cariprazine

Absorption: Well absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Protein Binding: 91–97%.

Metabolism/Excretion: Two metabolites, desmethyl cariprazine (DCAR) and didesmethyl cariprazine (DDCAR), have antipsychotic activity. Metabolism occurs mostly via the CYP3A4 enzyme system, with further metabolism resulting in inactive metabolites; 21% excreted urine, 1.2% as unchanged drug.

Half-life: Cariprazine — 2–4 days; DDCAR — 1–3 wk.

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

Known cerebrovascular/cardiovascular disease, dehydration, concurrent use of diuretics/antihypertensives or syncope (↑ risk of orthostatic hypotension)
Pre-existing ↓ WBC or ANC or history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia
At risk of aspiration or falls
OB: Neonates exposed in the third trimester may experience extrapyramidal symptoms/withdrawal
Lactation: Use while breast feeding only if potential maternal benefit justifies potential risk to infant
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established; may ↑ risk of suicide attempt/ideation in children or adolescents
Geri: Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis (↑ risk of adverse cardiovascular effects and death), consider age-related ↓ in renal/hepatic/cardiovascular function, concurrent disease states and medications (↓ initial dose recommended).

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: hypertension, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia.

Derm: STEVENS-JOHNSON SYNDROME, rash.

EENT: blurred vision.

GI: dyspepsia, nausea, ↓ appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dry mouth, dysphagia (↑ aspiration risk), ↑ liver enzymes, vomiting.

Hemat: AGRANULOCYTOSIS, leukopenia, neutropenia.

Metab: dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia/diabetes mellitus, weight gain.

MS: arthralgia, back pain, extremity pain.

Neuro: akathisia, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia , SUICIDAL THOUGHTS/BEHAVIORS, drowsiness, headache, agitation, dizziness, fatigue, insomnia, restlessness.

Resp: cough.

Misc: NEUROLEPTIC MALIGNANT SYNDROME, body temperature dysregulation.

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-Drug:

Levels, effects and risk of toxicity ↑ by concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors including itraconazole and ketoconazole; concurrent use not recommended.
Levels and effectiveness may be ↓ by concurrent use of strong CYP3A4 inducers including carbamazepine and rifampin; concurrent use not recommended.
Concurrent use of diuretics or antihypertensives may ↑ risk of orthostatic hypotension/syncope.

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Schizophrenia or Acute Treatment of Mania/Mixed Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder

PO (Adults): 1.5 mg once daily; may ↑ to 3 mg once daily on Day 2; further dosage adjustments can be made in increments of 1.5 mg or 3 mg depending on response/tolerability (max dose = 6 mg once daily). Initiation of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor while on stable dose of cariprazine — ↓dose by 50%; Initiation of cariprazine while on stable dose of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor — 1.5 mg once daily on Day 1 and 3 (no dose on Day 2), then 1.5 mg once daily starting on Day 4; may titrate depending on response/tolerance up to max dose of 3 mg once daily.

Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar I Disorder

PO (Adults): 1.5 mg once daily; may ↑ to 3 mg once daily on Day 15 depending on response/tolerability (max dose = 3 mg once daily); Initiation of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor while on stable dose of cariprazine — ↓dose by 50%; Initiation of cariprazine while on stable dose of strong CYP3A4 inhibitor — 1.5 mg once daily on Day 1 and 3 (no dose on Day 2), then 1.5 mg once daily starting on Day 4; may titrate depending on response/tolerance up to max dose of 3 mg once daily.

Implementation ⬆ ⬇

PO: Administer once daily without regard to meals.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antipsychotics

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Capsules: 1.5 mg; 3 mg; 4.5 mg; 6 mg;

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(improvement in symptoms)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO (schizophrenia)	within 1–2 wk	4–6 wk	2 wk†
PO (mania due to bipolar 1 disorder)	within 5–7 days	2–3 wk	2 wk†

†Blood levels of drug and active metabolites following discontinuation.

