WARNINGS
Included as part of the "PRECAUTIONS" Section
PRECAUTIONS
Increased Mortality In Elderly Patients With Dementia-Related Psychosis
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased
risk of death. Analyses of 17 placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients
taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to
1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10 week controlled
trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the
placebo group.
Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g.,
heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that,
similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase
mortality. The extent to which the findings of increased mortality in observational studies may be
attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to some characteristic(s) of the patients is not clear.
ABILIFY MYCITE is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see BOX WARNING, Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-
Related Psychosis].
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Pediatric And Young Adult Patients
In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant
classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients and over 4,400 pediatric patients, the
incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients was greater in
antidepressant-treated patients than in placebo-treated patients. The safety and efficacy of ABILIFY
MYCITE have not been established in pediatric patients [see Use In Specific Populations]. The
drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients
treated are provided in Table 3.
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric studies. There were suicides in the adult studies, but the
number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about antidepressant drug effect on suicide.
Table 3: Risk Differences of the Number of Cases of
Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-
Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and
Adult Patients
Age Range
(years ) |
Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of
Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors
per 1000 Patients Treated |
|
Increases Compared to Placebo |
<18 |
14 additional patients |
18-24 |
5 additional patients |
|
Decreases Compared to Placebo |
25-64 |
1 fewer patient |
≥65 |
6 fewer patients |
It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients
extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from
placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that antidepressants delay the recurrence of
depression.
Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts
and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy and at times of dosage changes.
Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the
healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing
ABILIFY MYCITE, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing
emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions, 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. ABILIFY MYCITE is not approved
for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see BOX WARNING].
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
may occur with administration of antipsychotic drugs, including ABILIFY MYCITE. 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) 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, including ABILIFY MYCITE. 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.
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 MYCITE 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 MYCITE, drug
discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment with ABILIFY
MYCITE despite the presence of the syndrome.
Metabolic Changes
Atypical antipsychotic drugs have caused metabolic changes that include hyperglycemia, diabetes
mellitus, dyslipidemia, and body weight gain. While all of the drugs in the class have been shown to
produce some metabolic changes, each drug has its own specific risk profile.
Hyperglycemia/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 reports of
hyperglycemia in patients treated with aripiprazole [see ADVERSE REACTIONS]. 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 suggest an increased risk of hyperglycemiarelated
adverse reactions in patients treated with the atypical antipsychotics.
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 atypical antipsychotic drug.
In an analysis of 13 placebo-controlled monotherapy trials in adults, primarily with schizophrenia or
bipolar disorder, the mean change in fasting glucose in aripiprazole -treated patients (+4.4 mg/dL;
median exposure 25 days; N=1057) was not significantly different than in placebo-treated patients
(+2.5 mg/dL; median exposure 22 days; N=799). Table 4 shows the proportion of aripiprazole-treated
patients with normal and borderline fasting glucose at baseline (median exposure 25 days) that had
treatment-emergent high fasting glucose measurements compared to placebo-treated patients (median
exposure 22 days).
Table 4: Changes in Fasting Glucose in Placebo-Controlled
Monotherapy Trials in Adult Patients (Primarily Schizophrenia and
Bipolar Disorder)
|
Category Change (at
least once) from
Baseline |
Treatment
Arm |
n/N |
% |
Fasting
Glucose |
Normal to High
(<100 mg/dL to
≥126 mg/dL) |
Aripiprazole |
31/822 |
3.8 |
Placebo |
22/605 |
3.6 |
Borderline to High
(≥100 mg/dL and
<126 mg/dL to
≥126 mg/dL) |
Aripiprazole |
31/176 |
17.6 |
Placebo |
13/142 |
9.2 |
At 24 weeks, the mean change in fasting glucose in aripiprazole-treated patients was not significantly
different than in placebo-treated patients [+2.2 mg/dL (n=42) and +9.6 mg/dL (n=28), respectively].
The mean change in fasting glucose in adjunctive aripiprazole-treated patients with major depressive
disorder (+0.7 mg/dL; median exposure 42 days; N=241) was not significantly different than in placebotreated
patients (+0.8 mg/dL; median exposure 42 days; N=246). Table 5 shows the proportion of adult
patients with changes in fasting glucose levels from two placebo-controlled, adjunctive trials (median
exposure 42 days) in patients with major depressive disorder.
