Rexulti (brexpiprazole)

 

Generic name: brexpiprazole 
Drug class: Atypical antipsychotics

Oral route(Tablet)

Patients with dementia-related psychosis treated using antipsychotic medication have a higher chance of dying. Brexpiprazole has not been approved as a treatment of dementia-related psychosis. An increased risk of suicidal thought and behaviour was reported among adolescents, children and young adults who are taking antidepressants. Watch for the worsening and emergence of suicidal ideas and behaviour¹.

Brands name

In the U.S.

• Rexulti

Available Dosage Forms:

• Tablet

Therapeutic Class: Antipsychotic

Uses for Rexulti

Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) is used to treat mental disorders including schizophrenia and depression. It works within the brain to alter how certain chemicals impact patients. It’s an antipsychotic medication.

This medication is only available upon prescription by your doctor.

Prior to using Rexulti, it is recommended to use the following.

When deciding whether to take any medicine, the dangers of taking the medicine have to be evaluated against the good it can bring. This is a decision that you and your physician will take. To determine the appropriate medicine it is important to take the following into taken into consideration:

Allergies

Discuss with your physician If you’ve ever experienced any allergic or unusual reaction to this medication or any other medications. Be sure to inform your health doctor if you are suffering from other allergies, like dyes, food or preservatives or animals. For products that are not prescription-only, you must look over the label or the ingredients on the package carefully.

Pediatric

The right studies haven’t been conducted to determine the connection between age and how brexpiprazole affects the body of children. The safety and effectiveness of the drug have not been proven.

Geriatric

Studies that are appropriate so far have not revealed specific geriatric issues that could hinder the effectiveness of brexpiprazole for elderly patients. However, older patients tend to be more susceptible to ageing-related kidney, liver, or heart issues which could require care and a change in dosage for those taking the drug brexpiprazole. This medication is recommended to be used only to treat heart, kidney or liver problems. It should not be employed to treat behavioural issues for patients with dementia.

Breastfeeding

There aren’t enough studies on women to determine the risks to babies when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Consider the benefits and the risk of using this medication during nursing.

Interactions between medicines

While certain medications should not be taken together In other instances, two medicines could be taken together, even if interactions could occur. In these situations, your doctor might want to adjust the dose or take other precautions if required. If you are taking this medication it is essential to let your doctor know that you are using any one of these medications that are listed below. These interactions have been chosen based on their potential impact and may not be all-inclusive.

The use of this medication in conjunction with any of these medications is not advised. Your doctor could choose not to treat you with this medicine or alter any other medication you are taking.

• Metoclopramide

Utilizing this medicine in conjunction together with any of the following medicines is typically not advised, however it may be required in certain instances. If two medicines are prescribed in conjunction the doctor could alter the dosage or the frequency you take one or both of the drugs.

• Aprepitant
• Atazanavir
• Boceprevir
• Bupropion
• Carbamazepine
• Cinacalcet
• Clarithromycin
• Conivaptan
• Diltiazem
• Dronedarone
• Duloxetine
• Erythromycin
• Fluconazole
• Fluoxetine
• Fosaprepitant
• Fosphenytoin
• Imatinib
• Indinavir
• Itraconazole
• Ketoconazole
• Letermovir
• Lopinavir
• Nefazodone
• Nelfinavir
• Paroxetine
• Phenytoin
• Posaconazole
• Quinidine
• Rifampin
• Ritonavir
• Saquinavir
• St John’s Wort
• Telaprevir
• Telithromycin
• Terbinafine
• Verapamil
• Voriconazole

Interactions with alcohol, tobacco, or food

Certain medications shouldn’t be used during or in conjunction with having food items or taking certain kinds of food, as interactions can happen. Smoking or drinking alcohol in conjunction along with certain medications may create interactions. The below interactions were selected in light of their potential importance and may not be all-inclusive.

Utilizing this medicine in conjunction together with the following is generally not advised, but it could be required in some instances. If you take it with other medications the doctor may alter the dosage or frequency you take this medicine or give you specific directions regarding the use of alcohol, food, or tobacco.

