ARISTADA

ARISTADA is only to be administered as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional. For patients who have never taken aripiprazole, establish tolerability with oral aripiprazole prior to initiating treatment with ARISTADA. Due to the half-life of oral aripiprazole, it may take up to 2 weeks to fully assess tolerability. Refer to the prescribing information of oral aripiprazole for the recommended dosage and administration of the oral formulation.

There are two ways to initiate treatment with ARISTADA:

• Option #1: Administer one intramuscular injection of ARISTADA INITIO 675 mg (in either the deltoid or gluteal muscle) and one dose of oral aripiprazole 30 mg in conjunction with the first ARISTADA injection.
  • The first ARISTADA injection may be administered on the same day as ARISTADA INITIO or up to 10 days thereafter. See the ARISTADA INITIO prescribing information for additional information regarding administration of ARISTADA INITIO.
  • Avoid injecting both ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA concomitantly into the same deltoid or gluteal muscle.
• Option #2: Administer 21 consecutive days of oral aripiprazole in conjunction with the first ARISTADA injection.

Depending on individual patient's needs, treatment with ARISTADA can be initiated at a dose of 441 mg, 662 mg or 882 mg administered monthly, 882 mg administered every 6 weeks or 1064 mg administered every 2 months. The 441 mg, 662 mg, 882 mg and 1064 mg doses correspond to 300 mg, 450 mg, 600 mg and 724 mg of aripiprazole, respectively [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Use the following ARISTADA doses for patients who are stabilized on oral aripiprazole, as shown in Table 2.

In conjunction with the first ARISTADA injection, administer a single injection of ARISTADA INITIO and one dose of oral aripiprazole 30 mg, or continue treatment with oral aripiprazole for 21 consecutive days [see Recommended Dosage ( 2.1)].

Adjust the ARISTADA dose as needed. When making dose and dosing interval adjustments, consider the pharmacokinetics and prolonged-release characteristics of ARISTADA [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

When a dose of ARISTADA is missed, administer the next injection of ARISTADA as soon as possible. Depending on the time elapsed since the last ARISTADA injection, supplement the next ARISTADA injection as recommended in Table 3 below.

The recommended ARISTADA dosing interval is monthly for the 441 mg, 662 mg and 882 mg doses, every 6 weeks for the 882 mg dose, or every 2 months for the 1064 mg dose and should be maintained. In the event of early dosing, an ARISTADA injection should not be given earlier than 14 days after the previous injection.

Refer to the prescribing information for oral aripiprazole for recommendations regarding dosage adjustments due to drug interactions, for the first 21 days when the patient is taking 21 days of oral aripiprazole concomitantly with the first dose of ARISTADA. Avoid initiating ARISTADA treatment with ARISTADA INITIO in patients requiring dose adjustments.

Once stabilized on ARISTADA, refer to the dosing recommendations below for patients taking strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, or strong CYP3A4 inducers:

• No dosage changes recommended for ARISTADA, if CYP450 modulators are added for less than 2 weeks.
• Make dose changes to ARISTADA if CYP450 modulators are added for greater than 2 weeks (see Table 4).

The kit contains a syringe containing ARISTADA sterile aqueous extended-release injectable suspension and 2 or 3 safety needles depending on dose (a 2-inch 20 gauge needle with yellow needle hub, a 1 ½-inch 20 gauge needle with yellow needle hub, and a 1-inch 21 gauge needle with green needle hub (441 mg kit only)) for intramuscular injection. All materials should be stored at room temperature.

A | 5 mL syringe containing ARISTADA sterile aqueous extended-release injectable suspension

B | 20 gauge needle, 2-inch with yellow needle hub

C | 20 gauge needle, 1½-inch with yellow needle hub

D | 21 gauge needle, 1-inch with green needle hub

1. TAP and vigorously SHAKE the syringe.

1a. Tap the syringe at least 10 times to dislodge any material which may have settled.

1b. Shake the syringe vigorously for a minimum of 30 seconds to ensure a uniform suspension. If the syringe is not used within 15 minutes, shake again for 30 seconds.

2. SELECT the injection needle.

2a. Select injection site.

2b. Select needle length based on injection site. For patients with a larger amount of subcutaneous tissue overlaying the injection site muscle, use the longer of the needles provided.

[see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]

3. ATTACH the injection needle.

Attach the appropriate needle securely with a clockwise twisting motion. Do NOT overtighten. Overtightening could lead to needle hub cracking.