Table 5: Changes in Fasting Glucose From Placebo-Controlled
Adjunctive Trials in Adult Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
|
Category Change (at least once) from
Baseline |
Treatment
Arm |
n/N |
% |
Fasting
Glucose |
Normal to High
(<100 mg/dL to
≥126 mg/dL) |
Aripiprazole |
2/201 |
1.0 |
Placebo |
2/204 |
1.0 |
Borderline to High
(≥100 mg/dL and
<126 mg/dL to
≥126 mg/dL) |
Aripiprazole |
4/34 |
11.8 |
Placebo |
3/37 |
8.1 |
Dyslipidemia
Undesirable alterations in lipids have been observed in patients treated with atypical antipsychotics.
Analyses of patients with at least 12 or 24 weeks of exposure were limited by small numbers of patients.
Table 6 shows the proportion of adult patients, primarily from pooled schizophrenia and bipolar
disorder monotherapy placebo-controlled trials, with changes in total cholesterol (pooled from 17
trials; median exposure 21 to 25 days), fasting triglycerides (pooled from eight trials; median exposure
42 days), fasting LDL cholesterol (pooled from eight trials; median exposure 39 to 45 days, except for
placebo-treated patients with baseline normal fasting LDL measurements, who had median treatment
exposure of 24 days) and HDL cholesterol (pooled from nine trials; median exposure 40 to 42 days).
Table 6: Changes in Blood Lipid Parameters From Placebo-Controlled
Monotherapy Trials in Adults (Primarily Schizophrenia and Bipolar
Disorder)
|
Treatment Arm |
n/N |
% |
Total Cholesterol |
Aripiprazole |
34/1357 |
2.5 |
Normal to High
(<200 mg/dL to
≥240 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
27/973 |
2.8 |
Fasting Triglycerides |
Aripiprazole |
40/539 |
7.4 |
Normal to High
(<150 mg/dL to
≥200 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
30/431 |
7.0 |
Fasting LDL
Cholester |
Aripiprazole |
2/332 |
0.6 |
Normal to High
(<100 mg/dL to
≥160 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
2/268 |
0.7 |
HDL Cholesterol |
Aripiprazole |
121/1066 |
11.4 |
Normal to Low
(≥40 mg/dL to
<40 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
99/794 |
12.5 |
In monotherapy trials in adults, the proportion of patients at 12 weeks and 24 weeks with changes from
Normal to High in total cholesterol (fasting/nonfasting), fasting triglycerides, and fasting LDL
cholesterol were similar between aripiprazole- and placebo-treated patients: at 12 weeks, Total
Cholesterol (fasting/nonfasting), 1/71 (1.4%) vs. 3/74 (4.1%); Fasting Triglycerides, 8/62 (12.9%) vs.
5/37 (13.5%); Fasting LDL Cholesterol, 0/34 (0%) vs. 1/25 (4.0%), respectively; and at 24 weeks, Total
Cholesterol (fasting/nonfasting), 1/42 (2.4%) vs. 3/37 (8.1%); Fasting Triglycerides, 5/34 (14.7%) vs.
5/20 (25%); Fasting LDL Cholesterol, 0/22 (0%) vs. 1/18 (5.6%), respectively.
Table 7 shows the proportion of patients with changes in total cholesterol (fasting/nonfasting), fasting
triglycerides, fasting LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol from two placebo-controlled adjunctive
trials in adult patients with major depressive disorder (median exposure 42 days).
Table 7: Changes in Blood Lipid Parameters From Placebo-Controlled
Adjunctive Trials in Adult Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
|
Treatment Arm |
n/N |
% |
Total Cholesterol |
Aripiprazole |
3/139 |
2.2 |
Normal to High
(<200 mg/dL to
≥240 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
7/135 |
5.2 |
Fasting Triglycerides |
Aripiprazole |
14/145 |
9.7 |
Normal to High
(<150 mg/dL to
≥200 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
6/147 |
4.1 |
Fasting LDL
Cholesterol |
Aripiprazole |
0/54 |
0 |
Normal to High (<100 mg/dL to
≥160 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
0/73 |
0 |
HDL Cholesterol |
Aripiprazole |
17/318 |
5.3 |
Normal to Low
(≥40 mg/dL to
<40 mg/dL) |
Placebo |
10/286 |
3.5 |
Weight Gain
Weight gain has been observed with atypical antipsychotic use. Clinical monitoring of weight is
recommended.