• Grapefruit Juice

Other medical issues

The presence of medical issues could impact the usage of this medication. Be sure to inform your physician if you suffer from any other medical issues particularly:

• The disease of blood vessels
• Dehydration 
• History of heart attack
• Heart disease in the past 
• Heart failure and the history 
• Heart rhythm problems
• The term hypotension refers to the condition of having low blood pressure (low blood pressure) or
• Hypovolemia (decrease in blood volume) 
• The heart condition is known as ischemic
• the history of or Stroke 
• Trouble swallowing — Use with care. It is possible that side effects get worse.

• Diabetes
• The condition is known as hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)–This medication can increase your blood sugar levels.

• Dyslipidemia (high cholesterol levels or the levels of triglycerides) 
• Neuroleptic malign syndrome (NMS)
• History of seizures….Use with care. Could make these conditions more severe.

• Kidney disease, from moderate to severe
• Liver disease, moderate to severe. Use with care. The effect may be heightened due to the slower elimination of the medication out of the body.

Proper use of Rexulti

The medicine should be taken precisely as prescribed by your physician. Don’t take more of it, don’t take it for longer periods of time and don’t take it for more duration than what your doctor has prescribed. This could increase the likelihood of having side negative effects.

The medicine must be accompanied by a Medication Guide. Take the time to read and follow the directions attentively. Talk to your doctor if have any concerns.

It is possible to take this medication in combination with food or not.

Dosing

The dosage of this medication is different depending on the patient. Follow the doctor’s instructions or the instructions printed on your prescription. The information below is only the doses that are typical of this medication. If you have a dose that is different don’t alter it unless your doctor instructs you to change it.

The amount of medicine you are taking is determined by how strong the drug is. In addition, the number of doses that you are taking each day, the interval between doses, as well as the amount of time you are taking the medication will be contingent on the medical issue that you’re treating with the medication.

• For oral dosage form (tablets):
  • For depression:
    • Adults: At the beginning, 0.5 or 1 milligram (mg) every day. Your doctor can raise your dosage as necessary and is tolerated. But, the dosage is typically not greater than 3 mg per day.
    • Children–Use and dosage should be specified by your physician.
  • For schizophrenia
    • Adults: At first just 1 milligram (mg) every day between days 1 and 4. Your doctor could increase the dose up to 2 mg over the course of Days 5-7 then increase up to 4 mg on Day 8 if you are able to tolerate it. The dose should typically not be higher than 4 mg a day.
    • Children–Use and dosage must be determined by your physician.

Missed dose

If you have missed the dose of this medication make sure you take it as quickly as you are able. If it’s close to the time for the next dose, you can skip the missed dose, and go back to your usual dosage schedule. Don’t double dose.

Storage

Keep the medication in a sealed bottle at room temperatures, and away from moisture, heat and sunlight. Be sure to keep the medicine from getting frozen.

Keep away from the reach of children.

Avoid keeping outdated medicines or medicines that are no longer required.

Discuss with your doctor what you can do with any medication that you do not make use of.

Use Rexulti with caution.

It is vital that your doctor examine your progress regularly to accommodate adjustments in your dosage and also to ensure that the medication is working as it should. Urine and blood tests could be required to determine any adverse side effects.

For certain patients, this medication could increase the possibility of suicide. Talk to your doctor immediately when you begin to be depressed or have thoughts of hurting yourself. Inform your doctor of any unusual thoughts or behaviour that bother you, particularly when they’re new or worsening rapidly. Be sure to inform your doctor whether you’re having difficulty sleeping, are easily upset or notice a dramatic surge in energy or begin to act recklessly. Be sure to inform your doctor if there are extreme or unexpected sensations, such as feeling angry, anxious or violent. or anxious. Inform your doctor whether you or someone in your family suffers from bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) or has attempted suicide.

Consult your physician right immediately if you experience some of the symptoms listed below taking this medication such as convulsions (seizures) and/or difficulty breathing, rapid heartbeat, high fever and/or lower blood pressure elevated sweating and the loss of bladder control, extreme stiffness of the muscles or skin that is pale, or fatigue. These are signs of a serious illness known as neuroleptic malignant disorder (NMS).

This medicine can trigger tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder) especially in women who are elderly. Consult your physician right immediately if you experience some of these signs using this medication such as lip-smacking or puffing up of the cheeks, fast or worm-like movements on the tongue, chewing that is not controlled or non-controlled movements of your legs and arms.

This medication can raise the sugar levels present in your blood. Consult your physician right immediately if you notice an increase in thirst or an increase in the frequency of urination. If you are diabetic you might notice an increase in the outcome of blood sugar or urine tests. If you have any concerns consult your physician.

