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Abilify

Abilify, aka, aripiprazole, is a member of the new class of atypical medications used for the treatment of schizophrenia. Serious Abilify side effects include:

• Diabetes
• Diabetic Coma
• Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• Hyperglycemia

The FDA has asked Bristol Myers Squibb to add a new warning to the popular schizophrenia drug Abilify which warns patients that Abilify can cause diabetes and other blood sugar disorders such as hyperglycemia. In a recent study, atypical antipychotics similar to Abilify were found to cause diabetes 50 percent more often than older drugs.

Abilify is used to treat schizophrenia and is part of a class of drugs known as atypical anti psychotics. It is similar to Zyprexa, Risperdal and Seroquel. Abilify was approved for the treatment of schizophrenia on November 15, 2002 by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Several years ago, the FDA became concerned about the possibility that ziprasidone, a drug similar to Abilify, and a number of other drugs might increase the possibility of a specific, potentially fatal heart-rhythm irregularity called torsade de pointes.

Additional Abilify side effects include: feeling unusually tired, nausea, constipation, dizziness, restlessness, diarrhea, rash, cough and runny nose, and abnormal muscle movements, including tremor, shuffling, and uncontrollable movements.

Below is the patient information provided by Bristol Myers Squibb:

INDICATIONS and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION for ABILIFY^® (aripiprazole) INDICATIONS: ABILIFY is indicated for the treatment of:

• Schizophrenia, including maintaining stability in patients who had been symptomatically stable on other anti psychotic medications for periods of 3 months or longer and observed for relapse during a period of up to 26 weeks Acute manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder
• Maintaining efficacy in patients with Bipolar I Disorder with a recent manic or mixed episode who had been stabilized and then maintained for at least 6 weeks

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION: Elderly patients, diagnosed with psychosis as a result of dementia (for example, an inability to perform daily activities as a result of increased memory loss), and who are treated with atypical anti psychotic medicines including ABILIFY, are at an increased risk of death when compared to patients who are treated with a placebo (sugar pill). ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Serious side effects can occur with any anti psychotic medicine, including ABILIFY. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any conditions or side effects, including the following:

• Very high fever, rigid muscles, shaking, confusion, sweating, or increased heart rate and blood pressure. These may be signs of a condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but serious side effect which could be fatal Abnormal or uncontrollable movements. These may be signs of a serious condition called tardive dyskinesia which may be permanent Elderly: An increased risk of stroke and mini stroke has been reported in a clinical study of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
• Diabetes, risk factors for diabetes (for example, obesity, family history of diabetes), or unexpected increases in thirst, urination, or hunger. Increases in blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), in some cases serious and associated with coma or death, have been reported in patients taking medicines like ABILIFY. Ask your healthcare provider about the need to monitor your blood sugar level before and during treatment

Lightheadedness or faintness caused by a sudden change in heart rate and blood pressure when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position (orchestration hypotension) has been reported with ABILIFY. Medicines like ABILIFY can affect your judgment, thinking, or motor skills. You should not drive or operate hazardous machinery until you know how ABILIFY affects you. Since medicines like ABILIFY can impact your body's ability to reduce body temperature, you should avoid overheating and dehydration. Medicines like ABILIFY have been associated with swallowing problems (dysphagia). If you had or have swallowing problems, you should tell your healthcare provider. If you have suicidal thoughts, you should tell your healthcare provider right away. While taking ABILIFY, avoid:

• Drinking alcohol
• Breast-feeding an infant

Tell your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures, or are pregnant or intend to become pregnant, and about all prescription and non-prescription medicines you are taking or plan to take. Other common side effects include: constipation, an inner sense of restlessness or need to move (akathisia), headache, nausea, upset stomach, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, sleepiness, lightheadedness, and tremor. For patients who must limit their sugar intake, ABILIFY Oral Solution contains sugar. If you have questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.

Here is the entire prescription insert including the Black Box Warning information:

ABILIFY®(aripiprazole) Tablets Rx only
ABILIFY®(aripiprazole) Oral Solution
DESCRIPTION
ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) is a psychotropic drug that is available as tablets and in solution for oral
administration. Aripiprazole is 7-[4-[4-(2,3-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]butoxy]-3,4-
dihydrocarbostyril. The empirical formula is C23H27Cl2N3O2 and its molecular weight is 448.38. The
chemical structure is:
ABILIFY tablets are available in 5-mg, 10-mg, 15-mg, 20-mg, and 30-mg strengths. Inactive
ingredients include cornstarch, hydroxypropyl cellulose, lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate
and microcrystalline cellulose. Colorants include ferric oxide (yellow or red) and FD&C Blue No. 2
Aluminum Lake.
ABILIFY is also available as a 1 mg/mL oral solution. The inactive ingredients for this solution
include fructose, glycerin, dl-lactic acid, methylparaben, propylene glycol, propylparaben, sodium
hydroxide, sucrose, and purified water. The oral solution is flavored with natural orange cream and
other natural flavors.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Pharmacodynamics
Aripiprazole exhibits high affinity for dopamine D2 and D3, serotonin 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors
(Ki values of 0.34, 0.8, 1.7, and 3.4 nM, respectively), moderate affinity for dopamine D4, serotonin
5-HT2C and 5-HT7, alpha1-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors (Ki values of 44, 15, 39, 57, and
61 nM, respectively), and moderate affinity for the serotonin reuptake site (Ki=98 nM). Aripiprazole
has no appreciable affinity for cholinergic muscarinic receptors (IC50 >1000 nM). Aripiprazole functions
as a partial agonist at the dopamine D2 and the serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and as an
antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptor.
The mechanism of action of aripiprazole, as with other drugs having efficacy in schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder, is unknown. However, it has been proposed that the efficacy of aripiprazole is mediated
through a combination of partial agonist activity at D2 and 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist
activity at 5-HT2A receptors. Actions at receptors other than D2, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT2A may explain
some of the other clinical effects of aripiprazole, e.g., the orthostatic hypotension observed with
aripiprazole may be explained by its antagonist activity at adrenergic alpha1 receptors.
Pharmacokinetics
ABILIFY activity is presumably primarily due to the parent drug, aripiprazole, and to a lesser extent, to
its major metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole, which has been shown to have affinities for D2 receptors
similar to the parent drug and represents 40% of the parent drug exposure in plasma. The mean
elimination half-lives are about 75 hours and 94 hours for aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole,
respectively. Steady-state concentrations are attained within 14 days of dosing for both active
moieties. Aripiprazole accumulation is predictable from single-dose pharmacokinetics. At steady
state, the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole are dose-proportional. Elimination of aripiprazole is mainly
through hepatic metabolism involving two P450 isozymes, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4.
Absorption
Tablet: Aripiprazole is well absorbed after administration of the tablet, with peak plasma concentrations
occurring within 3 to 5 hours; the absolute oral bioavailability of the tablet formulation is 87%.
ABILIFY can be administered with or without food. Administration of a 15-mg ABILIFY tablet with
a standard high-fat meal did not significantly affect the Cmax or AUC of aripiprazole or its
active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole, but delayed Tmax by 3 hours for aripiprazole and 12 hours for
dehydro-aripiprazole.
Oral Solution: Aripiprazole is well absorbed when administered orally as the solution. At equivalent
doses, the plasma concentrations of aripiprazole from the solution were higher than that from the
tablet formulation. In a relative bioavailability study comparing the pharmacokinetics of 30 mg
aripiprazole as the oral solution to 30 mg aripiprazole tablets in healthy subjects, the solution to tablet
ratios of geometric mean Cmax and AUC values were 122% and 114%, respectively (see DOSAGE
AND ADMINISTRATION). The single-dose pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole were linear and doseproportional
between the doses of 5 to 30 mg.
Distribution
The steady-state volume of distribution of aripiprazole following intravenous administration is high
(404 L or 4.9 L/kg), indicating extensive extravascular distribution. At therapeutic concentrations,
aripiprazole and its major metabolite are greater than 99% bound to serum proteins, primarily to
albumin. In healthy human volunteers administered 0.5 to 30 mg/day aripiprazole for 14 days, there
was dose-dependent D2 receptor occupancy indicating brain penetration of aripiprazole in humans.
Metabolism and Elimination
Aripiprazole is metabolized primarily by three biotransformation pathways: dehydrogenation, hydroxylation,
and N-dealkylation. Based on in vitrostudies, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes are responsible for
dehydrogenation and hydroxylation of aripiprazole, and N-dealkylation is catalyzed by CYP3A4.
Aripiprazole is the predominant drug moiety in the systemic circulation. At steady state, dehydroaripiprazole,
the active metabolite, represents about 40% of aripiprazole AUC in plasma.
Approximately 8% of Caucasians lack the capacity to metabolize CYP2D6 substrates and are
classified as poor metabolizers (PM), whereas the rest are extensive metabolizers (EM). PMs have
about an 80% increase in aripiprazole exposure and about a 30% decrease in exposure to the active
metabolite compared to EMs, resulting in about a 60% higher exposure to the total active moieties
from a given dose of aripiprazole compared to EMs. Coadministration of ABILIFY with known
inhibitors of CYP2D6, like quinidine in EMs, results in a 112% increase in aripiprazole plasma exposure,
and dosing adjustment is needed (see PRECAUTIONS: Drug-Drug Interactions). The mean
elimination half-lives are about 75 hours and 146 hours for aripiprazole in EMs and PMs, respectively.
Aripiprazole does not inhibit or induce the CYP2D6 pathway.
Following a single oral dose of [14C]-labeled aripiprazole, approximately 25% and 55% of the
administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Less than 1% of
unchanged aripiprazole was excreted in the urine and approximately 18% of the oral dose was
recovered unchanged in the feces.
Special Populations
In general, no dosage adjustment for ABILIFY (aripiprazole) is required on the basis of a patient’s age,
gender, race, smoking status, hepatic function, or renal function (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:
Dosage in Special Populations). The pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole in special populations are
described below.
Hepatic Impairment
In a single-dose study (15 mg of aripiprazole) in subjects with varying degrees of liver cirrhosis
(Child-Pugh Classes A, B, and C), the AUC of aripiprazole, compared to healthy subjects, increased
31% in mild HI, increased 8% in moderate HI, and decreased 20% in severe HI. None of these differences
would require dose adjustment.
Renal Impairment
In patients with severe renal impairment (creatinine clearance <30 mL/min), Cmax of aripiprazole
(given in a single dose of 15 mg) and dehydro-aripiprazole increased by 36% and 53%, respectively,
but AUC was 15% lower for aripiprazole and 7% higher for dehydro-aripiprazole. Renal excretion of
both unchanged aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole is less than 1% of the dose. No dosage adjustment
is required in subjects with renal impairment.
Elderly
In formal single-dose pharmacokinetic studies (with aripiprazole given in a single dose of 15 mg),
aripiprazole clearance was 20% lower in elderly (≥65 years) subjects compared to younger adult subjects
(18 to 64 years). There was no detectable age effect, however, in the population pharmacokinetic
analysis in schizophrenia patients. Also, the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole after multiple doses in
elderly patients appeared similar to that observed in young, healthy subjects. No dosage adjustment is
recommended for elderly patients (see Boxed WARNING, WARNINGS: Increased Mortality in Elderly
Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis, and PRECAUTIONS: Geriatric Use).
Gender
Cmax and AUC of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole, are 30 to 40% higher in
women than in men, and correspondingly, the apparent oral clearance of aripiprazole is lower in
women. These differences, however, are largely explained by differences in body weight (25%)
between men and women. No dosage adjustment is recommended based on gender.
Race
Although no specific pharmacokinetic study was conducted to investigate the effects of race on the
disposition of aripiprazole, population pharmacokinetic evaluation revealed no evidence of clinically
significant race-related differences in the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole. No dosage adjustment is
recommended based on race.
Smoking
Based on studies utilizing human liver enzymes in vitro, aripiprazole is not a substrate for CYP1A2
and also does not undergo direct glucuronidation. Smoking should, therefore, not have an effect on
the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole. Consistent with these in vitro results, population pharmacokinetic
evaluation did not reveal any significant pharmacokinetic differences between smokers and
nonsmokers. No dosage adjustment is recommended based on smoking status.
Drug-Drug Interactions
Potential for Other Drugs to Affect ABILIFY
Aripiprazole is not a substrate of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or
CYP2E1 enzymes. Aripiprazole also does not undergo direct glucuronidation. This suggests that an interaction
of aripiprazole with inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes, or other factors, like smoking, is unlikely.
Both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are responsible for aripiprazole metabolism. Agents that induce
CYP3A4 (e.g., carbamazepine) could cause an increase in aripiprazole clearance and lower blood levels.
Inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) or CYP2D6 (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, or paroxetine)
can inhibit aripiprazole elimination and cause increased blood levels.
Potential for ABILIFY to Affect Other Drugs
Aripiprazole is unlikely to cause clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions with drugs metabolized
by cytochrome P450 enzymes. In in vivostudies, 10- to 30-mg/day doses of aripiprazole had no
significant effect on metabolism by CYP2D6 (dextromethorphan), CYP2C9 (warfarin), CYP2C19
(omeprazole, warfarin), and CYP3A4 (dextromethorphan) substrates. Additionally, aripiprazole and
dehydro-aripiprazole did not show potential for altering CYP1A2-mediated metabolism in vitro (see
PRECAUTIONS: Drug-Drug Interactions).
Aripiprazole had no clinically important interactions with the following drugs:
Famotidine:Coadministration of aripiprazole (given in a single dose of 15 mg) with a 40-mg single
dose of the H2 antagonist famotidine, a potent gastric acid blocker, decreased the solubility of
aripiprazole and, hence, its rate of absorption, reducing by 37% and 21% the Cmax of aripiprazole and
dehydro-aripiprazole, respectively, and by 13% and 15%, respectively, the extent of absorption (AUC).
No dosage adjustment of aripiprazole is required when administered concomitantly with famotidine.
Valproate:When valproate (500-1500 mg/day) and aripiprazole (30 mg/day) were coadministered at
steady state, the Cmax and AUC of aripiprazole were decreased by 25%. No dosage adjustment of
aripiprazole is required when administered concomitantly with valproate.
Lithium:A pharmacokinetic interaction of aripiprazole with lithium is unlikely because lithium is not
bound to plasma proteins, is not metabolized, and is almost entirely excreted unchanged in urine.
Coadministration of therapeutic doses of lithium (1200-1800 mg/day) for 21 days with aripiprazole
(30 mg/day) did not result in clinically significant changes in the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole or its
active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole (Cmax and AUC increased by less than 20%). No dosage adjustment
of aripiprazole is required when administered concomitantly with lithium.
Dextromethorphan: Aripiprazole at doses of 10 to 30 mg per day for 14 days had no effect on
dextromethorphan’s O-dealkylation to its major metabolite, dextrorphan, a pathway known to be
dependent on CYP2D6 activity. Aripiprazole also had no effect on dextromethorphan’s N-demethylation
to its metabolite 3-methyoxymorphan, a pathway known to be dependent on CYP3A4 activity. No
dosage adjustment of dextromethorphan is required when administered concomitantly with aripiprazole.
Warfarin:Aripiprazole 10 mg per day for 14 days had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of R- and
S-warfarin or on the pharmacodynamic end point of International Normalized Ratio, indicating the
lack of a clinically relevant effect of aripiprazole on CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 metabolism or the binding
of highly protein-bound warfarin. No dosage adjustment of warfarin is required when administered
concomitantly with aripiprazole.
Omeprazole:Aripiprazole 10 mg per day for 15 days had no effect on the pharmacokinetics of a
single 20-mg dose of omeprazole, a CYP2C19 substrate, in healthy subjects. No dosage adjustment
of omeprazole is required when administered concomitantly with aripiprazole.
Clinical Studies
Schizophrenia
The efficacy of ABILIFY in the treatment of schizophrenia was evaluated in four short-term (4- and
WARNING
Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients With Dementia-Related Psychosis
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs
are at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. Analyses of seventeen placebocontrolled
trials (modal duration of 10 weeks) in these patients revealed a risk of death in
the drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times that seen 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. ABILIFY
(aripiprazole) is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
6-week), placebo-controlled trials of acutely relapsed inpatients who predominantly met DSM-III/IV
criteria for schizophrenia. Three of the four trials were able to distinguish aripiprazole from placebo,
but one study, the smallest, did not. Three of these studies also included an active control group
consisting of either risperidone (one trial) or haloperidol (two trials), but they were not designed to
allow for a comparison of ABILIFY (aripiprazole) and the active comparators.
In the three positive trials for ABILIFY, four primary measures were used for assessing psychiatric
signs and symptoms. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) is a multi-item inventory of
general psychopathology used to evaluate the effects of drug treatment in schizophrenia. The PANSS
positive subscale is a subset of items in the PANSS that rates seven positive symptoms of schizophrenia
(delusions, conceptual disorganization, hallucinatory behavior, excitement, grandiosity,
suspiciousness/persecution, and hostility). The PANSS negative subscale is a subset of items in the
PANSS that rates seven negative symptoms of schizophrenia (blunted affect, emotional withdrawal,
poor rapport, passive apathetic withdrawal, difficulty in abstract thinking, lack of spontaneity/flow of
conversation, stereotyped thinking). The Clinical Global Impression (CGI) assessment reflects the
impression of a skilled observer, fully familiar with the manifestations of schizophrenia, about the
overall clinical state of the patient.
In a 4-week trial (n=414) comparing two fixed doses of ABILIFY (15 or 30 mg/day) and
haloperidol (10 mg/day) to placebo, both doses of ABILIFY were superior to placebo in the PANSS
total score, PANSS positive subscale, and CGI-severity score. In addition, the 15-mg dose was
superior to placebo in the PANSS negative subscale.
In a 4-week trial (n=404) comparing two fixed doses of ABILIFY (20 or 30 mg/day) and
risperidone (6 mg/day) to placebo, both doses of ABILIFY were superior to placebo in the PANSS total
score, PANSS positive subscale, PANSS negative subscale, and CGI-severity score.
In a 6-week trial (n=420) comparing three fixed doses of ABILIFY (10, 15, or 20 mg/day) to
placebo, all three doses of ABILIFY were superior to placebo in the PANSS total score, PANSS positive
subscale, and the PANSS negative subscale.
In a fourth study, a 4-week trial (n=103) comparing ABILIFY in a range of 5 to 30 mg/day or
haloperidol 5 to 20 mg/day to placebo, haloperidol was superior to placebo, in the Brief Psychiatric
Rating Scale (BPRS), a multi-item inventory of general psychopathology traditionally used to evaluate
the effects of drug treatment in psychosis, and in a responder analysis based on the CGI-severity
score, the primary outcomes for that trial. ABILIFY was only significantly different compared to
placebo in a responder analysis based on the CGI-severity score.
Thus, the efficacy of 15-mg, 20-mg, and 30-mg daily doses was established in two studies for
each dose, whereas the efficacy of the 10-mg dose was established in one study. There was no evidence
in any study that the higher dose groups offered any advantage over the lowest dose group.
An examination of population subgroups did not reveal any clear evidence of differential responsiveness
on the basis of age, gender, or race.
A longer-term trial enrolled 310 inpatients or outpatients meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia
who were, by history, symptomatically stable on other antipsychotic medications for periods
of 3 months or longer. These patients were discontinued from their antipsychotic medications and
randomized to ABILIFY 15 mg or placebo for up to 26 weeks of observation for relapse. Relapse during
the double-blind phase was defined as CGI-Improvement score of ≥5 (minimally worse), scores
≥5 (moderately severe) on the hostility or uncooperativeness items of the PANSS, or ≥20% increase
in the PANSS total score. Patients receiving ABILIFY 15 mg experienced a significantly longer time to
relapse over the subsequent 26 weeks compared to those receiving placebo.
Bipolar Disorder
The efficacy of ABILIFY in the treatment of acute manic episodes was established in two 3-week,
placebo-controlled trials in hospitalized patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar I Disorder
with manic or mixed episodes (in one trial, 21% of placebo and 42% of ABILIFY-treated patients had
data beyond two weeks). These trials included patients with or without psychotic features and with or
without a rapid-cycling course.
The primary instrument used for assessing manic symptoms was the Young Mania Rating Scale
(Y-MRS), an 11-item clinician-rated scale traditionally used to assess the degree of manic symptomatology
(irritability, disruptive/aggressive behavior, sleep, elevated mood, speech, increased
activity, sexual interest, language/thought disorder, thought content, appearance, and insight) in a
range from 0 (no manic features) to 60 (maximum score). A key secondary instrument included the
Clinical Global Impression - Bipolar (CGI-BP) scale.
In the two positive, 3-week, placebo-controlled trials (n=268; n=248) which evaluated ABILIFY 15 or
30 mg/day, once daily (with a starting dose of 30 mg/day), ABILIFY was superior to placebo in the
reduction of Y-MRS total score and CGI-BP Severity of Illness score (mania).
A trial was conducted in patients meeting DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar I Disorder with a recent
manic or mixed episode who had been stabilized on open-label ABILIFY and who had maintained a
clinical response for at least 6 weeks. The first phase of this trial was an open-label stabilization
period in which inpatients and outpatients were clinically stabilized and then maintained on openlabel
ABILIFY (15 or 30 mg/day, with a starting dose of 30 mg/day) for at least 6 consecutive weeks.
One hundred sixty-one outpatients were then randomized in a double-blind fashion, to either the
same dose of ABILIFY they were on at the end of the stabilization and maintenance period or placebo
and were then monitored for manic or depressive relapse. During the randomization phase, ABILIFY
was superior to placebo on time to the number of combined affective relapses (manic plus depressive),
the primary outcome measure for this study. The majority of these relapses were due to manic
rather than depressive symptoms. There is insufficient data to know whether ABILIFY is effective in
delaying the time to occurrence of depression in patients with Bipolar I Disorder.
An examination of population subgroups did not reveal any clear evidence of differential responsiveness
on the basis of age and gender; however, there were insufficient numbers of patients in
each of the ethnic groups to adequately assess inter-group differences.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Schizophrenia
ABILIFY is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. The efficacy of ABILIFY in the treatment
of schizophrenia was established in short-term (4- and 6-week) controlled trials of schizophrenic
inpatients (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies).
The efficacy of ABILIFY in maintaining stability in patients with schizophrenia who had been
symptomatically stable on other antipsychotic medications for periods of 3 months or longer, were
discontinued from those other medications, and were then administered ABILIFY 15 mg/day and
observed for relapse during a period of up to 26 weeks was demonstrated in a placebo-controlled