In an analysis of 13 placebo-controlled monotherapy trials, primarily from pooled schizophrenia and
bipolar disorder, with a median exposure of 21 to 25 days, the mean change in body weight in
aripiprazole-treated patients was +0.3 kg (N=1673) compared to –0.1 kg (N=1100) in placebocontrolled
patients. At 24 weeks, the mean change from baseline in body weight in aripiprazole-treated
patients was –1.5 kg (n=73) compared to –0.2 kg (n=46) in placebo-treated patients.
In the trials adding aripiprazole to antidepressants, patients first received 8 weeks of antidepressant
treatment followed by 6 weeks of adjunctive aripiprazole or placebo in addition to their ongoing
antidepressant treatment. The mean change in body weight in patients receiving adjunctive aripiprazole
was +1.7 kg (N=347) compared to +0.4 kg (N=330) in patients receiving adjunctive placebo.
Table 8 shows the percentage of adult patients with weight gain ≥7% of body weight by indication.
Table 8: Percentage of Patients From Placebo-Controlled Trials in Adult
Patients with Weight Gain ≥7% of Body Weight
Weight gain ≥7%
of body weight |
Indication |
Treatment Arm |
N |
Patients n
(%) |
|
Schizophrenia* |
Aripiprazole |
852 |
69 (8.1) |
Placebo |
379 |
12 (3.2) |
Bipolar Mania† |
Aripiprazole |
719 |
16 (2.2) |
Placebo |
598 |
16 (2.7) |
Major Depressive
Disorder
(Adjunctive
Therapy) ‡ |
Aripiprazole |
347 |
18 (5.2) |
Placebo |
330 |
2 (0.6) |
* 4 -6 weeks duration.
† 3 weeks duration.
‡ 6 weeks duration. |
Pathological Gambling And Other Compulsive Behaviors
Post-marketing case reports suggest that patients can experience intense urges, particularly for
gambling, and the inability to control these urges while taking aripiprazole. Other compulsive urges,
reported less frequently, include: sexual urges, shopping, eating or binge eating, and other impulsive or
compulsive behaviors. Because patients may not recognize these behaviors as abnormal, it is important
for prescribers to ask patients or their caregivers specifically about the development of new or intense
gambling urges, compulsive sexual urges, compulsive shopping, binge or compulsive eating, or other
urges while being treated with ABILIFY MYCITE. It should be noted that impulse-control symptoms
can be associated with the underlying disorder. In some cases, although not all, urges were reported to
have stopped when the dose was reduced or the medication was discontinued. Compulsive behaviors
may result in harm to the patient and others if not recognized. Consider dose reduction or stopping the
medication if a patient develops such urges.
Orthostatic Hypotension
ABILIFY MYCITE may cause orthostatic hypotension, perhaps due to its α1 -adrenergic receptor
antagonism. The incidence of orthostatic hypotension-associated events from short-term, placebocontrolled
trials of adult patients on oral aripiprazole (n=2467) included (aripiprazole incidence,
placebo incidence) orthostatic hypotension (1%, 0.3%), postural dizziness (0.5%, 0.3%), and syncope
(0.5%, 0.4%) [see ADVERSE REACTIONS].
The incidence of a significant orthostatic change in blood pressure (defined as a decrease in systolic
blood pressure ≥20 mmHg accompanied by an increase in heart rate ≥25 bpm when comparing standing
to supine values) for aripiprazole was not meaningfully different from placebo (aripiprazole incidence,
placebo incidence) in adult oral aripiprazole-treated patients (4%, 2%).