This medicine can cause an increase in your weight. Your doctor may have to monitor your weight regularly when you take this medication.

Certain people who took this medicine experienced peculiar changes in their behaviour. Discuss with your doctor immediately if you begin to experience strange urges, for example, addiction to gambling, binge eating, compulsive eating, obsessive buying, and sexual cravings when you are taking this medication.

This medication can temporarily reduce the number of cells called white present in your blood, which increases the risk of contracting an infection. If you can, stay clear of those who have illnesses. Talk to your doctor right away when you think you’re experiencing an infection or you experience fever or chills, hoarseness or cough as well as side or lower back pain, or difficult urinary tract.

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting could be experienced, particularly when you are getting up from a sitting or lying position. Moving slowly can assist. If the problem persists or worsens, consult with your physician.

The medicine could cause it to be more difficult for the body to get cool. It could also decrease the amount of sweat you produce. Your body can become too hot if not exercise enough. If your body is too hot, you may be weak, dizzy or tired. You may also feel confused or tired. You may experience vomiting or stomach upset. Contact your doctor in the event that drinking cold water and getting away from the heat isn’t cooling your body down.

This medication can result in dizziness, drowsiness difficulty in thinking, or problems with controlling movements. This could cause fractures, falls and other accidents. Don’t take a drive or engage in any activity that may be risky until you are aware of the effects of this medication. Take a seat or stand in a slow manner if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Do not alter the dosage or stop using the medicine without consulting your physician.

Don’t take other prescriptions without discussing them with your physician. This includes nonprescription or prescription (over-the-counter OTC) medications) and also herbal (eg, St. John’s wort) or vitamin supplements.

Rexulti side effects

Alongside its necessary effects, some medicines may produce unwanted side negative effects. While not all of these adverse effects can be observed, if they occur, they might require medical attention.

Consult your physician immediately in the event that any of these adverse effects happen:

Rare

• Chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• faintness, dizziness, or lightheadedness upon rising from a sitting or lying in a sitting
• fainting

The exact cause is not known.

• Black, tarry stool
• Changes in behavior
• chest pain
• cough
• difficulties breathing
• fast heartbeat
• Chills or fever
• general feeling of fatigue or weakness
• high fever
• hoarseness
• eye movements are not possible.
• an increase in blinking or spasms of the eyelid.
• Increased sweating
• Lip smacking or puckering
• Loss of bladder control
• Side or lower back or side
• uncomfortable or painful urination
• The cheeks puffing up
• quick or worm-like motions of the tongue
• seizures
• Muscle stiffness that is severe
• sore throat
• ulcers, sores or spots of white on lips or inside the mouth
• that extends out of the tongue
• swollen glands
• the thoughts of self-destruction
• difficulty breathing, speaking, or difficulties swallowing
• uncontrolled chewing actions
• Uncontrolled movements of the legs and arms
• Uncontrolled twisting movements in the trunk, neck or arms
• bleeding or bruising
• bizarre facial expressions
• unusual weakness or fatigue
• very pale skin

There are some side effects that can occur but they usually don’t require medical treatment. These symptoms may disappear when your body adjusts the medication. Additionally, your doctor could be able to inform you of ways to avoid or lessen certain adverse effects. Talk to your doctor in the event that any of these symptoms persist or become troubling or if you have questions regarding these:

More commonly

• Belching
• headache
• heartburn
• inability to remain in a solitary position
• indigestion
• The muscles are aching
• Need to continue moving
• anxiety
• Sleepiness or unusual tiredness
• stomach discomfort, upset, or pain
• Runny or stuffy nose
• weight gain

Less popular

• Feeling full or bloated
• Bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred vision
• diarrhoea
• difficulties in bowel movements
• problems when difficulty in
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• Gas or excess air can be found within the stomach, or the bowels
• anxiety or anxiety
• Urinary urges that are frequent
• Increased appetite
• Increased sweating
• joint pain
• muscles cramps, ache or pain
• passing gas
• shakes in your hands, arms, legs or feet
• swollen joints
• Trouble sleep

Other adverse side effects that are not listed could also be present in certain patients. If you observe any other side effects, you should consult with your physician.

Contact your physician for advice from a medical professional regarding possible side effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Additional details

Always consult your doctor to confirm that the information provided on this site is appropriate to your specific situation.