trial (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies). The physician who elects to use ABILIFY
for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual
patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
Bipolar Disorder
ABILIFY is indicated for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with Bipolar Disorder.
The efficacy of ABILIFY was established in two placebo-controlled trials (3-week) of inpatients with
DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar I Disorder who were experiencing an acute manic or mixed episode with or
without psychotic features (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical studies).
The efficacy of ABILIFY in maintaining efficacy in patients with Bipolar I Disorder with a recent
manic or mixed episode who had been stabilized and then maintained for at least 6 weeks,
was demonstrated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Prior to entering the double-blind,
randomization phase of this trial, patients were clinically stabilized and maintained their stability for
6 consecutive weeks on ABILIFY (aripiprazole). Following this 6-week maintenance phase, patients
were randomized to either placebo or ABILIFY and monitored for relapse (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY:
Clinical Studies). Physicians who elect to use ABILIFY for extended periods, that is, longer
than 6 weeks, should periodically re-evaluate the long-term usefulness of the drug for the individual
patient (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).
CONTRAINDICATIONS
ABILIFY is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the product.
WARNINGS
Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients With Dementia-Related Psychosis
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are
at an increased risk of death compared to placebo. ABILIFY is not approved for the treatment
of patients with dementia-related psychosis (see Boxed WARNING).
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
(NMS) has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs, including
aripiprazole. Two possible cases of NMS occurred during aripiprazole treatment in the premarketing
worldwide clinical database. 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 exclude cases where 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 requires antipsychotic drug treatment after recovery from NMS, the potential reintroduction
of drug therapy should be carefully considered. The patient should be carefully monitored,
since recurrences of NMS have been reported.
Tardive Dyskinesia
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 rely upon prevalence estimates to predict,
at the inception of antipsychotic treatment, 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 developing tardive dyskinesia and the likelihood that it will become irreversible are
believed to increase as the duration of treatment and the total cumulative dose of antipsychotic drugs
administered to the patient increase. However, the syndrome can develop, although much less commonly,
after relatively brief treatment periods at low doses.
There is no known treatment for established cases of tardive dyskinesia, although the syndrome
may remit, partially or completely, if antipsychotic treatment is withdrawn. Antipsychotic treatment,
itself, however, may suppress (or partially suppress) the signs and symptoms of the syndrome and,
thereby, may possibly mask the underlying process. The effect that symptomatic suppression has
upon the long-term course of the syndrome is unknown.
Given these considerations, ABILIFY 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 (1) is known to respond to antipsychotic
drugs, and (2) for whom alternative, equally effective, but potentially less harmful treatments are not
available or appropriate. 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 on ABILIFY, drug discontinuation
should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with ABILIFY despite the
presence of the syndrome.
Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related
Psychosis
In placebo-controlled clinical studies (two flexible-dose and one fixed-dose study) of dementia-related
psychosis, there was an increased incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient
ischemic attack), including fatalities, in aripiprazole-treated patients (mean age: 84 years; range:
78-88 years). In the fixed-dose study, there was a statistically significant dose response relationship
for cerebrovascular adverse events in patients treated with aripiprazole. Aripiprazole is not approved
for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. (See also Boxed WARNING,
WARNINGS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis, and
PRECAUTIONS: Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness: Safety Experience in Elderly Patients with
Psychosis Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease.)
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. There have been few reports
of hyperglycemia in patients treated with ABILIFY. Although fewer patients have been treated with
ABILIFY, it is not known if this more limited experience is the sole reason for the paucity of such
reports. Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose abnormalities
is complicated by the possibility of an increased background risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with
schizophrenia and the increasing incidence of diabetes mellitus in the general population. Given these
confounders, the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and hyperglycemia-related adverse
events is not completely understood. However, epidemiological studies which did not include ABILIFY
suggest an increased risk of treatment-emergent hyperglycemia-related adverse events in patients
treated with the atypical antipsychotics included in these studies. Because ABILIFY was not marketed
at the time these studies were performed, it is not known if ABILIFY is associated with this increased
risk. Precise risk estimates for hyperglycemia-related adverse events in patients treated with atypical
antipsychotics are not available.
Patients with an established diagnosis of diabetes mellitus who are started on atypical antipsychotics
should be monitored regularly for worsening of glucose control. Patients with risk factors
for diabetes mellitus (e.g., obesity, family history of diabetes) who are starting treatment with atypical
antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing at the beginning of treatment and periodically
during treatment. Any patient treated with atypical antipsychotics should be monitored for
symptoms of hyperglycemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who
develop symptoms of hyperglycemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo
fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycemia has resolved when the atypical antipsychotic
was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment
despite discontinuation of the suspect drug.
PRECAUTIONS
General
Orthostatic Hypotension
Aripiprazole may be associated with orthostatic hypotension, perhaps due to its
1-adrenergic receptor
antagonism. The incidence of orthostatic hypotension-associated events from five short-term,
placebo-controlled trials in schizophrenia (n=926) on ABILIFY (aripiprazole) included: orthostatic
hypotension (placebo 1%, aripiprazole 1.9%), orthostatic lightheadedness (placebo 1%, aripiprazole
0.9%), and syncope (placebo 1%, aripiprazole 0.6%). The incidence of orthostatic hypotensionassociated
events from short-term, placebo-controlled trials in bipolar mania (n=597) on ABILIFY
included: orthostatic hypotension (placebo 0%, aripiprazole 0.7%), orthostatic lightheadedness
(placebo 0.5%, aripiprazole 0.5%), and syncope (placebo 0.9%, aripiprazole 0.5%).
The incidence of a significant orthostatic change in blood pressure (defined as a decrease of
at least 30 mmHg in systolic blood pressure when changing from a supine to standing position) for
aripiprazole was not statistically different from placebo (in schizophrenia: 14% among aripiprazoletreated
patients and 12% among placebo-treated patients and in bipolar mania: 3% among
aripiprazole-treated patients and 2% among placebo-treated patients).
Aripiprazole should be used with caution in patients with known cardiovascular disease (history of
myocardial infarction or ischemic heart disease, heart failure or conduction abnormalities),
cerebrovascular disease, or conditions which would predispose patients to hypotension (dehydration,
hypovolemia, and treatment with antihypertensive medications).
Seizure
Seizures occurred in 0.1% (1/926) of aripiprazole-treated patients with schizophrenia in short-term,
placebo-controlled trials. In short-term, placebo-controlled clinical trials of patients with bipolar
mania, 0.3% (2/597) of aripiprazole-treated patients and 0.2% (1/436) of placebo-treated patients
experienced seizures. As with other antipsychotic drugs, aripiprazole should be used cautiously
in patients with a history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold,
e.g., Alzheimer’s dementia. Conditions that lower the seizure threshold may be more prevalent in a
population of 65 years or older.
Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment
In short-term, placebo-controlled trials of schizophrenia, somnolence was reported in 11% of
patients on ABILIFY compared to 8% of patients on placebo; somnolence led to discontinuation in
0.1% (1/926) of patients with schizophrenia on ABILIFY in short-term, placebo-controlled trials. In
short-term, placebo-controlled trials of bipolar mania, somnolence was reported in 14% of patients
on ABILIFY compared to 7% of patients on placebo, but did not lead to discontinuation of any patients
with bipolar mania. Despite the relatively modest increased incidence of somnolence compared to
placebo, ABILIFY, like other antipsychotics, may have 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 ABILIFY does not affect them adversely.
Body Temperature Regulation
Disruption of the body’s ability to reduce core body temperature has been attributed to antipsychotic
agents. Appropriate care is advised when prescribing aripiprazole 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.
Dysphagia
Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. Aspiration
pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients, in particular those with
advanced Alzheimer’s dementia. Aripiprazole and other antipsychotic drugs should be used cautiously
in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia (see PRECAUTIONS: Use in Patients with Concomitant
Illness ).
Suicide
The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in psychotic illnesses and bipolar disorder, and close
supervision of high-risk patients should accompany drug therapy. Prescriptions for ABILIFY should be
written for the smallest quantity consistent with good patient management in order to reduce the risk
of overdose.
Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness
Clinical experience with ABILIFY in patients with certain concomitant systemic illnesses (see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations: Renal Impairmentand Hepatic Impairment) is limited.
ABILIFY has not been evaluated or used to any appreciable extent in patients with a recent history
of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease. Patients with these diagnoses were excluded from
premarketing clinical studies.
Safety Experience in Elderly Patients with Psychosis Associated with Alzheimer’s Disease: In
three, 10-week, placebo-controlled studies of aripiprazole in elderly patients with psychosis associated
with Alzheimer’s disease (n=938; mean age: 82.4 years; range: 56-99 years), the treatmentemergent
adverse events that were reported at an incidence of ≥5% and aripiprazole incidence at
least twice that for placebo were asthenia (placebo 3%, aripiprazole 8%), somnolence (placebo 3%,
aripiprazole 9%), and urinary incontinence (placebo 1%, aripiprazole 5%).
The safety and efficacy of ABILIFY in the treatment of patients with psychosis associated with
dementia have not been established. If the prescriber elects to treat such patients with ABILIFY,
vigilance should be exercised, particularly for the emergence of difficulty swallowing or excessive
somnolence, which could predispose to accidental injury or aspiration. (See also Boxed WARNING
and WARNINGS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis and
Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related
Psychosis.)
Information for Patients
Physicians are advised to discuss the following issues with patients for whom they prescribe ABILIFY:
Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance
Because aripiprazole may have 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 aripiprazole therapy does not affect them adversely.
Pregnancy
Patients should be advised to notify their physician if they become pregnant or intend to become
pregnant during therapy with ABILIFY.
Nursing
Patients should be advised not to breast-feed an infant if they are taking ABILIFY.
Concomitant Medication
Patients should be advised 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.
Alcohol
Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking ABILIFY.
Heat Exposure and Dehydration
Patients should be advised regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration.
Sugar Content
Patients should be advised that each mL of ABILIFY (aripiprazole) oral solution contains 400 mg of
sucrose and 200 mg of fructose.
Drug-Drug Interactions
Given the primary CNS effects of aripiprazole, caution should be used when ABILIFY is taken in combination
with other centrally acting drugs and alcohol. Due to its α1-adrenergic receptor antagonism,
aripiprazole has the potential to enhance the effect of certain antihypertensive agents.
Potential for Other Drugs to Affect ABILIFY
Aripiprazole is not a substrate of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, or
CYP2E1 enzymes. Aripiprazole also does not undergo direct glucuronidation. This suggests that an
interaction of aripiprazole with inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes, or other factors, like smoking,
is unlikely.
Both CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 are responsible for aripiprazole metabolism. Agents that induce
CYP3A4 (e.g., carbamazepine) could cause an increase in aripiprazole clearance and lower blood
levels. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 (e.g., ketoconazole) or CYP2D6 (e.g., quinidine, fluoxetine, or paroxetine)
can inhibit aripiprazole elimination and cause increased blood levels.
Ketoconazole: Coadministration of ketoconazole (200 mg/day for 14 days) with a 15-mg single
dose of aripiprazole increased the AUC of aripiprazole and its active metabolite by 63% and 77%,
respectively. The effect of a higher ketoconazole dose (400 mg/day) has not been studied. When
concomitant administration of ketoconazole with aripiprazole occurs, aripiprazole dose should be
reduced to one-half of its normal dose. Other strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (itraconazole) would be
expected to have similar effects and need similar dose reductions; weaker inhibitors (erythromycin,
grapefruit juice) have not been studied. When the CYP3A4 inhibitor is withdrawn from the combination
therapy, aripiprazole dose should then be increased.
Quinidine:Coadministration of a 10-mg single dose of aripiprazole with quinidine (166 mg/day for
13 days), a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, increased the AUC of aripiprazole by 112% but decreased the
AUC of its active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole, by 35%. Aripiprazole dose should be reduced to
one-half of its normal dose when concomitant administration of quinidine with aripiprazole occurs.
Other significant inhibitors of CYP2D6, such as fluoxetine or paroxetine, would be expected to have
similar effects and, therefore, should be accompanied by similar dose reductions. When the CYP2D6
inhibitor is withdrawn from the combination therapy, aripiprazole dose should then be increased.
Carbamazepine:Coadministration of carbamazepine (200 mg BID), a potent CYP3A4 inducer, with
aripiprazole (30 mg QD) resulted in an approximate 70% decrease in Cmax and AUC values of both
aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole. When carbamazepine is added to
aripiprazole therapy, aripiprazole dose should be doubled. Additional dose increases should be based
on clinical evaluation. When carbamazepine is withdrawn from the combination therapy, aripiprazole
dose should then be reduced.
No clinically significant effect of famotidine, valproate, or lithium was seen on the pharmacokinetics
of aripiprazole (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug-Drug Interactions).
Potential for ABILIFY to Affect Other Drugs
Aripiprazole is unlikely to cause clinically important pharmacokinetic interactions with drugs metabolized
by cytochrome P450 enzymes. In in vivostudies, 10- to 30-mg/day doses of aripiprazole had no
significant effect on metabolism by CYP2D6 (dextromethorphan), CYP2C9 (warfarin), CYP2C19
(omeprazole, warfarin), and CYP3A4 (dextromethorphan) substrates. Additionally, aripiprazole and
dehydro-aripiprazole did not show potential for altering CYP1A2-mediated metabolism in vitro (see
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Drug-Drug Interactions).
Alcohol: There was no significant difference between aripiprazole coadministered with ethanol
and placebo coadministered with ethanol on performance of gross motor skills or stimulus response
in healthy subjects. As with most psychoactive medications, patients should be advised to avoid
alcohol while taking ABILIFY.
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were conducted in ICR mice and in Sprague-Dawley (SD) and F344
rats. Aripiprazole was administered for 2 years in the diet at doses of 1, 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day to
ICR mice and 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day to F344 rats (0.2 to 5 and 0.3 to 3 times the maximum recommended
human dose [MRHD] based on mg/m2, respectively). In addition, SD rats were dosed orally
for 2 years at 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/day (3 to 19 times the MRHD based on mg/m2). Aripiprazole
did not induce tumors in male mice or rats. In female mice, the incidences of pituitary gland adenomas
and mammary gland adenocarcinomas and adenoacanthomas were increased at dietary doses
of 3 to 30 mg/kg/day (0.1 to 0.9 times human exposure at MRHD based on AUC and 0.5 to 5 times
the MRHD based on mg/m2). In female rats, the incidence of mammary gland fibroadenomas was
increased at a dietary dose of 10 mg/kg/day (0.1 times human exposure at MRHD based on AUC and
3 times the MRHD based on mg/m2); and the incidences of adrenocortical carcinomas and combined
adrenocortical adenomas/carcinomas were increased at an oral dose of 60 mg/kg/day (14 times
human exposure at MRHD based on AUC and 19 times the MRHD based on mg/m2).
Proliferative changes in the pituitary and mammary gland of rodents have been observed following
chronic administration of other antipsychotic agents and are considered prolactin-mediated. Serum
prolactin was not measured in the aripiprazole carcinogenicity studies. However, increases in serum
prolactin levels were observed in female mice in a 13-week dietary study at the doses associated with
mammary gland and pituitary tumors. Serum prolactin was not increased in female rats in 4- and
13-week dietary studies at the dose associated with mammary gland tumors. The relevance for
human risk of the findings of prolactin-mediated endocrine tumors in rodents is unknown.
Mutagenesis
The mutagenic potential of aripiprazole was tested in the in vitrobacterial reverse-mutation assay, the
in vitrobacterial DNA repair assay, the in vitroforward gene mutation assay in mouse lymphoma cells,
the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells, the in vivo micronucleus
assay in mice, and the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in rats. Aripiprazole and a metabolite
(2,3-DCPP) were clastogenic in the in vitrochromosomal aberration assay in CHL cells with and without
metabolic activation. The metabolite, 2,3-DCPP, produced increases in numerical aberrations in
the in vitroassay in CHL cells in the absence of metabolic activation. A positive response was obtained
in the in vivomicronucleus assay in mice, however, the response was shown to be due to a mechanism
not considered relevant to humans.
Impairment of Fertility
Female rats were treated with oral doses of 2, 6, and 20 mg/kg/day (0.6, 2, and 6 times the maximum
recommended human dose [MRHD] on a mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole from 2 weeks prior to mating
through day 7 of gestation. Estrus cycle irregularities and increased corpora lutea were seen at
all doses, but no impairment of fertility was seen. Increased pre-implantation loss was seen at 6 and
20 mg/kg, and decreased fetal weight was seen at 20 mg/kg.
Male rats were treated with oral doses of 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/day (6, 13, and 19 times the
MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole from 9 weeks prior to mating through mating. Disturbances
in spermatogenesis were seen at 60 mg/kg, and prostate atrophy was seen at 40 and 60 mg/kg, but
no impairment of fertility was seen.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Category C
In animal studies, aripiprazole demonstrated developmental toxicity, including possible teratogenic
effects in rats and rabbits.
Pregnant rats were treated with oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day (1, 3, and 10 times the
maximum recommended human dose [MRHD] on a mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole during the period of
organogenesis. Gestation was slightly prolonged at 30 mg/kg. Treatment caused a slight delay in fetal
development, as evidenced by decreased fetal weight (30 mg/kg), undescended testes (30 mg/kg),
and delayed skeletal ossification (10 and 30 mg/kg). There were no adverse effects on embryofetal or
pup survival. Delivered offspring had decreased bodyweights (10 and 30 mg/kg), and increased incidences
of hepatodiaphragmatic nodules and diaphragmatic hernia at 30 mg/kg (the other dose groups
were not examined for these findings). (A low incidence of diaphragmatic hernia was also seen in the
fetuses exposed to 30 mg/kg.) Postnatally, delayed vaginal opening was seen at 10 and 30 mg/kg and
impaired reproductive performance (decreased fertility rate, corpora lutea, implants, and live fetuses,
and increased post-implantation loss, likely mediated through effects on female offspring) was seen at
30 mg/kg. Some maternal toxicity was seen at 30 mg/kg, however, there was no evidence to suggest
that these developmental effects were secondary to maternal toxicity.
Pregnant rabbits were treated with oral doses of 10, 30, and 100 mg/kg/day (2, 3, and 11 times
human exposure at MRHD based on AUC and 6, 19, and 65 times the MRHD based on mg/m2)
of aripiprazole during the period of organogenesis. Decreased maternal food consumption
and increased abortions were seen at 100 mg/kg. Treatment caused increased fetal mortality
(100 mg/kg), decreased fetal weight (30 and 100 mg/kg), increased incidence of skeletal abnormality
(fused sternebrae at 30 and 100 mg/kg) and minor skeletal variations (100 mg/kg).
In a study in which rats were treated with oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day (1, 3, and
10 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole perinatally and postnatally (from day 17 of
gestation through day 21 postpartum), slight maternal toxicity and slightly prolonged gestation were
seen at 30 mg/kg. An increase in stillbirths, and decreases in pup weight (persisting into adulthood)
and survival, were seen at this dose.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. It is not known whether
aripiprazole can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproductive
capacity. Aripiprazole should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit outweighs the
potential risk to the fetus.
Labor and Delivery
The effect of aripiprazole on labor and delivery in humans is unknown.
Nursing Mothers
Aripiprazole was excreted in milk of rats during lactation. It is not known whether aripiprazole or its
metabolites are excreted in human milk. It is recommended that women receiving aripiprazole should
not breast-feed.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness in pediatric and adolescent patients have not been established.
Geriatric Use
Of the 7951 patients treated with aripiprazole in premarketing clinical trials, 991 (12%) were ≥65
years old and 789 (10%) were ≥75 years old. The majority (88%) of the 991 patients were diagnosed
with dementia of the Alzheimer’s type.
Placebo-controlled studies of aripiprazole in schizophrenia or bipolar mania did not include sufficient
numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from
younger subjects. There was no effect of age on the pharmacokinetics of a single 15-mg dose of
aripiprazole. Aripiprazole clearance was decreased by 20% in elderly subjects (≥65 years) compared
to younger adult subjects (18 to 64 years), but there was no detectable effect of age in the population
pharmacokinetic analysis in schizophrenia patients.
Studies of elderly patients with psychosis associated with Alzheimer’s disease have suggested
that there may be a different tolerability profile in this population compared to younger patients with
schizophrenia (see Boxed WARNING and WARNINGS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with
Dementia-Related Psychosis and Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly
Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis and PRECAUTIONS: Use in Patients with Concomitant
Illness). The safety and efficacy of ABILIFY (aripiprazole) in the treatment of patients with psychosis
associated with Alzheimer’s disease has not been established. If the prescriber elects to treat such
patients with ABILIFY, vigilance should be exercised.
ADVERSE REACTIONS
Aripiprazole has been evaluated for safety in 7951 patients who participated in multiple-dose, premarketing
trials in schizophrenia, bipolar mania, and dementia of the Alzheimer’s type, and who had
approximately 5235 patient-years of exposure. A total of 2280 aripiprazole-treated patients were
treated for at least 180 days and 1558 aripiprazole-treated patients had at least 1 year of exposure.
The conditions and duration of treatment with aripiprazole included (in overlapping categories)
double-blind, comparative and noncomparative open-label studies, inpatient and outpatient studies,
fixed- and flexible-dose studies, and short- and longer-term exposure.
Adverse events during exposure were obtained by collecting volunteered adverse events, as
well as results of physical examinations, vital signs, weights, laboratory analyses, and ECG. Adverse
experiences were recorded by clinical investigators using terminology of their own choosing. In the
tables and tabulations that follow, modified COSTART dictionary terminology has been used initially to
classify reported adverse events into a smaller number of standardized event categories, in order to
provide a meaningful estimate of the proportion of individuals experiencing adverse events.
The stated frequencies of adverse events represent the proportion of individuals who experienced
at least once, a treatment-emergent adverse event of the type listed. An event was considered treatment
emergent if it occurred for the first time or worsened while receiving therapy following baseline
evaluation. There was no attempt to use investigator causality assessments; i.e., all reported events
are included.
The prescriber should be aware that the figures in the tables and tabulations cannot be used
to predict the incidence of side effects in the course of usual medical practice where patient characteristics
and other factors differ from those that prevailed in the clinical trials. Similarly, the cited
frequencies cannot be compared with figures obtained from other clinical investigations involving
different treatment, uses, and investigators. The cited figures, however, do provide the prescribing
physician with some basis for estimating the relative contribution of drug and nondrug factors to the
adverse event incidence in the population studied.
Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials of Patients with
Schizophrenia
The following findings are based on a pool of five placebo-controlled trials (four 4-week and one
6-week) in which aripiprazole was administered in doses ranging from 2 to 30 mg/day.
Adverse Events Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled
Trials
Overall, there was no difference in the incidence of discontinuation due to adverse events between
aripiprazole-treated (7%) and placebo-treated (9%) patients. The types of adverse events that led to
discontinuation were similar between the aripiprazole- and placebo-treated patients.
Adverse Findings Observed in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials of Patients with Bipolar
Mania
The following findings are based on a pool of 3-week, placebo-controlled, bipolar mania trials in
which aripiprazole was administered at doses of 15 or 30 mg/day.
Adverse Events Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled
Trials
Overall, in patients with bipolar mania, there was no difference in the incidence of discontinuation
due to adverse events between aripiprazole-treated (11%) and placebo-treated (9%) patients. The
types of adverse events that led to discontinuation were similar between the aripiprazole and
placebo-treated patients.
Commonly Observed Adverse Events in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials of Patients with
Bipolar Mania
Commonly observed adverse events associated with the use of aripiprazole in patients with bipolar
mania (incidence of 5% or greater and aripiprazole incidence at least twice that for placebo) are
shown in Table 1. There were no adverse events in the short-term trials of schizophrenia that met
these criteria.
Table 1: Commonly Observed Adverse Events in Short-Term,
Placebo-Controlled Trials of Patients with Bipolar Mania
Percentage of Patients Reporting Event
Aripiprazole Placebo
Adverse Event (n=597) (n=436)
Accidental Injury 6 3
Constipation 13 6
Akathisia 15 4
Adverse Events Occurring at an Incidence of 2% or More Among Aripiprazole-Treated Patients
and Greater than Placebo in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials
Table 2 enumerates the pooled incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of treatment-emergent
adverse events that occurred during acute therapy (up to 6 weeks in schizophrenia and up to 3 weeks
in bipolar mania), including only those events that occurred in 2% or more of patients treated with
aripiprazole (doses ≥2 mg/day) and for which the incidence in patients treated with aripiprazole was
greater than the incidence in patients treated with placebo in the combined dataset.
Table 2: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Events in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials
Percentage of Patients Reporting Eventa
Body System Aripiprazole Placebo
Adverse Event (n=1523) (n=849)
Body as a Whole
Headache 31 26
Asthenia 8 7
Accidental Injury 5 4
Peripheral Edema 2 1
Cardiovascular System
Hypertension 2 1
Digestive System
Nausea 16 12
Dyspepsia 15 13
Vomiting 11 6
Constipation 11 7
Musculoskeletal System
Myalgia 4 3
Nervous System
Agitation 25 24
Anxiety 20 17
Insomnia 20 15
Somnolence 12 8
Akathisia 12 5
Lightheadedness 11 8
Extrapyramidal Syndrome 6 4
Tremor 4 3
Increased Salivation 3 1
Respiratory System
Pharyngitis 4 3
Rhinitis 4 3
Coughing 3 2
Special Senses
Blurred Vision 3 1
a Events reported by at least 2% of patients treated with aripiprazole, except the following events,
which had an incidence equal to or less than placebo: abdominal pain, back pain, dental pain,
diarrhea, dry mouth, anorexia, psychosis, hypertonia, upper respiratory tract infection, rash,
vaginitisf, dysmenorrheaf.
f Percentage based on gender total.
An examination of population subgroups did not reveal any clear evidence of differential adverse
event incidence on the basis of age, gender, or race.
Dose-Related Adverse Events
Schizophrenia
Dose response relationships for the incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events were evaluated
from four trials in patients with schizophrenia comparing various fixed doses (2, 10, 15, 20, and
30 mg/day) of aripiprazole to placebo. This analysis, stratified by study, indicated that the only
adverse event to have a possible dose response relationship, and then most prominent only with
30 mg, was somnolence (placebo, 7.7%; 15 mg, 8.7%; 20 mg, 7.5%; 30 mg, 15.3%).
Extrapyramidal Symptoms
In the short-term, placebo-controlled trials of schizophrenia, the incidence of reported EPS for
aripiprazole-treated patients was 6% vs. 6% for placebo. In the short-term, placebo-controlled trials
in bipolar mania, the incidence of reported EPS-related events excluding events related to akathisia
for aripiprazole-treated patients was 17% vs. 12% for placebo. In the short-term, placebo-controlled
trials in bipolar mania, the incidence of akathisia-related events for aripiprazole-treated patients was
15% vs. 4% for placebo. Objectively collected data from those trials was collected on the Simpson
Angus Rating Scale (for EPS), the Barnes Akathisia Scale (for akathisia) and the Assessments of
Involuntary Movement Scales (for dyskinesias). In the schizophrenia trials, the objectively collected
data did not show a difference between aripiprazole and placebo, with the exception of the Barnes
Akathisia Scale (aripiprazole, 0.08; placebo, -0.05). In the bipolar mania trials, the Simpson Angus
Rating Scale and the Barnes Akathisia Scale showed a significant difference between aripiprazole
and placebo (aripiprazole, 0.61; placebo, 0.03 and aripiprazole, 0.25; placebo, -0.06). Changes in the
Assessments of Involuntary Movement Scales were similar for the aripiprazole and placebo groups.
Similarly, in a long-term (26-week), placebo-controlled trial of schizophrenia, objectively collected
data on the Simpson Angus Rating Scale (for EPS), the Barnes Akathisia Scale (for akathisia), and the
Assessments of Involuntary Movement Scales (for dyskinesias) did not show a difference between
aripiprazole and placebo.
Laboratory Test Abnormalities
A between group comparison for 3- to 6-week, placebo-controlled trials revealed no medically
important differences between the aripiprazole and placebo groups in the proportions of patients
experiencing potentially clinically significant changes in routine serum chemistry, hematology, or
urinalysis parameters. Similarly, there were no aripiprazole/placebo differences in the incidence of
discontinuations for changes in serum chemistry, hematology, or urinalysis.
In a long-term (26-week), placebo-controlled trial there were no medically important differences
between the aripiprazole and placebo patients in the mean change from baseline in prolactin, fasting
glucose, triglyceride, HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol measurements.
Weight Gain
In 4- to 6-week trials in schizophrenia, there was a slight difference in mean weight gain between
aripiprazole and placebo patients (+0.7 kg vs. -0.05 kg, respectively), and also a difference in the
proportion of patients meeting a weight gain criterion of >7% of body weight [aripiprazole (8%)
compared to placebo (3%)]. In 3-week trials in mania, the mean weight gain for aripiprazole and
placebo patients was 0.0 kg vs. -0.2 kg, respectively. The proportion of patients meeting a weight
gain criterion of ≥7% of body weight was aripiprazole (3%) compared to placebo (2%).
Table 3 provides the weight change results from a long-term (26-week), placebo-controlled study
of aripiprazole, both mean change from baseline and proportions of patients meeting a weight gain
criterion of ≥7% of body weight relative to baseline, categorized by BMI at baseline:
Table 3: Weight Change Results Categorized by BMI at Baseline:
Placebo-Controlled Study in Schizophrenia, Safety Sample
BMI <23 BMI 23-27 BMI >27
Placebo Aripiprazole Placebo Aripiprazole Placebo Aripiprazole
Mean change from
baseline (kg) -0.5 -0.5 -0.6 -1.3 -1.5 -2.1
% with >7%
increase BW 3.7% 6.8% 4.2% 5.1% 4.1% 5.7%
Table 4 provides the weight change results from a long-term (52-week) study of aripiprazole,
both mean change from baseline and proportions of patients meeting a weight gain criterion of ≥7%
of body weight relative to baseline, categorized by BMI at baseline:
Table 4: Weight Change Results Categorized by BMI at Baseline:
Active-Controlled Study in Schizophrenia, Safety Sample
BMI <23 BMI 23-27 BMI >27
Mean change from baseline (kg) 2.6 1.4 -1.2
% with >7% increase BW 30% 19% 8%
ECG Changes
Between group comparisons for a pooled analysis of placebo-controlled trials in patients with schizophrenia
or bipolar mania, revealed no significant differences between aripiprazole and placebo in the
proportion of patients experiencing potentially important changes in ECG parameters. Aripiprazole
was associated with a median increase in heart rate of 5 beats per minute compared to a 1 beat per
minute increase among placebo patients.
Additional Findings Observed in Clinical Trials
Adverse Events in Long-Term, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials
The adverse events reported in a 26-week, double-blind trial comparing ABILIFY (aripiprazole) and
placebo in patients with schizophrenia were generally consistent with those reported in the shortterm,
placebo-controlled trials, except for a higher incidence of tremor [9% (13/153) for ABILIFY vs.
1% (2/153) for placebo]. In this study, the majority of the cases of tremor were of mild intensity
(9/13 mild and 4/13 moderate), occurred early in therapy (9/13 ≤49 days), and were of limited duration
(9/13 ≤10 days). Tremor infrequently led to discontinuation (<1%) of ABILIFY. In addition, in a
long-term (52-week), active-controlled study, the incidence of tremor for ABILIFY was 4% (34/859).
A similar adverse event profile was observed in a long-term study in bipolar disorder.
Other Adverse Events Observed During the Premarketing Evaluation of Aripiprazole
Following is a list of modified COSTART terms that reflect treatment-emergent adverse events as
defined in the introduction to the ADVERSE REACTIONS section reported by patients treated with
aripiprazole at multiple doses ≥2 mg/day during any phase of a trial within the database of 7951
patients. All reported events are included except those already listed in Table 2, or other parts of the
ADVERSE REACTIONS section, those considered in the WARNINGS or PRECAUTIONS, those event
terms which were so general as to be uninformative, events reported with an incidence of ≤0.05% and
which did not have a substantial probability of being acutely life-threatening, events that are otherwise
common as background events, and events considered unlikely to be drug related. It is important to
emphasize that, although the events reported occurred during treatment with aripiprazole, they were
not necessarily caused by it.
Events are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency
according to the following definitions: frequent adverse events are those occurring in at least 1/100
patients (only those not already listed in the tabulated results from placebo-controlled trials appear in
this listing); infrequent adverse events are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients; rare events
are those occurring in fewer than 1/1000 patients.
Body as a Whole: Frequent– flu syndrome, fever, chest pain, rigidity (including neck and extremity),
neck pain, pelvic pain; Infrequent –face edema, suicide attempt, malaise, migraine, chills, photosensitivity,
tightness (including abdomen, back, extremity, head, jaw, neck, and tongue), jaw pain,
bloating, enlarged abdomen, chest tightness, throat pain; Rare –moniliasis, head heaviness, throat
tightness, Mendelson’s syndrome, heat stroke.
Cardiovascular System: Frequent – tachycardia (including ventricular and supraventricular), hypotension,
bradycardia; Infrequent – palpitation, hemorrhage, heart failure, myocardial infarction, cardiac
arrest, atrial fibrillation, AV block, prolonged QT interval, extrasystoles, myocardial ischemia, deep vein
thrombosis, angina pectoris, pallor, cardiopulmonary arrest, phlebitis; Rare – bundle branch block, atrial
flutter, vasovagal reaction, cardiomegaly, thrombophlebitis, cardiopulmonary failure.
Digestive System: Frequent – nausea and vomiting; Infrequent –increased appetite, dysphagia,
gastroenteritis, flatulence, tooth caries, gastritis, gingivitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage,
hemorrhoids, gastroesophageal reflux, periodontal abscess, fecal incontinence, rectal hemorrhage,
stomatitis, colitis, tongue edema, cholecystitis, mouth ulcer, oral moniliasis, eructation, fecal
impaction, cholelithiasis; Rare –esophagitis, hematemesis, intestinal obstruction, gum hemorrhage,
hepatitis, peptic ulcer, glossitis, melena, duodenal ulcer, cheilitis, hepatomegaly, pancreatitis.
Endocrine System: Infrequent – hypothyroidism; Rare – goiter, hyperthyroidism.
Hemic/Lymphatic System: Frequent – ecchymosis, anemia; Infrequent – hypochromic anemia,
leukocytosis, leukopenia (including neutropenia), lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, macrocytic anemia;
Rare –thrombocythemia, thrombocytopenia, petechiae.
Metabolic and Nutritional Disorders: Frequent – weight loss, creatine phosphokinase increased,
dehydration; Infrequent – edema, hyperglycemia, hypercholesteremia, hypokalemia, diabetes
mellitus, hypoglycemia, hyperlipemia, SGPT increased, thirst, BUN increased, hyponatremia, SGOT
increased, creatinine increased, cyanosis, alkaline phosphatase increased, bilirubinemia, iron
deficiency anemia, hyperkalemia, hyperuricemia, obesity; Rare – lactic dehydrogenase increased,
hypernatremia, gout, hypoglycemic reaction.
Musculoskeletal System: Frequent – muscle cramp; Infrequent –arthralgia, myasthenia, arthrosis,
bone pain, arthritis, muscle weakness, spasm, bursitis, myopathy; Rare – rheumatoid arthritis,
rhabdomyolysis, tendonitis, tenosynovitis.
Nervous System: Frequent – depression, nervousness, schizophrenic reaction, hallucination, hostility,
confusion, paranoid reaction, suicidal thought, abnormal gait, manic reaction, delusions, abnormal
dream; Infrequent –emotional lability, twitch, cogwheel rigidity, impaired concentration, dystonia,
vasodilation, paresthesia, impotence, extremity tremor, hypesthesia, vertigo, stupor, bradykinesia,
apathy, panic attack, decreased libido, hypersomnia, dyskinesia, manic depressive reaction, ataxia,
visual hallucination, cerebrovascular accident, hypokinesia, depersonalization, impaired memory,
delirium, dysarthria, tardive dyskinesia, amnesia, hyperactivity, increased libido, myoclonus, restless
leg, neuropathy, dysphoria, hyperkinesia, cerebral ischemia, increased reflexes, akinesia, decreased
consciousness, hyperesthesia, slowed thinking; Rare –blunted affect, euphoria, incoordination, oculogyric
crisis, obsessive thought, hypotonia, buccoglossal syndrome, decreased reflexes, derealization,
intracranial hemorrhage.
Respiratory System: Frequent – sinusitis, dyspnea, pneumonia, asthma; Infrequent – epistaxis,
hiccup, laryngitis, aspiration pneumonia; Rare – pulmonary edema, increased sputum, pulmonary
embolism, hypoxia, respiratory failure, apnea, dry nasal passages, hemoptysis.
Skin and Appendages: Frequent – skin ulcer, sweating, dry skin; Infrequent – pruritus, vesiculobullous
rash, acne, eczema, skin discoloration, alopecia, seborrhea, psoriasis; Rare– maculopapular
rash, exfoliative dermatitis, urticaria.
Special Senses: Frequent – conjunctivitis; Infrequent – ear pain, dry eye, eye pain, tinnitus,
cataract, otitis media, altered taste, blepharitis, eye hemorrhage, deafness; Rare– diplopia, frequent
blinking, ptosis, otitis externa, amblyopia, photophobia.
Urogenital System: Frequent – urinary incontinence; Infrequent – urinary frequency, leukorrhea,