ABILIFY MYCITE 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) [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Falls
Antipsychotics, including ABILIFY MYCITE, may cause somnolence, postural hypotension, motor and
sensory instability, which may lead to falls and, consequently, fractures or other injuries. For patients
with diseases, conditions, or medications that could exacerbate these effects, complete fall risk
assessments when initiating antipsychotic treatment and recurrently for patients on long-term
antipsychotic therapy.
Leukopenia, Neutropenia, And Agranulocytosis
In clinical trials and/or postmarketing experience, events of leukopenia and neutropenia have been
reported temporally related to antipsychotic agents, including aripiprazole. Agranulocytosis has also
been reported.
Possible risk factors for leukopenia/neutropenia include pre-existing low white blood cell count
(WBC)/absolute neutrophil count (ANC) and history of drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia. In patients
with a history of a clinically significant low WBC/ANC or drug-induced leukopenia/neutropenia,
perform a complete blood count (CBC) frequently during the first few months of therapy. In such
patients, consider discontinuation of ABILIFY MYCITE at the first sign of a clinically significant
decline in WBC in the absence of other causative factors.
Monitor patients with clinically significant neutropenia for fever or other symptoms or signs of
infection and treat promptly if such symptoms or signs occur. Discontinue ABILIFY MYCITE in
patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count <1000/mm3) and follow their WBC counts
until recovery.
Seizures
In short-term, placebo-controlled trials, patients with a history of seizures excluded
seizures/convulsions occurred in 0.1% (3/2467) of undiagnosed adult patients treated with oral
aripiprazole.
As with other antipsychotic drugs, ABILIFY MYCITE should be used cautiously in patients with a
history of seizures or with conditions that lower the seizure threshold. Conditions that lower the
seizure threshold may be more prevalent in a population of 65 years or older.
Potential For Cognitive And Motor Impairment
ABILIFY MYCITE, like other antipsychotics, has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor
skills. In short-term, placebo-controlled trials, somnolence (including sedation) was reported in 11% of
aripiprazole-treated patients compared with 6% of placebo-treated patients. Somnolence (including
sedation) led to discontinuation in 0.3% (8/2467) of adult patients on oral aripiprazole in short-term,
placebo-controlled trials.
Patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are
reasonably certain that therapy with ABILIFY MYCITE 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 ABILIFY MYCITE 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, including
aripiprazole. ABILIFY MYCITE and other antipsychotic drugs should be used cautiously in patients at
risk for aspiration pneumonia.
Patient Counseling Information
Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
General Instructions For Use
Instruct patients to refer to the app store to ensure compatibility with their specific smartphone.
Instruct patient to first download the MYCITE APP and follow instructions provided by the app.
Advise patients that the initial use should be facilitated by the healthcare provider.
Advise patients that most ingestions will be detected within 30 minutes; however, in some cases it can
take over two hours for the smartphone app and web portal to detect the ingestion of ABILIFY
MYCITE. In some cases, the ingestion of the tablet may not be detected. If the tablet is not detected after
ingestion, the dose should not be repeated.
Managing Lost Or Disabled Mobile Device
Advise patients that if their smartphone is lost, impaired or otherwise rendered unusable, some
information collected by the system (synced) may be lost. Advise patients to change their MYCITE
Patch immediately and connect to a new mobile device using their current account information.
Information previously synced to the patients account will be available.
Using The Mycite Patch In Different Environments
The MYCITE Patch will communicate with a paired device when it is within 9 foot proximity. The
MYCITE Patch should remain on an individual whether they are showering, swimming, or exercising as
it is intended to tolerate water or perspiration. Patients undergoing an MRI, however, need to remove
their patch and replace with a new one as soon as possible. In order for the MYCITE Patch to
communicate with a smartphone, the device must be powered on and Bluetooth® -enabled.
Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors
Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidality, especially early during
treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down and instruct them to report such symptoms to the
healthcare provider [see BOX WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant
Syndrome (NMS) that has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs.