4. PRIME the syringe to remove air.

4a. Bring the syringe into upright position and tap the syringe to bring air to the top.

4b. Depress the plunger rod to remove air until a few drops are released. It is normal to see small air bubbles remaining in the syringe.

5. Inject in a RAPID and CONTINUOUS manner. Product requires a RAPID injection. Do not hesitate. Administer the entire content intramuscularly. Do not inject by any other route.

6. DISPOSE of the needle. Cover the needle by pressing the safety device. Dispose of used and unused items in a proper waste container.

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. Observational studies suggest that, similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. The extent to which the findings of increased mortality in observational studies may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to some characteristic(s) of the patients is not clear. ARISTADA is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )].

In placebo-controlled trials with risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine in elderly patients with dementia, there was a higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse reactions (cerebrovascular accidents and transient ischemic attacks) including fatalities compared to placebo-treated patients. ARISTADA is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )].

Medication errors, including substitution and dispensing errors, between ARISTADA and ARISTADA INITIO could occur. ARISTADA INITIO is for single administration in contrast to ARISTADA which is administered monthly, every 6 weeks, or every 8 weeks [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)]. Do not substitute ARISTADA INITIO for ARISTADA because of differing pharmacokinetic profiles [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) may occur in association with antipsychotic drugs, including ARISTADA. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia). Additional signs may include elevated creatine phosphokinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure.

The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases in which the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever, and primary central nervous system pathology.

The management of NMS should include: (1) immediate discontinuation of antipsychotic drugs and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy; (2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring; and (3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.

If a patient appears to require antipsychotic drug treatment after recovery from NMS, reintroduction of drug therapy should be closely monitored, since recurrences of NMS have been reported.

A syndrome of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements may develop in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs. Although the prevalence of the syndrome appears to be highest among the elderly, especially elderly women, it is impossible to predict which patients will develop the syndrome. Whether antipsychotic drug products differ in their potential to cause tardive dyskinesia is unknown.

The risk of developing tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will become irreversible appear to increase as the duration of treatment and the total cumulative dose of antipsychotic drugs administered to the patient increase, but the syndrome can develop after relatively brief treatment periods at low doses, although this is uncommon.

Tardive dyskinesia may remit, partially or completely, if antipsychotic treatment is withdrawn. Antipsychotic treatment itself may suppress (or partially suppress) the signs and symptoms of the syndrome and may thus mask the underlying process. The effect of symptomatic suppression on the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown.

Given these considerations, ARISTADA should be prescribed in a manner that is most likely to minimize the occurrence of tardive dyskinesia. Chronic antipsychotic treatment should generally be reserved for patients who suffer from a chronic illness that is known to respond to antipsychotic drugs. In patients who do require chronic treatment, the smallest dose and the shortest duration of treatment producing a satisfactory clinical response should be sought. The need for continued treatment should be reassessed periodically.

If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient treated with ARISTADA drug discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with ARISTADA despite the presence of the syndrome.

Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with metabolic changes that include hyperglycemia/diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and weight gain. While all drugs in the class have been shown to produce some metabolic changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile.

Post-marketing case reports suggest that patients can experience intense urges, particularly for gambling, and the inability to control these urges while taking aripiprazole. 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 aripiprazole. It should be noted that impulse-control symptoms can be associated with the underlying disorder. 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 for the patient and others if not recognized. Consider dose reduction or stopping the medication if a patient develops such urges.

Aripiprazole may cause orthostatic hypotension, perhaps due to its α₁-adrenergic receptor antagonism. Associated adverse reactions related to orthostatic hypotension can include dizziness, lightheadedness and tachycardia. Generally, these risks are greatest at the beginning of treatment and during dose escalation. Patients at increased risk of these adverse reactions or at increased risk of developing complications from hypotension include those with dehydration, hypovolemia, treatment with antihypertensive medication, history of cardiovascular disease (e.g., heart failure, myocardial infarction, ischemia, or conduction abnormalities), history of cerebrovascular disease, as well as patients who are antipsychotic-naïve. In such patients, consider using a lower starting dose, and monitor orthostatic vital signs.

