ARISTADA INITIO

ARISTADA INITIO is only to be used as a single dose to initiate ARISTADA treatment or as a single dose to re-initiate ARISTADA treatment following a missed dose of ARISTADA. ARISTADA INITIO is not for repeated dosing.

ARISTADA INITIO is not interchangeable with ARISTADA due to differing pharmacokinetic profiles [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

ARISTADA INITIO is 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 INITIO. 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.

After establishing tolerability with oral aripiprazole, administer the first ARISTADA intramuscular injection (441 mg, 662 mg, 882 mg, or 1064 mg) in conjunction with both:

• One 675 mg injection of ARISTADA INITIO in the deltoid or gluteal muscle (which corresponds to 459 mg of aripiprazole) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)]; and
• One 30 mg dose of oral aripiprazole.

The first ARISTADA injection may be administered on the same day as ARISTADA INITIO or up to 10 days thereafter. See the ARISTADA prescribing information for additional information regarding dosage and administration of ARISTADA.

Avoid injecting both ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA concomitantly into the same deltoid or gluteal muscle.

ARISTADA INITIO may be used to re-initiate treatment with ARISTADA following a missed dose of ARISTADA. 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 1 below.

ARISTADA INITIO is only available at a single strength as a single-dose pre-filled syringe, so dosage adjustments are not possible. Therefore, avoid use in patients who are known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers or taking strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, strong CYP2D6 inhibitors, or strong CYP3A4 inducers.

The kit contains a syringe containing ARISTADA INITIO sterile aqueous extended-release injectable suspension and 3 safety needles (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) for intramuscular injection. Store all materials at room temperature.

Figure

Figure

A | 5 mL syringe containing 675 mg/2.4 mL ARISTADA INITIO 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.

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.

Figure

4. PRIME the syringe to remove air.

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

Figure

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.

Figure

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.

Figure

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

Figure

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 INITIO 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 INITIO 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 INITIO and ARISTADA could occur. ARISTADA INITIO is intended for single administration only. Do not substitute ARISTADA INITIO for ARISTADA because of differing pharmacokinetic profiles [see Dosage and Administration (2.1)].

A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) may occur in association with antipsychotic drugs, including ARISTADA INITIO. 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, antipsychotics 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 antipsychotics, consider discontinuation of the antipsychotic drug. However, some patients may require antipsychotic treatment 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. If compulsive urges develop, consider discontinuing aripiprazole.

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, monitor orthostatic vital signs.

Antipsychotics including ARISTADA INITIO 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 antipsychotics 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 antipsychotics in patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <1000/mm³) and follow their WBC until recovery.

As with other antipsychotic drugs, use ARISTADA INITIO 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 INITIO, 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 INITIO 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 INITIO 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 INITIO 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 safety of ARISTADA INITIO, in combination with oral aripiprazole, for the initiation of ARISTADA when used for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults has been established and is based on clinical trials of ARISTADA (aripiprazole lauroxil) including 1019 adult patients with schizophrenia.

Patient Exposure

ARISTADA INITIO has been evaluated for safety in 170 adult patients in clinical trials in schizophrenia.

In pharmacokinetic studies, the safety profile of ARISTADA INITIO was generally consistent with that observed for ARISTADA.

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 INITIO 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 INITIO. Additionally, no dosage adjustment is necessary for valproate, lithium, lamotrigine, or sertraline when co-administered with ARISTADA INITIO [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

Safety and effectiveness of ARISTADA INITIO in pediatric patients have not been established.

Safety and effectiveness of ARISTADA INITIO 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 INITIO is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)].

Approximately 8% of Caucasians and 3-8% of Black/African Americans cannot metabolize CYP2D6 substrates and are classified as poor metabolizers (PM). Avoid use of ARISTADA INITIO in these patients because dosage adjustments are not possible (it is only available in one strength in a single-dose pre-filled syringe) [see Dosage and Administration (2.3), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

No dosage adjustment for ARISTADA INITIO 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 INITIO 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 unclear. 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 INITIO 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.

ARISTADA INITIO and ARISTADA are not interchangeable because of differing pharmacokinetic profiles. ARISTADA INITIO, 30 mg oral aripiprazole, and ARISTADA contribute to systemic aripiprazole exposure at different times throughout treatment initiation.

A pharmacokinetic (PK) bridging study demonstrated that an intramuscular injection of ARISTADA, a 30 mg dose of oral aripiprazole, and a single 675 mg dose of ARISTADA INITIO resulted in aripiprazole concentrations comparable to ARISTADA treatment initiated with 21 days of oral aripiprazole. A single strength of ARISTADA INITIO (i.e., 675 mg) was adequate for all dose levels of oral aripiprazole and ARISTADA.

ARISTADA INITIO extended-release injectable suspension is available in a strength of 675 mg in 2.4 mL. The kit contains a 5-mL pre-filled syringe containing ARISTADA INITIO as a sterile white to off-white aqueous extended-release injectable suspension with safety needles.

• A 675 mg strength kit (NDC 65757-500-03; gray 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.

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). Do not freeze.

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)].

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)].

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, or re-initiating treatment [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 and Agranulocytosis

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

Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance

Because ARISTADA INITIO 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 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 INITIO. Advise patients that ARISTADA INITIO 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 INITIO during pregnancy [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)].

Lactation

ARISTADA INITIO use during pregnancy may affect milk supply. Advise the lactating patient to discuss any plans for breastfeeding with a 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 INITIO^® is a registered trademark used by Alkermes, Inc. under license and ARISTADA^® is a registered trademark used by Alkermes, Inc. under license.

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