Advise patients to contact a health care provider or report to the emergency room if they experience
signs or symptoms of NMS [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Tardive Dyskinesia
Advise patients that abnormal involuntary movements have been associated with the administration of
antipsychotic drugs. Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and to contact
their health care provider if these abnormal movements occur [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Metabolic Changes
Educate patients about the risk of metabolic changes, how to recognize symptoms of hyperglycemia and
diabetes mellitus, and the need for specific monitoring, including blood glucose, lipids, and weight [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Pathological Gambling And Other Compulsive Behaviors
Advise patients and their caregivers of the possibility that they may experience compulsive urges to
shop, increased urges to gamble, compulsive sexual urges, binge eating and/or other compulsive urges
and the inability to control these urges while taking aripiprazole. In some cases, but not all, the urges
were reported to have stopped when the dose was reduced or stopped [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Orthostatic Hypotension And Syncope
Educate patients about the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope especially early in treatment,
when re-initiating treatment, or when increasing the dosage [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Leukopenia, Neutropenia And Agranulocytosis
Advise patients with a pre-existing low WBC or a history of drug induced leukopenia/neutropenia that
they should have their CBC monitored while taking ABILIFY MYCITE [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Interference With Cognitive And Motor Performance
Because ABILIFY MYCITE 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 ABILIFY MYCITE therapy does not affect them adversely [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Heat Exposure And Dehydration
Counsel patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
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 [see DRUG INTERACTIONS].
Pregnancy
Advise patients that ABILIFY MYCITE may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a
neonate and to notify their healthcare provider with a known or suspected pregnancy. Advise patients
that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to
ABILIFY MYCITE during pregnancy [see Use In Specific Populations].
Nonclinical Toxicology
Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of Fertility
Carcinogenesis
Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were conducted in ICR mice, Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, 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 times 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 male 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 week 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 vitro bacterial reverse-mutation assay, the in
vitro bacterial DNA repair assay, the in vitro forward 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 vitro chromosomal aberration assay in CHL cells with and without
metabolic activation. The metabolite, 2,3-DCPP, produced increases in numerical aberrations in the in
vitro assay in CHL cells in the absence of metabolic activation. A positive response was obtained in the in vivo micronucleus assay in mice; however, the response was 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 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/day and decreased fetal weight was
seen at 20 mg/kg/day.
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.
Use In Specific Populations
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Exposure Registry
There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to
ABILIFY MYCITE during pregnancy. For more information contact the National Pregnancy Registry
for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visit http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-andresearch-
programs/pregnancyregistry/.
Risk Summary
Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs, including ABILIFY MYCITE, during the third trimester of
pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms [see Clinical Considerations].
There are no available data on aripiprazole use in pregnant women to inform a drug-associated risk of
major birth defects and miscarriage. Animal reproduction studies were conducted with aripiprazole in
rats and rabbits during organogenesis, and in rats during the pre-and post-natal period. Oral and
intravenous aripiprazole administration during organogenesis in rats and/or rabbits at doses higher than
the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) produced fetal death, decreased fetal weight,
undescended testicles, delayed skeletal ossification, skeletal abnormalities, and diaphragmatic hernia.
Oral and intravenous aripiprazole administration during the pre- and post-natal period in rats at doses
higher than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) produced prolonged gestation, stillbirths,
decreased pup weight, and decreased pup survival. Consider the benefits and risks of ABILIFY
MYCITE and possible risks to the fetus when prescribing ABILIFY MYCITE to a pregnant woman.
Advise pregnant women of potential fetal risk.
The background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population are unknown. In
the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in
clinically recognized pregnancies is 2-4% and 15-20%, respectively.
Clinical Considerations
Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions
Extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor,
somnolence, respiratory distress and feeding disorder have been reported in neonates who were
exposed to antipsychotic drugs (including aripiprazole) during the third trimester of pregnancy. These
symptoms have varied in severity. Some neonates recovered within hours or days without specific
treatment; others required prolonged hospitalization. Monitor neonates for extrapyramidal and/or
withdrawal symptoms.
