and a CYP3A4 inducer has not been evaluated and is not recommended. 2. 7 Treatment Discontinuation Following discontinuation of VRAYLAR, the decline in plasma concentrations of active drug and metabolites may not be immediately reflected in patients’ clinical symptoms; the plasma concentration of cariprazine and its active metabolites will decline by 50% in ~1 week. There are no systematically collected data to specifically address switching patients from VRAYLAR to other antipsychotics or concerning concomitant administration with other antipsychotics.

Starting DoseRecommended Dose
Schizophrenia in Adults ( 2.2 )1.5 mg daily1.5 mg to 6 mg daily
Schizophrenia in Pediatric Patients (13-17 years) ( 2.2 )0.5 mg daily1.5 mg to 4.5 mg daily
Bipolar Mania in Adults ( 2.3 )1.5 mg daily3 mg to 6 mg daily
Bipolar Mania in Pediatric Patients (10-17 years) ( 2.3 )0.5 mg daily3 mg or 4.5 mg daily
Bipolar Depression in Adults ( 2.4 )1.5 mg daily1.5 mg or 3 mg daily
Adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for MDD in Adults ( 2.5 )1.5 mg daily1.5 mg or 3 mg daily
Adult PatientsVRAYLAR Starting Dosage
When Taking a Strong CYP3A4 InhibitorWhen Taking a Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitor
SchizophreniaStart at 0.5 mg orally once daily; increase to 0.75 mg orally once daily, if needed*Start at 0.75 mg orally once daily; increase to 1.5 mg orally daily, if needed*
Bipolar Mania
Bipolar Depression0.5 mg orally once daily0.75 mg orally once daily
Adjunctive therapy for treatment of MDD
Currently on VRAYLAR DosageVRAYLAR Dosage When Initiating a Strong CYP3A4 InhibitorVRAYLAR Dosage When Initiating a Moderate CYP3A4 Inhibitor
1.5 mg or 3 mg once daily0.5 mg orally once daily0.75 mg orally once daily
4.5 mg or 6 mg once daily0.75 mg orally once daily1.5 mg orally once daily

Side Effects of Vraylar

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 practice. The information below is derived from an integrated clinical study database for VRAYLAR consisting of 6,722 adult patients exposed to one or more doses of VRAYLAR for the treatment of schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, bipolar depression, and adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder in placebo-controlled studies. This experience corresponds with a total experience of 1,182.8 patient-years.

Adult Patients with Schizophrenia The following findings are based on four placebo-controlled, 6-week schizophrenia trials with VRAYLAR doses ranging from 1.5 to 12 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dosage is 6 mg daily. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment: There was no single adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at a rate of ≥ 2% in VRAYLAR-treated patients and at least twice the rate of placebo.

Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): extrapyramidal symptoms and akathisia. Adverse Reactions with an incidence of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo, at any dose are shown in Table 8. Table 8.

Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-treated Patients and > Placebo-treated Adult Patients in 6-Week Schizophrenia Trials Note: Figures rounded to the nearest integer Data shown by modal daily dose, defined as most frequently administered dose per patient a Tachycardia terms: heart rate increased, sinus tachycardia, tachycardia b Abdominal pain terms: abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal pain lower, abdominal pain upper, gastrointestinal pain c Diarrhea terms: diarrhea, frequent bowel movements d Fatigue terms: asthenia, fatigue e Hepatic enzyme increase terms: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased f Extrapyramidal Symptoms terms: bradykinesia, cogwheel rigidity, drooling, dyskinesia, dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypokinesia, masked facies, muscle rigidity, muscle tightness, musculoskeletal stiffness, oculogyric crisis, oromandibular dystonia, parkinsonism, salivary hypersecretion, tardive dyskinesia, torticollis, tremor, trismus g Headache terms: headache, tension headache h Somnolence terms: hypersomnia, sedation, somnolence i Insomnia terms: initial insomnia, insomnia, middle insomnia, terminal insomnia j Hypertension terms: blood pressure diastolic increased, blood pressure increased, blood pressure systolic increased, hypertension ⸰ The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg. Doses above 6 mg daily do not confer increased effectiveness sufficient to outweigh dose-related adverse reactions. Adult Patients with Bipolar Mania The following findings are based on three placebo-controlled, 3-week bipolar mania trials with VRAYLAR doses ranging from 3 to 12 mg once daily.

Overall, 12% of the patients who received VRAYLAR discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 7% of placebo-treated patients in these trials. Table 9. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-treated Patients and > Placebo-treated Adult Patients in 3-Week Bipolar Mania Trials 1 5 4 Note: Figures rounded to the nearest integer *Data shown by modal daily dose, defined as most frequently administered dose per patient a Tachycardia terms: heart rate increased, sinus tachycardia, tachycardia b Abdominal pain terms: abdominal discomfort, abdominal pain, abdominal pain upper, abdominal tenderness c Diarrhea: diarrhea, frequent bowel movements d Fatigue terms: asthenia, fatigue e Pyrexia terms: body temperature increased, pyrexia f Hepatic enzymes increased terms: alanine aminotransferase increased, aspartate aminotransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased, transaminases increased g Extrapyramidal Symptoms terms: bradykinesia, drooling, dyskinesia, dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypokinesia, muscle rigidity, muscle tightness, musculoskeletal stiffness, oromandibular dystonia, parkinsonism, salivary hypersecretion, tremor h Headache terms: headache, tension headache i Somnolence terms: hypersomnia, sedation, somnolence j Insomnia terms: initial insomnia, insomnia, middle insomnia k Hypertension terms: blood pressure diastolic increased, blood pressure increased, hypertension ⸰ The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg.

Adult Patients with Bipolar Depression The following findings are based on three placebo-controlled, two 6-week and one 8-week bipolar depression trials with VRAYLAR doses of 1.5 mg and 3 mg once daily. Table 10. Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): Akathisia, nausea, and insomnia occurred in two 6-week, fixed-dose trials.

Akathisia, restlessness, fatigue, constipation, nausea, increased appetite, dizziness, insomnia, and extrapyramidal symptoms occurred in one 8-week flexible-dose trial. Table 11. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-Treated Patients and > Placebo-Treated Adult Patients in Two Fixed-Dose 6-Week Placebo-Controlled Trials of Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder 1 1 2 Note: Figures rounded to the nearest integer a Akathisia terms: akathisia, psychomotor hyperactivity, feeling jittery, nervousness, tension b Somnolence terms: hypersomnia, sedation, lethargy, somnolence c Extrapyramidal symptoms terms: drooling, dyskinesia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypotonia, muscle contractions involuntary, muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, muscle tightness, muscle twitching, musculoskeletal stiffness, myoclonus, oromandibular dystonia, parkinsonism, resting tremor, restless legs syndrome, stiff leg syndrome, salivary hypersecretion, stiff tongue, tardive dyskinesia, tremor, trismus d Insomnia terms: initial insomnia, insomnia, middle insomnia, poor sleep quality, sleep disorder, terminal insomnia Adverse Reactions with an incidence of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo at 1 mg to 2 mg per day or 2 mg to 4.5 mg per day doses are shown in Table 12.

Table 12. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-Treated Patients and > Placebo-Treated Adult Patients in a Flexible-dose 8-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder 1 3 a A kathisia terms: akathisia, feeling jittery, nervousness, tension b Extrapyramidal symptoms terms: cogwheel rigidity, drooling, dyskinesia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypertonia, jaw stiffness, muscle contractions involuntary, muscle disorder, muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, muscle tightness, muscle twitching, musculoskeletal stiffness, nuchal rigidity, parkinsonism, psychomotor retardation, reduced facial expression, resting tremor, restless legs syndrome, sensation of heaviness, salivary hypersecretion, tremor c Somnolence terms: hypersomnia, sedation, lethargy, somnolence d Insomnia terms: initial insomnia, insomnia, middle insomnia, terminal insomnia, sleep disorder, poor sleep quality D ystonia Symptoms of dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, 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.

Although these symptoms can occur at low doses, they occur more frequently and with greater severity with high potency and higher doses of first-generation antipsychotic drugs. An elevated risk of acute dystonia is observed in males and younger age groups. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) and Akathisia In schizophrenia, bipolar mania, bipolar depression and adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials, data were objectively collected using the Simpson Angus Scale (SAS) for treatment-emergent EPS (parkinsonism) (SAS total score ≤ 3 at baseline and > 3 post-baseline) and the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) for treatment-emergent akathisia (BARS total score ≤ 2 at baseline and > 2 post-baseline).

In 6-week schizophrenia trials, the incidence of reported adverse reactions related to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), excluding akathisia and restlessness was 17% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 8% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 0.3% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.2% of placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia was 11% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 4% for placebo-treated patients.

In 3-week bipolar mania trials, the incidence of reported adverse reactions related to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), excluding akathisia and restlessness, was 28% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 12% for placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia was 20% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 5% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 1.5% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0% of placebo-treated patients.

Cataracts The development of cataracts was observed in nonclinical studies. Cataracts were reported during the premarketing clinical trials of cariprazine; however, the duration of trials was too short to assess any association to cariprazine usage. Vital Signs Changes There were no clinically meaningful differences between VRAYLAR-treated patients and placebo-treated patients in mean change from baseline to endpoint in supine blood pressure parameters except for an increase in supine diastolic blood pressure in the 9 - 12 mg/day VRAYLAR-treated patients with schizophrenia.

Pooled data from 6-week schizophrenia trials are shown in Table 13, and from 3-week bipolar mania trials are shown in Table 14. Table 13. Mean Change in Blood Pressure at Endpoint in 6-Week Schizophrenia Trials (Adult Patients) Data shown by modal daily dose, defined as most frequently administered dose per patient ⸰ The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg.

Table 14. In the two 6-week and one 8-week bipolar depression trials, there were no clinically meaningful differences between VRAYLAR-treated patients and placebo-treated patients in mean change from baseline to endpoint in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure. VRAYLAR-treated patients’ supine blood pressure increased by 0.1 to 0.3 mmHg; placebo-treated patients’ supine blood pressure increased by 0.2 mmHg.

At the end of the 6-week trials, VRAYLAR-treated patients’ supine systolic blood pressure decreased by 0.1 to 0.7 mmHg; placebo-treated patients’ supine systolic blood pressure decreased by 0.1 mmHg. VRAYLAR-treated patients’ supine diastolic blood pressure increased by 0.1 mmHg and placebo-treated patients’ supine diastolic blood pressure increased by 0.2 mmHg. Changes in Laboratory Tests The proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of ≥3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in 6-week schizophrenia trials ranged between 1% and 2% for VRAYLAR-treated patients, increasing with dose, and was 1% for placebo-treated patients.

The proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of ≥3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in 3-week bipolar mania trials ranged between 2% and 4% for VRAYLAR-treated patients depending on dose group administered and 2% for placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of ≥3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in two 6-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials ranged between 0% and 1% for VRAYLAR-treated patients depending on dose group administered and 0% for placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with elevations of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) greater than 1000 U/L in 6-week schizophrenia trials ranged between 4% and 6% for VRAYLAR-treated patients, increasing with dose, and was 4% for placebo-treated patients.

The proportions of patients with elevations of CPK greater than 1000 U/L in 3-week bipolar mania trials was about 4% in VRAYLAR and placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with elevations of CPK greater than 1000 U/L in two 6-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials ranged between 0.6% and 0.8% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0% for placebo-treated patients. Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Pre - marketing Evaluation of VRAYLAR Adverse reactions listed below were reported by patients treated with VRAYLAR at doses of ≥ 1.5 mg once daily within the premarketing database of 5,763 VRAYLAR-treated patients.

The reactions listed are those that could be of clinical importance, as well as reactions that are plausibly drug-related on pharmacologic or other grounds. Reactions that appear elsewhere in the VRAYLAR label are not included. Reactions are further categorized by organ class and listed in order of decreasing frequency, according to the following definition: those occurring in at least 1/100 patients (frequent); those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients (infrequent); and those occurring in fewer than 1/1,000 patients (rare).

Gastrointestinal D isorders: Infrequent: gastroesop hageal reflux disease, gastritis Hepatobiliary D isorders: Rare: hepatitis Metabolism and N utrition D isorders: Frequent: decreased appetite; Rare: hyponatremia Musculoskeletal and C onnective T issue D isorders: Rare: rhabdomyolysis Nervous S ystem D isorders: Rare: ischemic stroke Psychiatric D isorders: Infrequent: suicide ideation; Rare: completed suicide, suicide attempts Renal and U rinary D isorders: Infrequent: pollakiuria Skin and S ubcutaneous T issue D isorders: Infrequent: hyperhidrosis Pediatric Patients with Schizophrenia (13 to 17 years of age) or Bipolar Mania/Mixed Episodes (10 to 17 years of age) In a long-term open-label study, safety was assessed in 164 pediatric patients with schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, of whom 72 received VRAYLAR for at least 6 months. Adverse reactions reported in clinical studies for this age group were generally similar to those observed in adult patients.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reaction has been identified during post approval use of VRAYLAR. 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. Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders – Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Table 8. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-treated Patients and > Placebo-treated Adult Patients in 6-Week Schizophrenia Trials
VRAYLAR
System Organ Class / Preferred TermPlacebo (N= 584) (%)1.5 to 3 mg/day (N=539) (%)4.5 to 6 mg/day (N=575) (%)9 to 12 mg/day ⸰ (N=203) (%)
Cardiac Disorder s
Tachycardia a1223
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Abdominal pain b5347
Constipation56710
Diarrhea c3145
Dry Mouth2123
Dyspepsia4455
Nausea5578
Toothache4336
Vomiting3455
General Disorders/Administration Site Conditions
Fatigue d1132
Infections and Infestations
Nasopharyngitis1112
Urinary tract infection11<12
Investigations
Blood creatine phosphokinase increased1123
Hepatic enzyme increased e<1112
Weight increased1323
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders
Decreased appetite2132
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
Arthralgia1212
Back pain2331
Pain in extremity3224
Nervous System Disorders
Akathisia491314
Extrapyramidal symptoms f8151920
Headache g1391118
Somnolence h55810
Dizziness2355
Psychiatric Disorders
Agitation4353
Insomnia i11121311
Restlessness3465
Anxiety4653
Respiratory, Thoracic and Mediastinal D isorders
Cough2124
Skin and S ubcutaneous D isorders
Rash1<112
Vascular Disorders
Hypertension j1236
Table 9. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-treated Patients and > Placebo-treated Adult Patients in 3-Week Bipolar Mania Trials
VRAYLAR
System Organ Class / Preferred TermPlacebo (N= 442) (%)3 to 6 mg/day (N=263) (%)9 to 12 mg/day ⸰ (N=360) (%)
Cardiac Disorders
Tachycardia a121
Eye Disorders
Vision blurred144
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Nausea71311
Constipation5611
Vomiting4108
Dry mouth232
Dyspepsia479
Abdominal pain b568
Diarrhea c556
Toothache243
General Disorders/Administration Site Conditions
Fatigue d245
Pyrexia e214
Investigations
Blood creatine phosphokinase increased223
Hepatic enzymes increased f<113
Weight increased223
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders
Decreased appetite334
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders
Pain in extremity242
Back pain113
Nervous System Disorders
Akathisia52021
Extrapyramidal Symptoms g122629
Headache h131413
Dizziness476
Somnolence i478
Psychiatric Disorders
Insomnia j798
Restlessness277
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Oropharyngeal pain213
Vascular Disorders
Hypertension k154
Table 10. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-treated Patients and > Placebo-treated Adult Patients in Two 6-Week and One 8-Week Bipolar Depression Trials
VRAYLAR
Placebo (N=468) (%)1.5 mg/day (N=470) (%)3 mg/day (N=469) (%)
Restlessness327
Akathisia2610
Extrapyramidal symptoms a246
Dizziness243
Somnolence b476
Nausea377
Increased appetite133
Weight increase<122
Fatigue c243
Insomnia d7710
Table 11. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-Treated Patients and > Placebo-Treated Adult Patients in Two Fixed-Dose 6-Week Placebo-Controlled Trials of Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
System Organ Class/ Preferred TermPlacebo + ADT (N=503) (%)VRAYLAR
1.5 mg/day + ADT (N=502) (%)3 mg/day + ADT (N=503) (%)
Eye Disorders
Vision Blurred<1<12
Gastrointestinal Disorders
Nausea376
Dry Mouth233
Constipation122
Vomiting112
General Disorders
Fatigue233
Investigations
Weight increased122
Nervous System Disorders
Akathisia a2710
Somnolence b457
Extrapyramidal Symptoms c456
Psychiatric Disorders
Insomnia d5910
Restlessness244
Anxiety121
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders
Hyperhidrosis112
Table 12. Adverse Reactions Occurring in ≥ 2% of VRAYLAR-Treated Patients and > Placebo-Treated Adult Patients in a Flexible-dose 8-Week Placebo-Controlled Trial of Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder
System Organ Class/ Preferred TermPlacebo + ADT (N=266) (%)VRAYLAR 1 to 2 mg/day + ADT (N=273) (%)VRAYLAR 2 to 4.5 mg/day + ADT (N=273) (%)
Cardiac disorders
Palpitations12<1
Eye disorders
Vision blurred114
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea5713
Constipation225
Dry mouth354
Vomiting<113
General disorders
Fatigue4710
Edema<121
Infections
Nasopharyngitis241
Investigations
Increased appetite225
Weight increased123
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue disorders
Back pain123
Myalgia012
Nervous System disorders
Akathisia a3823
Extrapyramidal symptoms b51218
Somnolence c61011
Dizziness245
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia d81416
Restlessness388
Agitation<1<13
Anxiety<113
Table 13. Mean Change in Blood Pressure at Endpoint in 6-Week Schizophrenia Trials (Adult Patients)
Placebo (N=574)VRAYLAR*
1.5 - 3 mg/day (N=512)4.5 - 6 mg/day (N=570)9 - 12 mg/day ⸰ (N=203)
Supine Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)+0.9+0.6+1.3+2.1
Supine Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)+0.4+0.2+1.6+3.4
Table 14. Mean Change in Blood Pressure at Endpoint in 3-Week Bipolar Mania Trials (Adult Patients)
Placebo (N=439)VRAYLAR*
3 - 6 mg/day (N=259)9 – 12 mg/day ⸰ (N=360)
Supine Systolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)-0.5+0.8+1.8
Supine Diastolic Blood Pressure (mmHg)+0.9+1.5+1.9

Warnings & Cautions for Vraylar

Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis Antipsychotic drugs increase the all-cause risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Analyses of 17 dementia-related psychosis placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks and largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs) revealed a risk of death in the drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times that 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 placebo-treated patients.

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. VRAYLAR is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

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 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients age 24 years and younger was greater 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 3. Table 3: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior 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 trials 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 any indication 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 VRAYLAR, 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 patients with dementia, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had a higher incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack, including fatal stroke.

Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, delirium, and autonomic instability. Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. If NMS is suspected, immediately discontinue VRAYLAR 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, including VRAYLAR.

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 drug products 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, VRAYLAR 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 producing a satisfactory clinical response should be sought. Periodically reassess the need for continued treatment.

If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient on VRAYLAR, drug discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with VRAYLAR despite the presence of the syndrome. 5. 6 Late - Occurring Adverse Reactions Adverse reactions may first appear several weeks after the initiation of VRAYLAR treatment, probably because plasma levels of cariprazine and its major metabolites accumulate over time. As a result, the incidence of adverse reactions in short-term trials may not reflect the rates after longer term exposures.

Monitor for adverse reactions, including extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) or akathisia, and patient response for several weeks after a patient has begun VRAYLAR and after each dosage increase. Consider reducing the dose or discontinuing the drug. 5. 7 Metabolic Changes Atypical antipsychotic drugs, including VRAYLAR, have caused metabolic changes, including hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. There have been reports of hyperglycemia in patients treated with VRAYLAR.

Although all 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. Assess fasting plasma glucose before or soon after initiation of antipsychotic medication and monitor periodically during long-term treatment.

Adult Patients with Schizophrenia In the 6-week, placebo-controlled trials of adult patients with schizophrenia, the proportion 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 VRAYLAR and placebo. In the long-term, open-label schizophrenia studies, 4% of patients with normal hemoglobin A1c baseline values developed elevated levels (≥ 6.5%). Pediatric Patients with Schizophrenia (13 to 17 years of age) In a long term, open-label study in pediatric patients, no patients with schizophrenia with normal (<100 mg/dL) baseline fasting serum glucose experienced a shift to high (≥126 mg/dL) while taking VRAYLAR.

Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Adult Patients In two 6-week placebo-controlled trials of adult patients with major depressive disorder, the proportion of patients with shifts in fasting glucose from normal (<100 mg/dL) to high (≥126 mg/dL) was greatest in the VRAYLAR 3 mg per day + antidepressant therapy arm (3.2%) compared with those taking VRAYLAR 1.5 mg per day + antidepressant therapy (2%) or those placebo-treated (1.3%). In a long-term, open-label adjunctive treatment of MDD study, 7% patients with normal hemoglobin A1c baseline values developed elevated levels (> 6%). In one 8-week placebo-controlled trial of adult patients with major depressive disorder, the changes from baseline to end of the trial in fasting glucose were similar among the VRAYLAR and placebo + antidepressant therapy treatment groups.

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. Adult Patients with Schizophrenia In the 6-week, placebo-controlled trials of adult patients with schizophrenia, the proportion of patients with shifts in fasting total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides were similar in patients treated with VRAYLAR and placebo.

Adult Patients with Bipolar Disorder In six placebo-controlled trials up to 8-weeks of adult patients with bipolar disorder (mania or depression), the proportion of patients with shifts in fasting total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides were similar in patients treated with VRAYLAR and placebo. Weight Gain Weight gain has been observed with use of atypical antipsychotics, including VRAYLAR. Monitor weight at baseline and frequently thereafter.

Tables show the change in body weight occurring from baseline to endpoint in 6-week trials of schizophrenia, 3-week bipolar mania trials, 6-week and 8-week bipolar depression trials, and 6-week and 8-week trials of adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder, respectively. Adult Patients with Schizophrenia Table 4. Change in Body Weight (kg) in 6-Week Schizophrenia Trials (Adult Patients) *Data shown by modal daily dose, defined as most frequently administered dose per patient ⸰The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg.

Doses above 6 mg daily do not confer increased effectiveness sufficient to outweigh dose-related adverse reactions. Pediatric Patients with Schizophrenia (13 to 17 years of age) In a long term, open-label study in pediatric patients, no subjects with schizophrenia discontinued due to weight increase. The mean change in weight from baseline to last available visit was 2.4 kg.

To adjust for normal growth, z-scores were derived (measured in standard deviations ), which normalize for natural growth of children and adolescents by comparisons to age- and gender-matched population standards. A z-score change <0.5 SD is considered not clinically significant. In this study, the mean change in z-score from baseline to last available visit was 0.1 SD for body weight, and no subjects had a change in z-score ≥ 0.5 SD.

Adult Patients with Bipolar Disorder Table 5. The mean change in weight from baseline to last available visit was 3.1 kg. In this study, the mean change in z-score from baseline to last available visit was 0.2 SD for body weight, and 14.6% of subjects had an increase in age- and sex-adjusted body weight z-score of at least 0.5 SD from baseline.

Table 6. Change in Body Weight (kg) in two 6-Week and one 8-Week Bipolar Depression Trials (Adult Patients) Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder in Adult Patients Table 7. Change in Body Weight (kg) in two 6-Week and one 8-Week Adjunctive Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder Trials (Adult Patients) In the long-term, open-label adjunctive treatment of MDD trial, 2 patients (0.6%) discontinued due to weight increase.

VRAYLAR was associated with mean change from baseline in weight of 1.7 kg at Week 26. Agranulocytosis (including fatal cases) has been reported with other agents in the 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 VRAYLAR 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 VRAYLAR in patients with absolute neutrophil count < 1000/mm 3 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. Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension was infrequent in trials of VRAYLAR and was not more frequent on VRAYLAR than placebo.

Syncope was not observed. Orthostatic vital signs should be monitored in patients who are vulnerable to hypotension (e.g., elderly patients, patients with dehydration, hypovolemia, and concomitant treatment with antihypertensive medications), patients with known cardiovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction, ischemic heart disease, heart failure, or conduction abnormalities), and patients with cerebrovascular disease. VRAYLAR has not been evaluated in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiovascular disease.

Such patients were excluded from pre-marketing clinical trials. 5. 10 Falls Antipsychotics, including VRAYLAR, 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, VRAYLAR 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 Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment VRAYLAR, like other antipsychotics, may cause somnolence and has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. In 6-week schizophrenia trials, somnolence (hypersomnia, sedation, and somnolence) was reported in 7% of VRAYLAR-treated patients compared to 6% of placebo-treated patients. In 3-week bipolar mania trials, somnolence was reported in 8% of VRAYLAR-treated patients compared to 4% of placebo-treated patients.

In two 6-week and one 8-week trials of depressive episodes of bipolar I disorder, VRAYLAR-treated patients reported 7% somnolence and 4% in the placebo-treated patients. In 6-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials, somnolence was reported in 6% of VRAYLAR-treated patients compared to 4% of placebo-treated patients. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including motor vehicles, until they are reasonably certain that therapy with VRAYLAR does not affect them adversely. 5. 13 Body Temperature Dysr egulation 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 VRAYLAR with caution in patient who may experience these conditions. 5. 14 Dysphagia Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. Dysphagia has been reported with VRAYLAR. VRAYLAR and other antipsychotic drugs should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration.

Table 3: Risk Differences of the Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients
Age RangeDrug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients of Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated
Increases Compared to Placebo
<18 years old14 additional patients
18-24 years old5 additional patients
Decreases Compared to Placebo
25-64 years old1 fewer patient
≥65 years old6 fewer patients
Table 4. Change in Body Weight (kg) in 6-Week Schizophrenia Trials (Adult Patients)
VRAYLAR
Placebo (N=573)1.5 - 3 mg/day (N=512)4.5 - 6 mg/day (N=570)9 - 12 ⸰ mg/day (N=203)
Mean Change at Endpoint+0.3+0.8+1+1
Proportion of Patients with Weight Increase (≥7%)5%8%8%17%
Table 5. Change in Body Weight (kg) in 3-Week Bipolar Mania Trials (Adult Patients)
VRAYLAR
Placebo (N=439)3 - 6 mg/day (N=259)9 - 12 ⸰ mg/day (N=360)
Mean Change at Endpoint+0.2+0.5+0.6
Proportion of Patients with Weight Increase (≥7%)2%1%3%
Table 6. Change in Body Weight (kg) in two 6-Week and one 8-Week Bipolar Depression Trials (Adult Patients)
VRAYLAR
Placebo1.5 mg/day3 mg/day
(N=463)(N=467)(N=465)
Mean Change at Endpoint-0.1+0.7+0.4
Proportion of Patients with Weight Increase (≥7%)1%3%3%
Table 7. Change in Body Weight (kg) in two 6-Week and one 8-Week Adjunctive Treatment for Major Depressive Disorder Trials (Adult Patients)
VRAYLAR
6- W eek TrialsPlacebo +ADT1.5 mg/day +ADT3 mg/day +ADT
(N=503)(N=502)(N=503)
Mean Change at Endpoint+0.2+0.7+0.7
Proportion of Patients with Weight Increase (≥7%)1%2%2%
8- W eek TrialPlacebo + ADT (N=266)1 to 2 mg/day + ADT (N=273)2 to 4.5 mg/day + ADT (N=273)
Mean Change at Endpoint0+0.9+0.9
Proportion of Patients with Weight Increase (≥7%)2%2%3%

Drug Interactions with Vraylar

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.

Intervention: If VRAYLAR is used with a strong or moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor, reduce VRAYLAR dosage. CYP3A4 Inducers Clinical Impact: CYP3A4 is responsible for the formation and elimination of the active metabolites of cariprazine. The effect of CYP3A4 inducers on the exposure of VRAYLAR has not been evaluated, and the net effect is unclear.

Intervention: Concomitant use of VRAYLAR with a CYP3A4 inducer is not recommended. Strong and Moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors: Reduce VRAYLAR dosage CYP3A4 inducers: Concomitant use is not recommended

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 ) ].
CYP3A4 Inducers
Clinical Impact:CYP3A4 is responsible for the formation and elimination of the active metabolites of cariprazine. The effect of CYP3A4 inducers on the exposure of VRAYLAR has not been evaluated, and the net effect is unclear [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 ) ].
Intervention:Concomitant use of VRAYLAR with a CYP3A4 inducer is not recommended [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1, 2.6 ) ].

Pregnancy Safety for Vraylar

Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to VRAYLAR 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 Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery (see Clinical Considerations).

There are no available data on VRAYLAR use in pregnant women to inform any drug-associated risks for birth defects or miscarriage. The major active metabolite of cariprazine, DDCAR, has been detected in adult patients up to 12 weeks after discontinuation of VRAYLAR. Based on animal data, VRAYLAR may cause fetal harm.

Administration of cariprazine to rats during the period of organogenesis caused malformations, lower pup survival, and developmental delays at drug exposures less than the human exposure at the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 6 mg/day. However, cariprazine was not teratogenic in rabbits at doses up to 4.6 times the MRHD of 6 mg/day. The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated populations is unknown.

In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. 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 Administration of cariprazine to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis at oral doses of 0.5, 2.5, and 7.5 mg/kg/day, which are 0.2 to 3.5 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 6 mg/day based on AUC of total cariprazine (i.e. sum of cariprazine, DCAR, and DDCAR), caused fetal developmental toxicity at all doses, which included reduced body weight, decreased male anogenital distance, and skeletal malformations of bent limb bones, scapula, and humerus. These effects occurred in the absence or presence of maternal toxicity. Maternal toxicity, observed as a reduction in body weight and food consumption, occurred at doses 1.2 and 3.5-times the MRHD of 6 mg/day based on AUC of total cariprazine.

At these doses, cariprazine caused fetal external malformations (localized fetal thoracic edema), visceral variations (undeveloped/underdeveloped renal papillae and/or distended urethrae), and skeletal developmental variations (bent ribs, unossified sternebrae). Cariprazine had no effect on fetal survival. Administration of cariprazine to pregnant rats during pregnancy and lactation at oral doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1 mg/kg/day, which are 0.03 to 0.4 times the MRHD of 6 mg/day based on AUC of total cariprazine, caused a decrease in postnatal survival, birth weight, and post-weaning body weight of first generation pups at the dose that is 0.4 times the MRHD of 6 mg/day based on AUC of total cariprazine in absence of maternal toxicity.

First generation pups also had pale, cold bodies and developmental delays (renal papillae not developed or underdeveloped and decreased auditory startle response in males). Reproductive performance of the first generation pups was unaffected; however, the second generation pups had clinical signs and lower body weight similar to those of the first generation pups. Maternal body weight and food consumption were decreased at 4.6 times the MRHD of 6 mg/day based on AUC of total cariprazine; however, no adverse effects were observed on pregnancy parameters or reproductive organs.

Pediatric Use of Vraylar

Pediatric Use Schizophrenia The safety and effectiveness of VRAYLAR for treatment of schizophrenia have been established in pediatric patients 13 years of age and older. Use of VRAYLAR in this population is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with schizophrenia, pharmacokinetic data from adults and pediatric patients, and safety data in pediatric patients 13 to 17 years of age. Manic and Mixed Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder The safety and effectiveness of VRAYLAR for treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder have been established in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older.

Bipolar Depression The safety and effectiveness of VRAYLAR for treatment of bipolar depression in pediatric patients have not been established. Adjunctive Therapy for Treatment of MDD The safety and effectiveness of VRAYLAR as adjunctive therapy for treatment of MDD in pediatric patients have not been established. Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients.

Irritability Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder​ The safety and effectiveness of VRAYLAR for the treatment of irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder in pediatric patients have not been established. In a single, 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled, flexible-dose clinical study conducted in pediatric patients 5 to 17 years of age with irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder diagnosed by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition criteria, a total of 161 patients were enrolled, of which 76 patients received cariprazine and 79 received placebo. In this study, patients 5 to 9 years of age who were randomized to active treatment received cariprazine oral solution, which is not an approved formulation.

Somnolence, including sedation, occurred in 18% of cariprazine-treated compared to 1% of placebo-treated pediatric patients and was observed at a higher rate than reported in other VRAYLAR studies evaluating adult patients. The mean increase in age-and-sex adjusted body weight z-score from baseline to last visit was 0.2 for cariprazine-treated versus less than 0.1 for placebo-treated pediatric patients. Increases in age- and sex-adjusted body weight z-score of at least 0.5 SD from baseline was higher in cariprazine-treated versus placebo-treated pediatric patients (19% versus 1%).

In a long term, open-label study in pediatric patients 5 to 17 years of age with irritability associated with autism spectrum disorder, the mean change in weight from baseline to last available visit was 5.3 kg; two patients discontinued due to increased weight. When body weight was adjusted for age and sex, the mean z-score change from baseline to last visit was 0.4 for cariprazine-treated patients, and 32% of patients had an increase in age- and sex-adjusted body weight z-score of at least 0.5 SD from baseline. At 10 mg/kg/day, there were decreases in growth (decreased body weight and bone mass in both sexes and altered bone geometry and size in males), microscopic findings in the lung suggestive of phospholipidosis, and increased motor activity, which persisted following dose cessation.

In addition, impaired learning and memory performance was observed during the dosing period, however, this effect did not persist following dose cessation. Microscopic findings in the mammary gland and/or reproductive tract (vagina, uterus and ovary) at ≥1 mg/kg/day and altered findings in the adrenal gland at doses ≥3 mg/kg/day were considered secondary to the increase in prolactin levels and were consistent with findings observed in adult rats. The no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) was 3 mg/kg/day which is associated with systemic exposures approximately equal to clinical exposures produced at the maximum recommended pediatric dose of 4.5 mg/day based on AUC of total cariprazine.

At doses ≥1 mg/kg/day, CNS clinical signs of decreased activity, lack of coordination, and reduced food intake were observed. At doses ≥3 mg/kg/day reversible effects on growth and non-reversible lens opacities/lens degeneration, that were not associated with retinal changes, were observed.

Contraindications for Vraylar

. 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

Overdosage Information for Vraylar

Human Experience

In pre-marketing clinical trials involving VRAYLAR in approximately 5000 patients or healthy subjects, accidental acute overdosage (48 mg/day) was reported in one patient. This patient experienced orthostasis and sedation. The patient fully recovered the same day.

Management of Overdosage

No specific antidotes for VRAYLAR are known. In managing overdose, provide supportive care, including close medical supervision and monitoring, and consider the possibility of multiple drug involvement. In case of an overdose, consult a Certified Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) for up-to-date guidance and advice.

Clinical Studies of Vraylar

Schizophrenia

The efficacy of VRAYLAR for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients was established in three, 6-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in patients (mean age of 37 years, aged 18 to 60 years; 31% were female; and 45% were Caucasian) who met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 4 th edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) criteria for schizophrenia. An active control arm (risperidone or aripiprazole) was included in two trials to assess assay sensitivity. In all three trials, VRAYLAR was superior to placebo.

Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) rating scales were used as the primary and secondary efficacy measures, respectively, for assessing psychiatric signs and symptoms in each trial: 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 PANSS total score may range from 30 to 210 with the higher score reflecting greater severity. The CGI-S is a validated clinician-related scale that measures the patient’s current illness state and overall clinical state on a 1 (normal, not at all ill) to 7-point (extremely ill) scale.

In each study, the primary endpoint was change from baseline in PANSS total score at the end of week 6. The change from baseline for VRAYLAR and active control groups was compared to placebo. The results of the trials are shown in Table 16.

The time course of efficacy results of Study 2 is shown in Figure 2. Study 1: In a 6-week, placebo-controlled trial (N = 711) involving three fixed doses of VRAYLAR (1.5, 3, or 4.5 mg/day) and an active control (risperidone), all VRAYLAR doses and the active control were superior to placebo on the PANSS total score and the CGI-S. Study 2: In a 6-week, placebo-controlled trial (N = 604) involving two fixed doses of VRAYLAR (3 or 6 mg/day) and an active control (aripiprazole), both VRAYLAR doses and the active control were superior to placebo on the PANSS total score and the CGI-S.

The efficacy of VRAYLAR was demonstrated at doses ranging from 1.5 to 9 mg/day compared to placebo. There was, however, a dose-related increase in certain adverse reactions, particularly above 6 mg. Therefore, the maximum recommended dose is 6 mg/day.

Examination of population subgroups based on age (there were few patients over 55), sex, and race did not suggest any clear evidence of differential responsiveness. Table 16. Primary Analysis Results from Schizophrenia Trials Figure 2.

Change from Baseline in PANSS total score by w eekly visits (Study 2) The safety and efficacy of VRAYLAR as maintenance treatment in adult patients with schizophrenia were demonstrated in a randomized withdrawal trial that included 200 patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia who were clinically stable following 20 weeks of open-label cariprazine at doses of 3 to 9 mg/day. Patients were randomized to receive either placebo or cariprazine at the same dose for up to 72 weeks for observation of relapse. The primary endpoint was time to relapse.

Relapse during the double-blind phase (DBP) was defined as meeting any one of the following criteria: hospitalization due to worsening of schizophrenia, increase in the PANSS total score by ≥ 30%, increase in CGI-S score by ≥ 2 points, deliberate self-injury, aggressive or violent behavior, clinically significant suicidal or homicidal ideation, or score >4 on one or more of the following PANSS items: delusions (P1), conceptual disorganization (P2), hallucination (P3), suspiciousness or persecution (P6), hostility (P7), uncooperativeness (G8), or poor impulse control (G14). The Kaplan-Meier curves of the time to relapse during the double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized withdrawal phase of the long-term trial are shown in Figure 3. Time to relapse was statistically significantly longer in the VRAYLAR-treated group compared to the placebo group.

Figure 3. Kaplan-Meier Curves of Cumulative Rate of Relapse During the Double-Blind Treatment Period DB = double-blind *The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg. Doses above 6 mg daily do not confer increased effectiveness sufficient to outweigh dose-related adverse reactions.

Manic or Mixed Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder

The efficacy of VRAYLAR in the acute treatment of bipolar mania in adult patients was established in three, 3-week placebo-controlled trials in patients (mean age of 39 years, range 18 to 65 years; 40% were female; and 48% were Caucasian) who met DSM-IV-TR criteria for bipolar 1 disorder with manic or mixed episodes with or without psychotic features. Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Clinical Global Impressions-Severity scale (CGI-S) were used as the primary and secondary efficacy measures, respectively, for assessing psychiatric signs and symptoms in each trial: The YMRS is an 11-item clinician-rated scale traditionally used to assess the degree of manic symptomatology. YMRS total score may range from 0 to 60 with a higher score reflecting greater severity.

In each study, the primary endpoint was decrease from baseline in YMRS total score at the end of week 3. The change from baseline for each VRAYLAR dose group was compared to placebo. The results of the trials are shown in Table 17.

The 6 to 12 mg/day dose group showed no additional advantage. The efficacy of VRAYLAR was established at doses ranging from 3 to 12 mg/day. Doses above 6 mg did not appear to have additional benefit over lower doses (Table 17), and there was a dose-related increase in certain adverse reactions.

Table 17. Primary Analysis Results from Manic or Mixed Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder Trials Figure 4. Change from Baseline in YMRS t otal s core by s tudy v isit (Study 4 ) The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg.

Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder (Bipolar Depression) The efficacy of VRAYLAR in the treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adult patients was established in one 8-week and two 6-week placebo-controlled trials in patients (mean age of 43 years, range 18 to 65 years; 61% were female; and 75% were Caucasian) who met DSM-IV-TR or DSM-5 criteria for depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. The MADRS is a 10-item clinician-rated scale with total scores ranging from 0 (no depressive features) to 60 (maximum score). The MADRS total score change from baseline for VRAYLAR compared to placebo is shown in Table 18.

In each study, the VRAYLAR 1.5 mg dose demonstrated statistical significance over placebo. The secondary endpoint was change from baseline to Week 6 in CGI-S. Figure 5.

LS Mean* Change from Baseline in MADRS Total Score by Visits (Study 8) *LS Mean: least-squares mean 14. 4 Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder The efficacy of VRAYLAR as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) was evaluated in 2 trials in adult patients (mean age of 45 years, range 18 to 65 years; 72% were female; and 85% were Caucasian) who met DSM-IV-TR or DSM-5 criteria for MDD, with or without symptoms of anxiety, who had an inadequate response to 1 to 3 courses of prior antidepressant (ADT) therapy. Inadequate response during antidepressant treatment was defined as less than 50% improvement to antidepressant treatment of adequate dose and adequate duration. In each study, the primary endpoint was change from baseline to Week 6 (Study 10) or Week 8 (Study 11) in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score, a 10-item clinician-rated scale used to assess the degree of depressive symptomatology, with 0 representing no symptoms and 60 representing worst symptoms.

The treatment effect in the VRAYLAR 3 mg per day + ADT group (vs. placebo + ADT) was not statistically significant. Results from the primary efficacy parameters for both trials (Studies 10 and 11) are shown below in Table 19. Figure 6 below shows the time course of response based on the primary efficacy measure (MADRS total score) in Study 10.

Table 19: Primary Analysis Results from Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Trials 28.9 -12.5 SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; LS Mean: least-squares mean; CI: unadjusted confidence interval Dosages statistically significantly superior to placebo a Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from baseline Examination of population subgroups based on age, sex, and race did not suggest any clear evidence of differential responsiveness. Figure 6. L S Mean Change f rom Baseline t o Week 6 i n MADRS Total Score in Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (Study 10) LS Mean: least-squares mean Dose was not statistically significant.

Table 16. Primary Analysis Results from Schizophrenia Trials
Study NumberTreatment Group (# ITT patients )Primary Efficacy Endpoint: PANSS Total
Mean Baseline Score (SD)LS Mean Change from Baseline (SE)Placebo-subtracted Difference a (95% CI)
Study 1VRAYLAR (1.5 mg/day) (n=140)97.1 (9.1)-19.4 (1.6)-7.6 (-11.8, -3.3)
VRAYLAR (3 mg/day) (n=140)97.2 (8.7)-20.7 (1.6)-8.8 (-13.1, -4.6)
VRAYLAR (4.5 mg/day) (n=145)96.7 (9.0)-22.3 (1.6)-10.4 (-14.6, -6.2)
Placebo (n=148)97.3 (9.2)-11.8 (1.5)--
Study 2VRAYLAR (3 mg/day) (n=151)96.1 (8.7)-20.2 (1.5)-6.0 (-10.1, -1.9)
VRAYLAR (6 mg/day) (n=154)95.7 (9.4)-23.0 (1.5)-8.8 (-12.9, -4.7)
Placebo (n=149)96.5 (9.1)-14.3 (1.5)--
Study 3VRAYLAR (3-6 mg/day) (n=147)96.3 (9.3)-22.8 (1.6)-6.8 (-11.3, -2.4)
VRAYLAR (6-9 mg/day) b (n=147)96.3 (9.0)-25.9 (1.7)-9.9 (-14.5, -5.3)
Placebo (n=145)96.6 (9.3)-16.0 (1.6)--
ITT: intent-to-treat; SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; LS Mean: least-squares mean; CI: unadjusted confidence interval a Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from baseline *Doses that are statistically significantly superior to placebo b The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg. Doses above 6 mg daily do not confer increased effectiveness sufficient to outweigh dose-related adverse reactions.
Table 17. Primary Analysis Results from Manic or Mixed Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder Trials
Study NumberTreatment Group (# ITT patients )Primary Efficacy Endpoint: YMRS Total
Mean Baseline Score (SD)LS Mean Change from Baseline (SE)Placebo-subtracted Difference a (95% CI)
Study 4VRAYLAR (3-6 mg/day) (n=165)33.2 (5.6)-18.6 (0.8)-6.1 (-8.4, -3.8)
VRAYLAR (6-12 mg/day) b (n=167)32.9 (4.7)-18.5 (0.8)-5.9 (-8.2, -3.6)
Placebo (n=160)32.6 (5.8)-12.5 (0.8)--
Study 5VRAYLAR (3-12 mg/day) b (n=118)30.6 (5.0)-15.0 (1.1)-6.1 (-8.9, -3.3)
Placebo (n=117)30.2 (5.2)-8.9 (1.1)--
Study 6VRAYLAR (3-12 mg/day) b (n=158)32.3 (5.8)-19.6 (0.9)-4.3 (-6.7, -1.9)
Placebo (n=152)32.1 (5.6)-15.3 (0.9)--
ITT: intent-to-treat; SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; LS Mean: least-squares mean; CI: unadjusted confidence interval a Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from baseline *Doses that are statistically significantly superior to placebo b The maximum recommended daily dose is 6 mg. Doses above 6 mg daily do not confer increased effectiveness sufficient to outweigh dose-related adverse reactions.
Table 1 8. Primary Analysis Results from Bipolar Depression Trials
Study NumberTreatment Group (# ITT patients)Primary Efficacy Endpoint: MADRS Total
Mean Baseline Score (SD)LS Mean Change from Baseline (SE)Placebo-subtracted Difference a (95% CI)
Study 7VRAYLAR (1.5 mg/day) (n=145) VRAYLAR (3 mg/day) (n=145) Placebo (n=141)30.3 (4.4) 30.6 (4.7) 30.4 (4.6)-15.1 (0.8) -13.7 (0.9) -11.1 (0.9)-4.0 (-6.3, -1.6) -2.5 (-4.9, -0.1)
Study 8VRAYLAR (1.5 mg/day) (n=154)30.7 (4.3)-15.1 (0.8)-2.5 (-4.6, -0.4)
VRAYLAR (3 mg/day) (n=164)31.0 (4.9)-15.6 (0.8)-3.0 (-5.1, -0.9)
Placebo (n=156)30.2 (4.4)-12.6 (0.8)
Study 9VRAYLAR (1.5 mg/day) (n=162)31.5 (4.3)-14.8 (0.8)-2.5 (-4.6, -0.4)
VRAYLAR (3 mg/day) (n=153)31.5 (4.8)-14.1 (0.8)-1.8 (-3.9, 0.4)
Placebo (n=163)31.4 (4.5)-12.4 (0.8)
ITT: intent-to-treat; SD: standard deviation; SE: standard error; LS Mean: least-squares mean; CI: confidence interval a Difference (drug minus placebo) in least-squares mean change from baseline *Doses that are statistically significantly superior to placebo
Table 19: Primary Analysis Results from Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder Trials
Study NumberTreatment Group (# ITT patients)Primary Efficacy Endpoint: MADRS Total Score
Mean Baseline Score (SD)LS Mean Change from Baseline (SE)Placebo-subtracted Difference a (95% CI)
Study 10VRAYLAR (1.5 mg/day) + ADT* (n=250) VRAYLAR (3 mg/day) + ADT (n=252) Placebo + ADT (n=249)32.8 (5.0) 32.7 (4.9) 31.9 (5.7)-14.1 (0.7) -13.1 (0.7) -11.5 (0.7)-2.5(-4.2, -0.9) -1.5 (-3.2, 0.1)
Study 11VRAYLAR (1 to 2 mg/day) + ADT (n=273)29.0 (4.3)-13.4 (0.5)-0.9 (-2.4, 0.6)
VRAYLAR (2 to 4.5 mg/day) + ADT* (n=271)29.3 (4.1)-14.6 (0.6)-2.2 (-3.7, -0.6)
Placebo + ADT (n=264)28.9 (4.3)-12.5 (0.5)

Drug information sourced from the FDA. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before making any medication decisions.

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