Orthostatic hypotension was reported for one patient in the ARISTADA 882 mg group (0.5%) and no patients in the ARISTADA 441 mg and placebo groups in the 12-week schizophrenia efficacy study [see Clinical Studies (14)]. In the long-term open-label schizophrenia study, orthostatic hypotension was reported for 1 (0.2%) patient treated with ARISTADA. Orthostatic hypotension was defined as a decrease in systolic blood pressure ≥20 mmHg accompanied by an increase in heart rate ≥25 bpm when comparing standing to supine values.

Antipsychotics including ARISTADA may cause somnolence, postural hypotension, or 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 those patients on long-term antipsychotic therapy.

In clinical trials and/or postmarketing experience, events of leukopenia and neutropenia have been reported temporally related to antipsychotic agents. Agranulocytosis has also been reported.

Possible risk factors for leukopenia/neutropenia include pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC)/absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia. In patients with a history of a clinically significant low WBC/ANC or drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia, perform a complete blood count (CBC) frequently during the first few months of therapy. In such patients, consider discontinuation of ARISTADA at the first sign of a clinical 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 ARISTADA in patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <1000/mm³) and follow their WBC until recovery.

As with other antipsychotic drugs, use ARISTADA cautiously 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 a population of 65 years or older.

ARISTADA, like other antipsychotics, has the potential to impair judgment, thinking or motor skills. Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that therapy with ARISTADA does not affect them adversely.

Disruption of the body's ability to reduce core body temperature has been attributed to antipsychotic agents. Appropriate care is advised when prescribing ARISTADA for patients who will be experiencing conditions which may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature, (e.g., exercising strenuously, exposure to extreme heat, receiving concomitant medication with anticholinergic activity, or being subject to dehydration).

Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. ARISTADA and other antipsychotic drugs should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia.

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 following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of oral aripiprazole. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: occurrences of allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, laryngospasm, pruritus/urticaria, or oropharyngeal spasm), pathological gambling, hiccups, blood glucose fluctuation, oculogyric crisis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), and fecal incontinence.

Based on pharmacokinetic studies with oral aripiprazole, no dosage adjustment of ARISTADA is required when administered concomitantly with famotidine, valproate, or lithium [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

In addition, no dosage adjustment is necessary for substrates of CYP2D6 (e.g., dextromethorphan, fluoxetine, paroxetine, or venlafaxine), CYP2C9 (e.g., warfarin), CYP2C19 (e.g., omeprazole, warfarin, escitalopram), or CYP3A4 (e.g., dextromethorphan) when co-administered with ARISTADA. Additionally, no dosage adjustment is necessary for valproate, lithium, lamotrigine, or sertraline when co-administered with ARISTADA [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

Safety and effectiveness of ARISTADA in patients <18 years of age have not been evaluated.

Safety and effectiveness of ARISTADA in patients >65 years of age have not been evaluated.

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. ARISTADA is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)].

Dosage adjustment is recommended in known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers due to high aripiprazole concentrations. Approximately 8% of Caucasians and 3-8% of Black/African Americans cannot metabolize CYP2D6 substrates and are classified as poor metabolizers (PM) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.4 ), Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

No dosage adjustment for ARISTADA is required based on a patient's hepatic function (mild to severe hepatic impairment, Child-Pugh score between 5 and 15), or renal function (mild to severe renal impairment, glomerular filtration rate between 15 and 90 mL/minute) [see Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.3 )].

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

Common adverse reactions (reported in at least 5% of all overdose cases) reported with oral aripiprazole overdosage (alone or in combination with other substances) include vomiting, somnolence, and tremor. Other clinically important signs and symptoms observed in one or more patients with aripiprazole overdoses (alone or with other substances) include acidosis, aggression, aspartate aminotransferase increased, atrial fibrillation, bradycardia, coma, confusional state, convulsion, blood creatine phosphokinase increased, depressed level of consciousness, hypertension, hypokalemia, hypotension, lethargy, loss of consciousness, QRS complex prolonged, QT prolonged, pneumonia aspiration, respiratory arrest, status epilepticus, and tachycardia.

In case of overdosage, call the Poison control center immediately at 1-800-222-1222.

Aripiprazole lauroxil is a prodrug of aripiprazole. Following intramuscular injection, aripiprazole lauroxil is likely converted by enzyme-mediated hydrolysis to N-hydroxymethyl aripiprazole, which is then hydrolyzed to aripiprazole. The mechanism of action of aripiprazole in schizophrenia is unknown. However, efficacy could be mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at dopamine D₂ and serotonin 5-HT_1A receptors and antagonist activity at 5-HT_2A receptors.

Aripiprazole exhibits high affinity for dopamine D₂ and D₃ (K_is 0.34 and 0.8 nM respectively), serotonin 5-HT_1A and 5-HT_2A receptors (K_is 1.7 and 3.4 nM respectively), moderate affinity for dopamine D₄, serotonin 5-HT_2C and 5-HT₇, alpha₁-adrenergic and histamine H₁ receptors (K_is  44 nM, 15 nM, 39 nM, 57 nM, and 61 nM, respectively), and moderate affinity for the serotonin reuptake site (K_i 98 nM). Aripiprazole has no appreciable affinity for cholinergic muscarinic receptors (IC₅₀ > 1000 nM). Actions at receptors other than D₂, 5-HT_1A, and 5-HT_2A could explain some of the adverse reactions of aripiprazole (e.g., the orthostatic hypotension observed with aripiprazole may be explained by its antagonist activity at adrenergic alpha₁ receptors).

ARISTADA is a prodrug of aripiprazole and its activity is primarily due to aripiprazole, and to a lesser extent dehydro-aripiprazole (major metabolite of aripiprazole), which has been shown to have affinities for D₂ receptors similar to aripiprazole and represents 30-40% of the aripiprazole exposure in plasma.

Intramuscular administration of aripiprazole lauroxil to rats and dogs was associated with injection site tissue reactions at all doses in rats treated up to 6 months at doses of 15, 29, and 103 mg/animal (which are approximately 0.3 to 2 times and 0.5 to 3 times the MRHD of 1064 mg on mg/m² basis in males and females, respectively) and in dogs treated up to 9 months at doses of 147, 662, and 2058 mg/animal (which are approximately 0.5 to 6 times and 0.6 to 8 times the MRHD in males and females, respectively on mg/m² basis). These injection site tissue reactions consisted of localized granulomatous inflammation and granuloma formation. Transiently impaired limb function and swelling occurred in dogs. The granulomas did not completely resolve 2 months following the last injection in the 6 month rat study and 4 months following the last injection in the 9 month dog study (the low dose groups were not examined for reversibility in these studies).

Orally administered aripiprazole produced retinal degeneration in albino rats in a 26-week chronic toxicity study at a dose of 60 mg/kg, which is 19 times the oral MRHD of 30 mg/day on mg/m² basis, and in a 2-year carcinogenicity study at doses of 40 mg/kg and 60 mg/kg, which are 13 and 19 times the oral MRHD on mg/m² basis and 7 to 14 times human exposure at the oral MRHD based on AUC. Evaluation of the retinas of albino mice and of monkeys did not reveal evidence of retinal degeneration. Additional studies to further evaluate the mechanism have not been performed. The relevance of this finding to human risk is unknown.

Efficacy of ARISTADA (441 mg monthly and 882 mg monthly)

The efficacy of ARISTADA in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia was established, in part, on the basis of efficacy data from trials with the oral formulation of aripiprazole. In addition, the efficacy of ARISTADA was established in a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study in adult patients with schizophrenia meeting DSM-IV TR criteria [Study 1, n = 622; 207 (ARISTADA 441 mg monthly), 208 (ARISTADA 882 mg monthly), and 207 (placebo)]. After establishing tolerability to oral aripiprazole, patients received oral aripiprazole or placebo daily for the first 3 weeks. The intramuscular (IM) injections were administered on Days 1, 29 and 57.

Efficacy was assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale (CGI-I):

• 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). Total PANSS scores range from 30 to 210.
• The CGI-I rates improvement in mental illness on a scale of 1 (very much improved) to 7 (very much worse) based on the change from baseline in clinical condition.

Eligible patients were 18 to 70 years of age with PANSS total score of 70 to 120 and a score of ≥4 for at least 2 of the selected Positive Scale items. Patients were also required to have a CGI-S score of ≥4.

The primary efficacy variable was the change from baseline to endpoint (Day 85) in PANSS total score. Statistically significant separation from placebo on PANSS total score change was observed in each ARISTADA dose group (Table 11).

The visit-wise mean change from baseline on PANSS total score change for each treatment group is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6: Change from Baseline in PANSS Total Score

Figure 6

Abbreviations: AL= ARISTADA; PBO=placebo; PANSS=Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Vertical dotted line indicates end of oral supplementation.

Subgroup analyses did not suggest any clear evidence of differential responsiveness in treatment outcome as a function of age, gender, race, or weight.

The secondary efficacy endpoint was defined as the CGI-I score at Day 85. Both ARISTADA treatment groups demonstrated statistically significantly better CGI-I scores versus placebo.

Efficacy of ARISTADA 662 mg Monthly, 882 mg Every 6 Weeks and 1064 mg Every 2 Months

The efficacy of ARISTADA 662 mg monthly, 882 mg every 6 weeks, and 1064 mg every 2 months in the treatment of adults with schizophrenia was established by pharmacokinetic bridging which demonstrated that these dosing regimens resulted in plasma aripiprazole concentrations that are within the range provided by doses of 441 mg monthly and 882 mg monthly. As depicted in Figure 6, the doses of 441 mg monthly and 882 mg monthly showed clinical responses similar to each other in the ARISTADA placebo-controlled trial.

ARISTADA extended-release injectable suspension is available in strengths of 441 mg in 1.6 mL, 662 mg in 2.4 mL, 882 mg in 3.2 mL and 1064 mg in 3.9 mL. The kit contains a 5-mL pre-filled syringe containing ARISTADA as a sterile white to off-white aqueous extended-release injectable suspension with safety needles.

• The 441 mg strength kit (NDC 65757-401-03; light blue label) contains three safety needles; a 1-inch (25 mm) 21 gauge, a 1½-inch (38 mm) 20 gauge, and a 2-inch (50 mm) 20 gauge needle.
• The 662 mg strength kit (NDC 65757-402-03; green label) contains two safety needles; a 1½-inch (38 mm) 20 gauge and a 2-inch (50 mm) 20 gauge needle.
• The 882 mg strength kit (NDC 65757-403-03; burgundy label) contains two safety needles; a 1½-inch (38 mm) 20 gauge and a 2-inch (50 mm) 20 gauge needle.
• The 1064 mg strength kit (NDC 65757-404-03; dark blue label) contains two safety needles; a 1½-inch (38 mm) 20 gauge and a 2-inch (50 mm) 20 gauge needle.

Store at room temperature 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) with excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (between 59°F and 86°F).

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. 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 )].

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction referred to as 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

Advise patients that abnormal involuntary movements have been associated with administration of antipsychotic drugs. Counsel patients to notify their healthcare provider if they notice any movements which they cannot control in their face, tongue, or other body part [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )].

Metabolic Changes (Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, and Weight Gain)

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 )].

Orthostatic Hypotension

Educate patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension (symptoms include feeling dizzy or lightheaded upon standing), particularly at the time of initiating treatment, re-initiating treatment, or increasing the dose [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )].

Falls

Advise patients and their caregivers of the possibility that they may experience somnolence, postural hypotension, or motor and sensory instability, which may lead to the risk of falls, particularly in patients with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9 )].

Leukopenia/ Neutropenia

Advise patients with a pre-existing low WBC count or a history of drug-induced leucopenia/neutropenia that they should have their CBC monitored while receiving ARISTADA [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.10 )].

Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance

Because ARISTADA may have the potential to impair judgment, thinking or motor skills, instruct patients to be cautious about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that ARISTADA therapy does not affect them adversely [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.12 )].

Heat Exposure and Dehydration

Advise patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.13 )].

Concomitant Medication

Advise patients to inform their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, since there is a potential for interactions [see Drug Interactions (7)].

Pregnancy

Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during treatment with ARISTADA. Advise patients that ARISTADA may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms (agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder) in a neonate. Advise patients that there is a pregnancy registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to ARISTADA during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

ARISTADA use during pregnancy may affect milk supply. Advise the lactating patient to discuss any plans for breastfeeding with their healthcare provider, and to monitor the breastfed infant for dehydration and lack of appropriate weight gain [see Use in Specific Populations (8.2)].

For additional information, visit www.ARISTADA.com or call 1-866-274-7823

Manufactured and marketed by:

Alkermes, Inc.

Waltham, MA 02451

Alkermes

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ALKERMES^® is a registered trademark of Alkermes, Inc., ARISTADA^® is a registered trademark used by Alkermes, Inc. under license and ARISTADA INITIO^® is a registered trademark used by Alkermes, Inc. under license.

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