urinary retention, cystitis, hematuria, dysuria, amenorrhea, vaginal hemorrhage, abnormal ejaculation,
kidney failure, vaginal moniliasis, urinary urgency, gynecomastia, kidney calculus, albuminuria,
breast pain, urinary burning; Rare – nocturia, polyuria, menorrhagia, anorgasmy, glycosuria, cervicitis,
uterus hemorrhage, female lactation, urolithiasis, priapism.
Other Events Observed During the Postmarketing Evaluation of Aripiprazole
Voluntary reports of adverse events in patients taking aripiprazole that have been received since
market introduction and not listed above that may have no causal relationship with the drug include
rare occurrences of allergic reaction (e.g., anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, laryngospasm, pruritis,
or urticaria).
DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE
Controlled Substance
ABILIFY (aripiprazole) is not a controlled substance.
Abuse and Dependence
Aripiprazole has not been systematically studied in humans for its potential for abuse, tolerance, or
physical dependence. In physical dependence studies in monkeys, withdrawal symptoms were
observed upon abrupt cessation of dosing. While the clinical trials did not reveal any tendency for any
drug-seeking behavior, these observations were not systematic and it is not possible to predict on
the basis of this limited experience the extent to which a CNS-active drug will be misused, diverted,
and/or abused once marketed. Consequently, patients should be evaluated carefully for a history of
drug abuse, and such patients should be observed closely for signs of ABILIFY misuse or abuse (e.g.,
development of tolerance, increases in dose, drug-seeking behavior).
OVERDOSAGE
Human Experience
In clinical studies, accidental or intentional acute overdosage of aripiprazole was identifed in patients
with estimated doses up to 1080 mg with no fatalities. The reported signs and symptoms observed
with aripiprazole overdose included nausea, vomiting, asthenia, diarrhea, and somnolence. In the
patients who were evaluated in hospital settings, there were no reported observations indicating
clinically significant adverse change in vital signs, laboratory assessments, or ECG.
During postmarketing experience, the reported signs and symptoms observed in adult patients
who overdosed with aripiprazole alone at doses up to 450 mg included tachycardia. In addition,
reports of accidental overdose with aripiprazole (up to 195 mg) in children have been received. The
potentially medically serious signs and symptoms reported include extrapyramidal symptoms and
transient loss of consciousness with recovery.
Management of Overdosage
No specific information is available on the treatment of overdose with aripiprazole. An electrocardiogram
should be obtained in case of overdosage and, if QTc interval prolongation is present,
cardiac monitoring should be instituted. Otherwise, management of overdose should concentrate on
supportive therapy, maintaining an adequate airway, oxygenation and ventilation, and management of
symptoms. Close medical supervision and monitoring should continue until the patient recovers.
Charcoal: In the event of an overdose of ABILIFY, an early charcoal administration may be useful
in partially preventing the absorption of aripiprazole. Administration of 50 g of activated charcoal, one
hour after a single 15-mg oral dose of aripiprazole, decreased the mean AUC and Cmax of aripiprazole
by 50%.
Hemodialysis: Although there is no information on the effect of hemodialysis in treating an
overdose with aripiprazole, hemodialysis is unlikely to be useful in overdose management since
aripiprazole is highly bound to plasma proteins.
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
Schizophrenia
Usual Dose
The recommended starting and target dose for ABILIFY is 10 or 15 mg/day administered on a
once-a-day schedule without regard to meals. ABILIFY has been systematically evaluated and shown
to be effective in a dose range of 10 to 30 mg/day, when administered as the tablet formulation,
however, doses higher than 10 or 15 mg/day, the lowest doses in these trials, were not more
effective than 10 or 15 mg/day. Dosage increases should not be made before 2 weeks, the time
needed to achieve steady state.
Dosage in Special Populations
Dosage adjustments are not routinely indicated on the basis of age, gender, race, or renal or hepatic
impairment status (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Special Populations).
Dosage adjustment for patients taking aripiprazole concomitantly with potential CYP3A4
inhibitors: When concomitant administration of ketoconazole with aripiprazole occurs, aripiprazole
dose should be reduced to one-half of the usual dose. When the CYP3A4 inhibitor is withdrawn from
the combination therapy, aripiprazole dose should then be increased.
Dosage adjustment for patients taking aripiprazole concomitantly with potential CYP2D6
inhibitors:When concomitant administration of potential CYP2D6 inhibitors such as quinidine, fluoxetine,
or paroxetine with aripiprazole occurs, aripiprazole dose should be reduced at least to one-half
of its normal dose. When the CYP2D6 inhibitor is withdrawn from the combination therapy, aripiprazole
dose should then be increased.
Dosage adjustment for patients taking potential CYP3A4 inducers: When a potential CYP3A4
inducer such as carbamazepine is added to aripiprazole therapy, the aripiprazole dose should be
doubled (to 20 or 30 mg). Additional dose increases should be based on clinical evaluation. When
carbamazepine is withdrawn from the combination therapy, the aripiprazole dose should be reduced
to 10 to 15 mg.
Maintenance Therapy
While there is no body of evidence available to answer the question of how long a patient treated with
aripiprazole should remain on it, systematic evaluation of patients with schizophrenia who had been
symptomatically stable on other antipsychotic medications for periods of 3 months or longer, were
discontinued from those medications, and were then administered ABILIFY (aripiprazole) 15 mg/day
and observed for relapse during a period of up to 26 weeks, demonstrated a benefit of such maintenance
treatment (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies). Patients should be periodically
reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment.
Switching from Other Antipsychotics
There are no systematically collected data to specifically address switching patients with
schizophrenia from other antipsychotics to ABILIFY or concerning concomitant administration with
other antipsychotics. While immediate discontinuation of the previous antipsychotic treatment may
be acceptable for some patients with schizophrenia, more gradual discontinuation may be most
appropriate for others. In all cases, the period of overlapping antipsychotic administration should be
minimized.
Bipolar Disorder
Usual Dose
In clinical trials, the starting dose was 30 mg given once a day. A dose of 30 mg/day was found to be
effective when administered as the tablet formulation. Approximately 15% of patients had their dose
decreased to 15 mg based on assessment of tolerability. The safety of doses above 30 mg/day has
not been evaluated in clinical trials.
Dosage in Special Populations
See Dosage in Special Populationsunder DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Schizophrenia.
Maintenance Therapy
While there is no body of evidence available to answer the question of how long a patient treated with
aripiprazole should remain on it, patients with Bipolar I Disorder who had been symptomatically
stable on ABILIFY Tablets (15 mg/day or 30 mg/day with a starting dose of 30 mg/day) for at least
6 consecutive weeks and then randomized to ABILIFY Tablets (15 mg/day or 30 mg/day) or placebo
and monitored for relapse, demonstrated a benefit of such maintenance treatment (see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY: Clinical Studies). While it is generally agreed that pharmacological treatment
beyond an acute response in mania is desirable, both for maintenance of the initial response and for
prevention of new manic episodes, there are no systematically obtained data to support the use of
aripiprazole in such longer-term treatment (i.e., beyond 6 weeks).
Oral Solution
The oral solution can be given on a mg-per-mg basis in place of the 5-, 10-, 15-, or 20-mg tablet
strengths. Solution doses can be substituted for the tablet doses on a mg-per-mg basis up to 25 mg
of the tablet. Patients receiving 30-mg tablets should receive 25 mg of the solution (see CLINICAL
PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics).
ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY
Aripiprazole produced retinal degeneration in albino rats in a 26-week chronic toxicity study at a dose
of 60 mg/kg and in a 2-year carcinogenicity study at doses of 40 and 60 mg/kg. The 40- and 60-
mg/kg doses are 13 and 19 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) based on
mg/m2 and 7 to 14 times human exposure at 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.
HOW SUPPLIED
ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) Tablets are available in the following strengths and packages.
The 5-mg ABILIFY tablets are blue, modified rectangular tablets, debossed on one side
with “A-007” and “5”.
Bottles of 30 NDC 59148-007-13
Blister of 100 NDC 59148-007-35
The 10-mg ABILIFY tablets are pink, modified rectangular tablets, debossed on one side
with “A-008” and “10”.
Bottles of 30 NDC 59148-008-13
Blister of 100 NDC 59148-008-35
The 15-mg ABILIFY tablets are yellow, round tablets, debossed on one side with “A-009”
and “15”.
Bottles of 30 NDC 59148-009-13
Blister of 100 NDC 59148-009-35
The 20-mg ABILIFY tablets are white, round tablets, debossed on one side with “A-010”
and “20”.
Bottles of 30 NDC 59148-010-13
Blister of 100 NDC 59148-010-35
The 30-mg ABILIFY tablets are pink, round tablets, debossed on one side with “A-011”
and “30”.
Bottles of 30 NDC 59148-011-13
Blister of 100 NDC 59148-011-35
ABILIFY® (aripiprazole) Oral Solution (1 mg/mL) is supplied in child-resistant bottles along with a calibrated
oral dosing cup. ABILIFY oral solution is available as follows:
150-mL bottle NDC 59148-012-15
Storage
Tablets
Store at 25º C (77º F); excursions permitted to 15° C to 30º C (59º F to 86º F) [see USP Controlled
Room Temperature].
Oral Solution
Store in a refrigerator at 2° C to 8° C (36° F to 46° F). Open bottles of ABILIFY oral solution should be
stored in a refrigerator and can be used for up to 6 months after opening.
Tablets manufactured by Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 101-8535 Japan or
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ 08543 USA
Oral Solution manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ 08543 USA
Distributed and marketed by Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850 USA
Marketed by Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, NJ 08543 USA
U.S. Patent Nos. 4,734,416 and 5,006,528
AP4996/04-05 1156731B4
D6-B0001-04-05 Revised April 2005
©2005 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo, 101-8535 Japan