Assessment ⬆ ⬇

Assess mental status (orientation, mood, behavior) before and periodically during therapy. Monitor for worsening depression and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Assess weight and BMI at baseline and frequently during therapy.
Monitor BP (sitting, standing, lying), pulse, and respiratory rate before and periodically during therapy.
Observe patient carefully when administering medication to ensure that medication is actually taken and not hoarded or cheeked.
Monitor for adverse reactions and patient response for several wk after starting therapy and after each dose increase. Due to long action, may not occur for several wks. Consider reducing dose or discontinuing drug if severe adverse reactions occur.
Monitor patient for onset of akathisia (restlessness or desire to keep moving) and extrapyramidal side effects (parkinsonian — difficulty speaking or swallowing, loss of balance control, pill rolling of hands, masklike face, shuffling gait, rigidity, tremors; and dystonic — muscle spasms, twisting motions, twitching, inability to move eyes, weakness of arms or legs) periodically throughout therapy. Report these symptoms.
Monitor for tardive dyskinesia (uncontrolled rhythmic movement of mouth, face, and extremities; lip smacking or puckering; puffing of cheeks; uncontrolled chewing; rapid or worm-like movements of tongue). Notify health care professional immediately if these symptoms occur, as these side effects may be irreversible.
Monitor for development of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, respiratory distress, tachycardia, seizures, diaphoresis, hypertension or hypotension, pallor, tiredness, loss of bladder control). Notify health care professional immediately if these symptoms occur.
Assess for skin reactions (rash, toxic skin reactions, bullous exanthema).
Assess for falls risk. Drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, and motor and sensory instability increase risk. Institute prevention if indicated.

Lab Test Considerations:

Monitor CBC frequently during therapy in patients with pre-existing or history of low WBC. May cause leukopenia, neutropenia, or agranulocytosis. Discontinue therapy if severe neutropenia (ANC <1000 mm³) occurs.
- Monitor fasting blood glucose and lipid profile before, soon after starting, and periodically during therapy.

Pot. Nursing Diagnoses ⬆ ⬇

Disturbed thought process (Indications).
Imbalanced nutrition: risk for more than body requirements (Side Effects).

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Advise patient to take medication as directed and not to skip doses or double up on missed doses. Take missed doses as soon as remembered unless almost time for the next dose. Do not stop taking cariprazine without consulting health care professional.
Inform patient of possibility of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia. Instruct patient to report these symptoms immediately.
Advise patient to make position changes slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension. Protect from falls.
Medication may cause drowsiness. Caution patient to avoid driving or other activities requiring alertness until response to medication is known.
Advise patient and family to notify health care professional of new or worse depression; new or worse anxiety; feeling very agitated or restless; panic attacks; trouble sleeping; new or worse irritability; acting aggressive; being angry or violent; acting on dangerous impulses; an extreme increase in activity and talking; other unusual changes in behavior or mood; or rash occur.
Inform patient that cariprazine may cause weight gain. Advise patient to monitor weight periodically. Notify health care professional of significant weight gain.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking any new medications. Caution patient to avoid taking alcohol or other CNS depressants concurrently with this medication.
Advise patient that extremes in temperature should be avoided, because this drug impairs body temperature regulation.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of medication regimen prior to treatment or surgery.
Rep: Advise female patients to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected and to avoid breast feeding during therapy. Encourage pregnant patients to enroll in registry by contacting National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visit womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/. Monitor neonates of women pregnant while taking cariprazine for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms and manage symptoms appropriately.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes ⬆ ⬇

Decrease in excitable, paranoid, or withdrawn behavior.
Decreased occurrence and severity of mania associated with bipolar 1 disorder.

Code ⬆

NDC Code^*

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-115- Vraylar 61874-115-07- 7 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (61874-115-07)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-115- Vraylar 61874-115-17- 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (61874-115-17) > 7 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-115- Vraylar 61874-115-20- 2 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (61874-115-20) > 10 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (61874-115-11)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-115- Vraylar 61874-115-30- 30 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE (61874-115-30)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-115- Vraylar 61874-115-31- 5 CARTON in 1 TRAY (61874-115-31) > 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON > 30 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-130- Vraylar 61874-130-07- 7 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (61874-130-07)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-130- Vraylar 61874-130-20- 2 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (61874-130-20) > 10 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (61874-130-11)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-130- Vraylar 61874-130-30- 30 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE (61874-130-30)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-130- Vraylar 61874-130-31- 5 CARTON in 1 TRAY (61874-130-31) > 1 BOTTLE in 1 CARTON > 30 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-145- Vraylar 61874-145-07- 7 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (61874-145-07)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-145- Vraylar 61874-145-30- 30 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE (61874-145-30)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-160- Vraylar 61874-160-07- 7 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK (61874-160-07)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-160- Vraylar 61874-160-30- 30 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BOTTLE (61874-160-30)

61874- Allergan, Inc.
61874-170- Vraylar 61874-170-08- 1 BLISTER PACK in 1 CARTON (61874-170-08) > 1 KIT in 1 BLISTER PACK * 1 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK * 6 CAPSULE, GELATIN COATED in 1 BLISTER PACK

section name header

Pronunciation ⬇

Indications ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