Data
Animal Data
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/day. Treatment at the high dose of
30 mg/kg/day caused a slight delay in fetal development (decreased fetal weight), undescended testes,
and delayed skeletal ossification (also seen at 10 mg/kg/day). There were no adverse effects on
embryofetal or pup survival. Delivered offspring had decreased body weights (10 and 30 mg/kg/day),
and increased incidences of hepatodiaphragmatic nodules and diaphragmatic hernia at 30 mg/kg (the
other dose groups were not examined for these findings). Postnatally, delayed vaginal opening was seen
at 10 and 30 mg/kg/day and impaired reproductive performance (decreased fertility rate, corpora lutea,
implants, live fetuses, and increased post-implantation loss, likely mediated through effects on female
offspring) was seen at 30 mg/kg/day. Some maternal toxicity was seen at 30 mg/kg/day however, there
was no evidence to suggest that these developmental effects were secondary to maternal toxicity.
In pregnant rats receiving aripiprazole injection intravenously (3, 9, and 27 mg/kg/day) during the period
of organogenesis, decreased fetal weight and delayed skeletal ossification were seen at the highest
dose where it also caused 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. At the high dose of 100 mg/kg/day decreased maternal food
consumption, and increased abortions were seen as well as increased fetal mortality, decreased fetal
weight (also seen at 30 mg/kg/day), increased incidence of a skeletal abnormality (fused sternebrae)
(also seen at 30 mg/kg/day).
In pregnant rabbits receiving aripiprazole injection intravenously (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day) during the
period of organogenesis, the highest dose, which caused pronounced maternal toxicity, resulted in
decreased fetal weight, increased fetal abnormalities (primarily skeletal), and decreased fetal skeletal
ossification. The fetal no-effect dose was 10 mg/kg/day, which is 5 times the human exposure at the
MRHD based on AUC and is 6 times the MRHD based on mg/m2.
In a study in which rats were treated peri- and post-natally with oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day (1,
3, and 10 times the MRHD on a mg/m basis) of aripiprazole from gestation day 17 through day 21
postpartum, slight maternal toxicity, slightly prolonged gestation an increase in stillbirths and, decreases
in pup weight (persisting into adulthood) and survival were seen at 30 mg/kg/day.
In rats receiving aripiprazole injection intravenously (3, 8, and 20 mg/kg/day) from gestation day 6
through day 20 postpartum, an increase in stillbirths was seen at 8 and 20 mg/kg/day, and decreases in
early postnatal pup weights and survival were seen at 20 mg/kg/day; these effects were seen in presence
of maternal toxicity. There were no effects on postnatal behavioral and reproductive development.
The effect of ABILIFY MYCITE on labor and delivery in humans is unknown.
Lactation
Risk Summary
Aripiprazole is present in human breast milk; however, there are insufficient data to assess the amount in
human milk, the effects on the breastfed infant, or the effects on milk production.
The development and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's
clinical need for ABILIFY MYCITE and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed infant from
ABILIFY MYCITE or from the underlying maternal condition.
Pediatric Use
Safety and effectiveness of ABILIFY MYCITE in pediatric patients have not been established.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric patients [see BOX WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
Geriatric Use
No dosage adjustment of ABILIFY MYCITE is recommended for elderly patients for the approved
indications [see BOX WARNING, WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Of the 13,543 patients treated with oral aripiprazole in clinical trials, 1073 (8%) were ≥65 years old and
799 (6%) were ≥75 years old. Placebo-controlled studies of oral aripiprazole in schizophrenia, bipolar
mania, or major depressive disorder did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to
determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects.
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased
risk of death. Elderly patients treated with antipsychotic drugs with dementia-related psychosis had a
greater incidence of stroke and transient ischemic attack. ABILIFY MYCITE is not approved for the
treatment of elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis [see BOX WARNING and WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS].
CYP2D6 Poor Metabolizers
ABILIFY MYCITE dosage adjustment is recommended in known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers due to
high aripiprazole concentrations. Approximately 8% of Caucasians and 3–8% of Black/African
Americans cannot metabolize CYP2D6 substrates and are classified as poor metabolizers (PM) [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Hepatic And Renal Impairment
No dosage adjustment for ABILIFY MYCITE is required on the basis of a patient's hepatic function
(mild to severe hepatic impairment, Child-Pugh score between 5 and 15), or renal function (mild to
severe renal impairment, glomerular filtration rate between 15 and 90 mL/minute) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].
Other Specific Populations
No dosage adjustment for ABILIFY MYCITE is required on the basis of a patient's sex, race, or
smoking status [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY].