NAME OF THE MEDICINE

Aripiprazole. Aripiprazole is 7-[4-[4-(2, 3-dichlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl] butoxy]-3, 4- dihydrocarbostyril

DESCRIPTION

ABILIFYTM is a novel antipsychotic agent with unique pharmacologic properties and a chemical structure that differs from current antipsychotic agents. The empirical formula is C23H27Cl2N3O2 and its molecular weight is 448.39. The chemical structure is:

Cl Cl

N N CH2CH2CH2CH2O N O H The CAS registry number for aripiprazole is 129722-12-9. Since aripiprazole is insoluble in water with its equilibrium solubility being about 0.00001% w/v, its pKa was established in 20% aqueous ethanol pKa = 7.6 (20% ethanol, at 25C). The partition coefficients (Po/w) of aripiprazole range from 3.4 at pH 2.0 to > 1000 at pH 6.0. ABILIFYTM is available as 2mg * (green, scored), 5mg (blue, unscored), 10mg (pink, unscored), 15mg (yellow, unscored), 20mg (white, unscored), and 30mg (pink, unscored) tablets for oral administration. The inactive ingredients in the tablets are: lactose, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, and magnesium stearate. The following colorants are also contained in the tablets: 2mg * tablets - indigo carmine CI73015 aluminium lake and yellow iron oxide CI77492; 5mg tablets - indigo carmine CI73015 aluminium lake; 10mg tablets - red iron oxide CI77491; 15mg tablets - yellow iron oxide CI77492; 20mg tablets - nil; 30mg tablets - red iron oxide CI77491.

• Not currently marketed in Australia

ABILIFYTM is also available as orally disintegrating tablets (ODT) in the following strengths 10mg * (pink, unscored), 15mg * (yellow, unscored), 20mg * (white, unscored), and 30mg * (pink, unscored). These are intended to be placed on the tongue to disperse before being swallowed. Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly (median is approximately 1 minute) in saliva. They can also be placed in water and the dispersion swallowed immediately. The shape and markings used for the orally disintegrating tablets are described in the PRESENTATION section. The inactive ingredients in the orally disintegrating tablets are: acesulfame potassium, aspartame, calcium silicate, croscarm magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, tartaric acid and xylitol. The following colorants are also contained in the orally disintegrating tablets: 10mg ODT - red iron oxide CI77491; 15mg ODT - yellow iron oxide CI77492; 20mg ODT - nil; 30mg ODT - red iron oxide CI77491.

Not currently marketed in Australia

PHARMACOLOGY

Pharmacodynamics

The mechanism of action of ABILIFYTM, as well as other drugs having efficacy in schizophrenia, is unknown. However, it has been proposed that the efficacy of ABILIFYTM is mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at serotonin 5HT2A receptors. ABILIFYTM activity is primarily due to the parent drug, aripiprazole Aripiprazole exhibited higher affinity binding in vitro for dopamine D2 and D3, serotonin 5HT1A and 5HT2A receptors (Ki values of 0.3, 0.8, 1.7, and 3.4nM, respectively), than for dopamine D4, serotonin 5HT2C and 5HT7, alpha1-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors (Ki values of 44, 15, 39, 57, and 61nM, respectively) and the serotonin reuptake site (Ki value of 98nM). Aripiprazole exhibited no appreciable affinity for muscarinic receptors (IC50 >1000nM). The predominant metabolite in human plasma, dehydro-aripiprazole has been shown to have a similar affinity for dopamine D2 and D3 receptors (Ki values 0.4 and 0.5nM, respectively) as the parent compound and a much lower affinity for the other receptor subtypes. Aripiprazole exhibited antagonist properties in animal models of dopaminergic hyperactivity and agonist properties in animal models of dopaminergic hypoactivity. Interaction with receptors other than dopamine and serotonin subtypes may explain some of the other clinical effects of ABILIFYTM.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption

Oral Administration

Aripiprazole is well absorbed after oral administration of ABILIFYTM, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 3-5 hours after dosing. The absolute oral bioavailability of the tablet formulation of ABILIFYTM is 87%. ABILIFYTM can be administered without regard to meals. Following administration of a 15 mg ABILIFYTM tablet with a standard high-fat meal, the Cmax of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole, increased by 11%. The AUC of aripiprazole was increased by 18% and that of the active metabolite by 14%. Food delayed Tmax by 3 hours for aripiprazole and 12 hours for the active metabolite. Aripiprazole accumulation is predictable from single dose pharmacokinetics. At steady state, the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole are dose-proportional. There is no diurnal variation in the disposition of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole. Studies have shown that ABILIFYTM orally disintegrating tablets are bioequivalent to ABILIFYTM tablets.

Distribution

Aripiprazole is widely distributed throughout the body with an apparent volume of distribution of 4.9 L/kg. At therapeutic concentrations, aripiprazole is highly bound (88 -97% to > 99%, as determined by polydimethylsiloxane-glass bead and equilibrium dialysis assays, respectively) to serum proteins, primarily albumin, in vitro. Aripiprazole did not alter the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of highly protein-bound warfarin, suggesting that protein displacement of warfarin did not occur.

Metabolism

Aripiprazole undergoes minimal pre-systemic metabolism. Aripiprazole is extensively metabolized by the liver primarily by three biotransformation pathways: dehydrogenation, hydroxylation, and N-dealkylation. Based on in vitro studies, CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 enzymes are primarily responsible for dehydrogenation and hydroxylation of aripiprazole, while N-dealkylation is primarily catalyzed by CYP3A4. Aripiprazole is the predominant drug moiety in systemic circulation. At steady state, dehydro-aripiprazole, the active metabolite, represented about 39% 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. Subjects were entered into clinical studies without knowledge of their metabolizer status and, therefore, the safety profile reflects experience in both EMs and PMs.

Excretion

Following a single, oral dose of [14C]-labeled aripiprazole, approximately 27% and 60% of the administered radioactivity was recovered in the urine and faeces, respectively. Less than 1% of unchanged aripiprazole was excreted in the urine and approximately 18% of the oral dose was recovered unchanged in the faeces. The total body clearance of aripiprazole is 0.7mL/min/kg, which is primarily hepatic. In a bioavailability study comparing fasted and fed subjects at a dose of 15 mg, the elimination half-life of aripiprazole from human plasma was found to be 75 hours mean, range 32-146 hours, n=58, in fasted subjects and 84 hours mean, range 32-157 hours, n=57 in subjects taking a high-fat meal immediately before drug administration. Steady-state concentrations are attained within 14 days of dosing. The plasma elimination half-life of the chief metabolite, dehydro- aripiprazole, from human plasma was found to be approx. 100 hours.

Elderly

There were no differences in the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole between healthy elderly and younger adult subjects nor was there any detectable effect of age in a population pharmacokinetic analysis in schizophrenic patients. 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 (18-64 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 PRECAUTIONS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia- Related Psychosis and Use in the Elderly)

Gender

There were no differences in the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole between healthy male and female subjects nor was there any detectable effect of gender in a population pharmacokinetic analysis in schizophrenic patients. 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

Population pharmacokinetic evaluation has revealed no evidence of clinically significant race- related differences in the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole.

Smoking

Population pharmacokinetic evaluation has revealed no evidence of clinically significant effects of smoking on the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole. 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.

Renal Impairment

The pharmacokinetic characteristics of aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole were found to be similar in patients with severe renal disease compared to young healthy subjects. 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.

Hepatic Impairment

A study in subjects with varying degrees of liver cirrhosis (Child-Pugh Classes A, B, and C) did not reveal a significant effect of hepatic impairment on the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole. 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.

CLINICAL TRIALS

Schizophrenia

The efficacy of ABILIFYTM in the treatment of schizophrenia was evaluated in six short-term (4- and 6-week), placebo-controlled trials of inpatients, four of which also included an active control group consisting of either risperidone (one trial) or haloperidol (three trials). Studies were not powered to allow for a comparison of ABILIFYTM and the active comparators. Efficacy was also documented in two long-term trials, one of 52 weeks duration, which compared ABILIFYTM to haloperidol and one of 26 weeks duration, which compared ABILIFYTM to placebo. Patients in these trials met DSM-III/IV criteria for schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder. Several instruments were used for assessing psychiatric signs and symptoms. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) are both multi- item inventories of general psychopathology used to evaluate the effects of drug treatment in schizophrenia. The BPRS Psychosis Cluster (Core Score), a subset of the BPRS that can also be derived from the PANSS, is used to assess actively psychotic patients. 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. Four short-term, fixed-dose trials were well controlled and powered to statistically demonstrate the efficacy of ABILIFYTM over placebo. The results of these trials are described below. Trial 1) In a 4-week, placebo-controlled trial (n=414) involving administration of 2 fixed doses of ABILIFYTM (15 or 30 mg/day) and haloperidol (10 mg/day) in acutely relapsed patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder, ABILIFYTM 15 mg/day was superior to placebo with clinically meaningful changes in PANSS total, PANSS positive and negative subscales, CGI-severity, CGI-improvement, and PANSS-derived BPRS-core scores. The 30-mg dose was superior to placebo for all parameters except PANSS negative subscale. Trial 2) In a 4-week, placebo controlled trial (n=404) involving administration of 2 fixed doses of ABILIFYTM (20 or 30 mg/day) and risperidone (6 mg/day) in acutely relapsed patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder, both doses of ABILIFYTM were superior to placebo with clinically meaningful changes in the PANSS total, PANSS positive and negative subscales, CGI-severity, CGI-improvement and PANSS-derived BPRS-core scores. Trial 3) In a 6-week, placebo-controlled trial (n=420) involving administration of 3 fixed doses of ABILIFYTM (10, 15, or 20 mg/day) in acutely relapsed patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia, all ABILIFYTM dose groups were superior to placebo with clinically meaningful changes in the PANSS total score, the PANSS positive and negative subscales, the CGI severity and improvement scales, and the PANSS-derived BPRS core score. Trial 4) In a 6-week trial (n=367) comparing three fixed doses of ABILIFYTM (2, 5 or 10mg/day) to placebo, in acutely relapsed patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia, the 10-mg dose of ABILIFYTM was superior to placebo in the PANSS total score, the primary outcome measure of the study. In addition, the 10mg dose was also superior to placebo in the PANSS positive subscale and the CGI severity score. Although the 5-mg dose of ABILIFYTM did not reach significance in the PANSS total score or the PANSS positive subscale, it was superior to placebo in the PANSS negative subscale and the CGI severity scale. The 2-mg dose did not reach significance in any of these outcome measures. Two initial placebo-controlled trials were conducted to explore the efficacy of ABILIFYTM. The first one (Trial 5) was a placebo-controlled, 4-week ascending dose trial of ABILIFYTM (5 to 30 mg/day) in 103 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-III-R criteria with acute schizophrenic relapse and a history of response to antipsychotic drugs. In this trial, ABILIFYTM differentiated from placebo in the PANSS total score, the PANSS positive subscale, and the CGI severity scale. The second one (Trial 6) was a placebo-controlled, 4-week, fixed- dose trial of ABILIFYTM (2, 10, or 30 mg/day) in 272 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia according to the DSM-IV criteria with acute schizophrenic relapse and a history of response to antipsychotic drugs. Statistical significance was reached only for the 30-mg dose on the PANSS total score, the PANSS positive subscale, and the CGI severity and improvement scales. Thus, the efficacy of 10-mg, 15-mg, 20-mg and 30-mg was established in two studies for each dose. Among these doses there was no evidence that the higher dose groups offered any advantage over the lowest dose group. Broad efficacy was established across a variety of endpoints with an onset of action as early as Week 1 for positive symptoms at doses of 15 mg and higher. Table 1 summarizes the results across all six trials.

Table 1: Key Efficacy Results in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials

A 52-week, haloperidol-controlled, long-term, maintenance trial (n=1294) was conducted in patients with acute relapse of chronic schizophrenia. In this trial involving the administration of ABILIFYTM 30mg/day and haloperidol 10mg/day, with a one time option to decrease ABILIFYTM to 20mg/day and haloperidol to 7mg/day, ABILIFYTM was at least comparable to haloperidol in time-to-failure to maintain response in responders. Based on patients who responded at any time during the 52-week study (610/853, 72% in the ABILIFYTM group and 298/430, 69% in the haloperidol group), there was a 12% lower risk of subsequent failure with ABILIFYTM relative to haloperidol (relative risk: 0.881, 95% CI: 0.645 - 1.204). ABILIFYTM was comparable to haloperidol in time-to-failure to maintain response in all randomized patients. Patients in the ABILIFYTM group had a 14% lower risk of failure compared with the haloperidol group (relative risk: 0.858, 95% CI: 0.721, 1.021). ABILIFYTM was statistically superior to haloperidol in the analysis of the proportion of patients on treatment and in response at Weeks 8, 26, and 52 (prespecified key time points). At Week 52, 40% of ABILIFYTM patients were still on-study and in response compared to 27% of haloperidol patients (p0.001). ABILIFYTM- treated patients had a statistically significant lower risk (31%) of discontinuations due to lack of efficacy or adverse event relative to haloperidol treated patients (relative risk 0.692; 95% CI: 0.573 - 0.837). There were no significant differences between ABILIFYTM and haloperidol groups in terms of change from baseline PANSS total scores, PANSS positive subscores, CGI- severity or improvement scores. ABILIFYTM did result in a significantly greater improvement in the PANSS negative subscores at weeks 26 & 52 and the MADRS total score at Weeks 8, 26, and 52. [Mean change PANSS negative subscale score (week 26: p=0.029; 95% CI: -1.52, -0.08) (week 52: p=0.011; 95% CI: -1.73, -0.23). Mean change MADRS total score (week 8: p=0.027; 95% CI: -1.74, -0.11) (week 26: p=0.22; 95% CI:-1.95, -0.15) (week 52: p= 0.031; 95% CI: - 1.97, -0.09).] To further demonstrate the maintenance effects of ABILIFYTM, a double-blind study was conducted in chronic, symptomatically stable schizophrenic patients (n=310) randomised to ABILIFYTM 15mg or placebo and followed for 26 weeks. Patients were observed for "impending psychotic relapse", defined as CGI-improvement score 5 (minimally worse) or scores 5 (moderately severe) on the hostility or uncooperativeness items of the PANSS on two consecutive days or 20% increase in the PANSS Total Score. Patients in the placebo group experienced a higher relapse rate and/or relapsed sooner than those in the ABILIFYTM group. From 4 weeks onwards there were noticeably more relapses in the placebo group than the ABILIFYTM group. Kaplan Meier estimates showed that the estimated probability of not experiencing relapse prior to week 26 was 39% in the placebo group versus 63% in the ABILIFYTM group [relative risk ABILIFYTM: placebo = 0.50 (95% CI=0.35, 0.71, p0.01)]. The number of relapses was significantly lower in the ABILIFYTM group compared to placebo (34% vs 57%, RR=0.59, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.75, p0.01). No trials have been conducted in patients with first episode schizophrenia or treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Thus, efficacy in these groups of patients has not been established.

Bipolar I Disorder

Acute manic and mixed episodes Adults

Monotherapy

The efficacy of ABILIFYTM in the treatment of acute manic episodes was established in four 3- week, placebo-controlled trials in hospitalized adult patients who met the DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar I Disorder with manic or mixed episodes. These studies included adult patients with or without psychotic features and two of the studies also included adult patients 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 behaviour, 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 four positive, 3 week, placebo-controlled trials (n=268; n=248; n= 480; n= 485) which evaluated ABILIFYTM in a range of 15 mg to 30mg, once daily (with a starting dose of 15 mg/day in two studies and 30 mg/day in two studies). ABILIFYTM was superior to placebo in the reduction of Y-MRS total score and CGI-BP Severity of Illness score (mania). In the two studies with a starting dose of 15 mg/day, 48% and 44% of patients were on 15 mg/day at endpoint.In the two studies with a starting dose of 30mg/day, 86% and 85% of patients were on 30mg/day at endpoint.

Combination therapy with lithium or valproate

The efficacy of adjunctive ABILIFYTM with concomitant lithium or valproate in the treatment of manic or mixed episodes was established in a 6-week, placebo-controlled study (n=384) with a 2-week lead-in mood stabiliser monotherapy phase in adult patients who met DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar 1 Disorder. This study included patients with manic or mixed episodes and with or without psychotic features. Adult patients were initiated on open-label lithium (0.6mEq/L to 1.0 mEq/L) or valproate (50ug/mL to 125ug/mL) at therapeutic serum levels, and remained on stable doses for 2 weeks. At the end of 2 weeks, patients demonstrating inadequate response (Y-MRS total score >= 16 and <=25% improvement on the Y-MRS total score) to lithium or valproate were randomized to receive either aripiprazole (15mg/day or an increase to 30 mg/day as early as day 7) or placebo as adjunctive therapy with open-label lithium or valproate. In the 6-week placebo-controlled phase, adjunctive ABILIFYTM starting at 15 mg/day with concomitant lithium or valproate (in a therapeutic range of 0.6mEq/L to 1.0 mEq/L or 50ug/mL to 125ug/mL, respectively) was superior to lithium or valproate with adjunctive placebo in the reduction of the Y-MRS total score and CGI-BP Severity of Illness score (mania). Seventy-one percent of the patients co- administered valproate and 62% of the patients coadministered lithium were on 15mg/day at the 6-week endpoint.

Maintenance of manic and mixed episodes Monotherapy Maintenance of Effect

Two short term studies in adult patients with an acute manic or mixed episode included assessment of maintenance of effect to 12 weeks. Patients in the haloperidol active-comparator study commenced on placebo, haloperidol (5mg daily with an option to increase up to 15 mg daily), or aripiprazole (15mg daily with an option to increase up to 30 mg daily). At Week 3 patients initially randomized to placebo were switched to aripiprazole. There were 274 (56.5%) patients completed the 12-week double-blind phase of the study, 56.9% given aripiprazole, 57.6% given haloperidol and 54.9% who were initially randomized to placebo and then switched to aripiprazole. The placebo-aripiprazole patients were not included in the maintenance of effect analyses. The mean change from baseline in Y-MRS total scores at Week 12 for patients given 12 weeks of continuous aripiprazole was -17.16 compared with -17.84 for haloperidol. An increase in the proportion of patients with a reduction in Y-MRS total score of at least 50% from baseline (50% responder rates) for both aripiprazole and haloperidol was apparent between Weeks 3 and 12 (from 47.0% to 72.3% for aripiprazole and from 49.7% to 73.9% for haloperidol). The other 12-week study included lithium as the active comparator. Adult patients in this study commenced on placebo, lithium (900 mg daily with an option to increase up to 1200 mg daily at Day 4 and 1500 mg daily at Day 7), or aripiprazole (15 mg daily with an option to increase to 30 mg daily). At Week 3 patients initially randomized to placebo were switched to aripiprazole. There were 143 (29.8%) patients who completed the 12-week double-blind phase of the study: 27.1% given aripiprazole, 33.8% given lithium, and 28.5% who were initially randomized to placebo and then switched blindly to aripiprazole. The placebo-aripiprazole patients were not included in the maintenance of effect analyses. The mean change from baseline in Y-MRS total scores at Week 12 for patients given 12 weeks of continuous aripiprazole was -14.41 compared with -12.71 for lithium. An increase in the proportion of patients with a reduction in Y-MRS total score of at least 50% from baseline (50% responder rates) for both aripiprazole and lithium was apparent between Weeks 3 and 12 (from 46.8% to 56.5% for aripiprazole and from 45.8% to 49.0% for lithium). A placebo-controlled, randomised withdrawal study was conducted in adult patients who had experienced a recent acute manic or mixed episode. This study had an initial stabilisation phase where all patients received aripiprazole for 6 to 18 weeks. Patients continued in this phase until symptoms were stable for at least 6 weeks. They were then randomised to aripiprazole or placebo for a 26 week maintenance phase. 567 patients entered the stabilisation phase, of these 361 (64%) did not proceed further due mostly to adverse events (22%), lack of efficacy (12%) and withdrawal of consent (12%). Of the 206 patients who completed the stabilisation phase 161 were randomised to placebo (n=83) or aripiprazole (n=78). 94 (58%) of patients discontinued the maintenance phase, the most frequent reason for discontinuation was lack of efficacy (placebo 43%; aripiprazole 24%). The placebo group relapsed sooner than the aripiprazole group. In the maintenance phase the hazard ratio for recurrence for aripiprazole was 0.523 (95% CI: 0.300; 0.913; p =0.020). There is insufficient data to know whether ABILIFYTM 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.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

ABILIFYTM is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to aripiprazole or any of the excipients (see DESCRIPTION). For specific information about the contraindications of mood stabilisers refer to the CONTRAINDICATIONS section of the prescribing information for these products when combination with lithium or valproate is indicated.

PRECAUTIONS

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 placebo-controlled 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 varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. In three placebo-controlled trials of ABILIFYTM in elderly patients with psychosis associated with Alzheimer's disease, cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g. stroke, transient ischaemic attack), including fatalities, occurred in 1.3% (8/595) of ABILIFYTM -treated patients compared with 0.6% (2/343) of placebo-treated patients during the 10-week double-blind period or within 30 days of the last dose for those who discontinued the study during the double-blind phase. The all cause mortality rate in the same trials over the same period was 3.5% (21/595) in ABILIFYTM -treated patients and 1.7% (6/343) in the placebo group. ABILIFYTM is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.

General

During antipsychotic treatment, improvement in the patient's clinical condition may take several days to some weeks. Patients should be closely monitored during this period.

Suicide

The possibility of a suicide attempt is inherent in psychotic illnesses and Bipolar I Disorder and close supervision of high-risk patients should accompany drug therapy. Prescriptions for ABILIFYTM should be written for the smallest quantity consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose.

Tardive Dyskinesia

The risk of tardive dyskinesia increases with long-term exposure to antipsychotic treatment. If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient on ABILIFYTM, a dose reduction or drug discontinuation should be considered. These symptoms can temporally deteriorate or even arise after discontinuation of treatment.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs including ABILIFYTM. Rare cases of NMS occurred during aripiprazole treatment in the 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 kinase, myoglobinuria (rhabdomyolysis), and acute renal failure. If a patient develops signs and symptoms indicative of NMS, or presents with unexplained high fever without additional clinical manifestations of NMS, all antipsychotic drugs, including ABILIFYTM must be discontinued.

Seizure

In short-term, placebo controlled trials, seizures occurred in 0.1% (3/2467) of adult patients treated with aripiprazole. As with other antipsychotic drugs, ABILIFYTM should be used cautiously in patients who have a history of seizure disorder or have conditions associated with seizures.

Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis

In placebo-controlled clinical studies (2 flexible dose and 1 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 PRECAUTIONS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis and Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness: Safety Experience in Elderly Patients with Psychosis Associated with Alzheimer's Disease.)

Hyperglycaemia and Diabetes Mellitus

Hyperglycaemia, in some cases extreme and associated with ketoacidosis or hyperosmolar coma or death, has been reported in patients with atypical antipsychotics including ABILIFYTM. Assessment of the relationship between atypical antipsychotic use and glucose abnormalities is complicated by the possibility of an increase 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 hyperglycaemia-related adverse events is not completely understood. However, epidemiological studies suggest an increased risk of treatment-emergent hyperglycaemia-related adverse events in patients treated with the atypical antipsychotics. Precise risk estimates for hyperglycaemia- 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 hyperglycaemia including polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, and weakness. Patients who develop symptoms of hyperglycaemia during treatment with atypical antipsychotics should undergo fasting blood glucose testing. In some cases, hyperglycaemia has resolved when the atypical antipsychotic was discontinued; however, some patients required continuation of anti-diabetic treatment despite discontinuation of the suspect drug. In patients with significant treatment-emergent hyperglycaemia, discontinuation of ABILIFYTM should be considered. Cardiovascular Adverse Events Potentially due to its 1-adrenergic receptor antagonism, ABILIFYTM may be associated with orthostatic hypotension. The incidence of orthostatic hypotension-associated events from short-term, placebo-controlled trials of adult patients on oral ABILIFYTM (n=2467) included (aripiprazole incidence, placebo incidence): orthostatic hypotension (1%, 0.3%), postural dizziness (0.5%, 0.3%), and syncope (0.5%, 0.4%). Orthostatic hypotension occurred in 0.8% (112/13543) of oral aripiprazole-treated patients during clinical trials. As with other atypical antipsychotics, ABILIFYTM should be used with caution in patients with known cardiovascular disease (history of myocardial infarction or ischaemic heart disease, heart failure or conduction abnormalities), cerebrovascular disease or conditions which would predispose patients to hypotension (dehydration, hypovolaemia, and treatment with antihypertensive medications). Cases of venous thromboembolism (VTE) have been reported with antipsychotic drugs. Since patients treated with antipsychotics often present with acquired risk factors for VTE, all possible risk factors for VTE should be identified before treatment with ABILIFYTM and preventive measures undertaken.

Body Temperature Regulation

Disruption of the body's ability to increase or reduce core body temperature has been attributed to antipsychotic agents, including ABILIFYTM. Appropriate care is advised when prescribing ABILIFYTM 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. Patients should be advised regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration.

Dysphagia

Oesophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. ABILIFYTM and other antipsychotic drugs should be used cautiously in patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia (e.g. elderly patients).

Akathisia

Class effect:

The presentation of akathisia may be variable and comprises subjective complaints of restlessness and an overwhelming urge to move and either distress or motor phenomena such as pacing, swinging of the legs while seated, rocking from foot to foot, or both. Particular

attention should be paid to the monitoring for such symptoms and signs as, left untreated, akathisia is associated with poor compliance and an increased risk of relapse.

Leukopenia, Neutropenia and Agranulocytosis

Class Effect: In clinical trial and/or postmarketing experience, events of leucopenia/neutropenia have been reported temporally related to antipsychotic agents, including ABILIFYTM. Agranulocytosis has also been reported. Possible risk factors for leucopenia/neutropenia include pre-existing low white blood cell count (WBC) and history of drug-induced leucopenia/neutropenia. Patients with a history of a clinically significant low WBC or drug-induced leucopenia/neutropenia should have their complete blood cell (CBC) monitored frequently during the first few months of therapy and discontinuation of ABILIFYTM should be considered at the first sign of a clinically significant decline in WBC in the absence of other causative factors. Patients with clinically significant neutropenia should be carefully monitored for fever or other symptoms or signs of infection and treated promptly if such symptoms or signs occur. Patients with severe neutropenia (absolute neutrophil count < 1000/mm3) should discontinue ABILIFYTM and have their WBC followed until recovery.

Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment

ABILIFYTM, like other antipsychotics, may have the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills. In short-term, placebo-controlled trials, somnolence (including sedation) was reported as follows (aripiprazole incidence, placebo incidence): in adult patients (n=2467) treated with oral ABILIFYTM (11%, 6%). Somnolence (including sedation) led to discontinuation in 0.3% (8/2467) of adult patients on oral ABILIFYTM in short-term, placebo-controlled trials. Despite the relatively modest increased incidence of these events compared to placebo, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until they are reasonably certain that therapy with ABILIFYTM does not affect them adversely.

Lactose

This medicinal product contains lactose. Patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency of glucose-galactose malabsorption should not take this medicine.

Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness

Clinical experience with ABILIFYTM in patients with certain concomitant systemic illnesses is limited. (See PHARMACOLOGY: Renal Impairment and Hepatic Impairment). ABILIFYTM 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 treatment-emergent adverse events that were reported at an incidence of >=5% and aripiprazole incidence at least twice that for placebo were lethargy [placebo 2%, aripiprazole 5%], somnolence (including sedation) [placebo 3%, aripiprazole 8%] and incontinence ( primarily, urinary incontinence) [ placebo 1%, aripiprazole 5%].

The safety and efficacy of ABILIFYTM in the treatment of patients with psychosis associated with dementia have not been established. ABILIFYTM is not indicated for the treatment of psychosis associated with Alzheimer's disease. (See also PRECAUTIONS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis and Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis.)

Use in Patients with Phenylketonuria

Phenylalanine is a component of aspartame. Each ABILIFYTM orally disintegrating tablet (ODT) contains the following amounts: 10 mg - 1.12 mg phenylalanine, 15 mg - 1.68 mg phenylalanine, 20 mg - 2.25 mg phenylalanine and 30 mg - 3.37 mg phenylalanine.

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 PRECAUTIONS, INTERACTIONS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION - Concomitant Medication) Carcinogenicity and Mutagenicity Carcinogenicity: Lifetime carcinogenicity studies were conducted in ICR mice and in Sprague- Dawley (SD) and Fischer (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). SD rats were dosed orally by gavage for 2 years at 10, 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/day (3 to 18 times the MRHD based on mg/m2). There was no evidence of tumorigenesis 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 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 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 gavage dose of 60 mg/kg/day (10 times the MRHD based on AUC and 18 times MRHD based on mg/m2). In male rats, the incidence of benign and combined benign/malignant phaeochromocytomas were also increased at an oral gavage dose of 60 mg/kg/day (10 times the MRHD based on AUC and 18 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. Hyperprolactinaemia was observed in female mice in a 13-week dietary study at doses associated with mammary gland and pituitary tumours, but not in female rats in 4- and 13-week dietary studies at doses associated with mammary gland tumours. Hyperprolactinaemia was observed in female rats after 5 and 13 weeks of oral administration at doses up to that associated with adrenocortical tumours, but serum prolactin was decreased at this dose in male rats. The relationship between tumourigenic findings with aripiprazole and prolactin is unclear and the relevance for human risk of prolactin-mediated endocrine tumours is unknown. The adrenocortical response in female rats is considered a consequence of increased adrenocortical cell proliferation secondary to chronic drug-related adrenocortical cytotoxicity; the no-effect exposure (plasma AUC) was about fold 7 clinical exposure at the MRHD

Mutagenicity: Aripiprazole was tested in a standard range of assays for gene mutation, chromosomal damage, and DNA damage and repair. Aripiprazole was non-genotoxic in the in vitro bacterial reverse-mutation assay, the in vitro forward gene mutation assay in mouse lymphoma cells, in vitro bacterial DNA repair assay, and the unscheduled DNA synthesis assay in rat hepatocytes. However, aripiprazole and its minor metabolite 2,3-DCPP were clastogenic in the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay in Chinese hamster lung (CHL) cells in both the presence and absence of metabolic activation. A positive response for aripiprazole in 1 of 6 in vivo mouse micronucleus tests was attributed to drug-induced hypothermia.

Impairment of Fertility

Aripiprazole had no effect on fertility in female rats treated orally with 2, 6, and 20 mg/kg/day (0.6, 2, and 6 times the MRHD based on mg/m2) for 2 weeks prior to mating through gestation day 7. Drug-related effects (persistent dioestrus and increased mating time pre-implantation losses, and corpora lutea) observed at all doses were considered the result of perturbed oestrous cyclicity secondary to drug-mediated hyperprolactinaemia. Aripiprazole had no effect on fertility in male rats treated with PO doses of 20, 40, and 60 mg/kg/day (6, 12, and 18 times the MRHD based on mg/m2) for 9 weeks prior to mating through mating. Disturbances of spermatogenesis were seen at 60 mg/kg/day and prostatic atrophy was seen at 40 and 60 mg/kg/day.

Use in Pregnancy (

Category C)

Congenital anomalies have been reported; however, a causal relationship with aripiprazole could not be established. 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 9 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole during the period of organogenesis. At 30 mg/kg, treatment was associated with slightly prolonged gestation, and a slight delay in foetal development as evidenced by decreased foetal weight, undescended testes, and delayed skeletal ossification. There were no adverse effects on embryofoetal or pup survival. Delivered offspring had increased incidences of hepatodiaphragmatic nodules and diaphragmatic hernia at 30 mg/kg (the other doses were not examined for these findings). (A low incidence of diaphragmatic hernia was also seen in the foetuses exposed to 30 mg/kg). Postnatally, decreased pup weight (persisting into adulthood) was seen at 30 mg/kg, delayed vaginal opening was seen at 10 and 30 mg/kg, and impaired reproductive performance (decreased fertility rate, corpora lutea, implants, and live foetuses, and increased post-implantation loss, likely mediated through effects on female offspring) was seen at 30 mg/kg. Maternal toxicity was seen at 30 mg/kg, which was similar to doses eliciting embryotoxicity. 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 8, 24, and 81 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 foetal mortality (100 mg/kg), decreased foetal weight (30 mg and 100 mg/kg), increased incidence of a skeletal abnormality (fused sternebrae at 100 mg/kg) and minor skeletal variations (100 mg/kg). Rats were treated with oral doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg/kg/day (1, 3, and 9 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis) of aripiprazole from late gestation through weaning. At 30 mg/kg, maternal toxicity, slightly prolonged gestation, an increase in stillbirths, poor postnatal care/nursing, and decreases in pup weight (persisting into adulthood) and survival were seen. Non-teratogenic class effect: Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs (including ABILIFYTM) during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk of experiencing extrapyramidal neurological disturbances and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery. There have been post-market reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder in these neonates. These complications have varied in severity; while in some cases symptoms have been self-limited, in other cases neonates have required additional medical treatment or monitoring. ABILIFYTM should be used during pregnancy only if the anticipated benefit outweighs the risk and the administered dose and duration of treatment should be as low and as short as possible. Patients should be advised to notify their doctors if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant.

Use in Lactation

Aripiprazole and/or its metabolites have been found in the milk of lactating rats. Aripiprazole is excreted in breast milk. Patients should be advised not to breast-feed if they are taking ABILIFYTM.

Use in Labor and Delivery

The effect of aripiprazole on labor and delivery has not been studied.

Animal Toxicology

Choleliths (gallsand and/or gallstones) were observed in the bile of monkeys given aripiprazole orally for 4 - 52 weeks at doses of 25 -125 mg/kg/day (1 - 3 times the MRHD based on plasma AUC and 15 -76 times the MRHD based on mg/m2) and were attributed to precipitation of sulfate conjugates of hydroxy metabolites, which exceeded their solubility limits in bile. Human biliary concentrations of these sulfate conjugates after repeated daily administration of the MRHD are substantially lower (0.2 - 14% of their in vitro solubility limits). Bilateral retinal degeneration was observed in albino rats given oral aripiprazole for 6 months or two years at exposures of 6-13 times the clinical exposure at the MRHD (based on plasma AUC). The exposure at the NOEL dose was 3 times that at the MRHD. A subsequent 18-month study reported this finding in albino but not pigmented rats, possibly due to lack of photoprotective ocular melanin in the albino rats, although it is unknown whether pigmentation prevented or merely delayed retinal degeneration in the pigmented rats.. The clinical relevance of this finding is uncertain.

Use in Children

The safety and efficacy of ABILIFYTM in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.

Use in the Elderly

Placebo-controlled studies of ABILIFYTM 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. Of the 13,543 patients treated with oral ABILIFYTM in clinical trials, 1073 (8%) were 65 years old and 799 (6%) were 75 years old. The majority (81%) of the 1073 patients were diagnosed with Dementia of the Alzheimer's Type. 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 PRECAUTIONS: Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis and Cerebrovascular Adverse Events, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis and Use in Patients with Concomitant Illness). The safety and efficacy of ABILIFYTM in the treatment of patients with psychosis associated with Alzheimer's disease has not been established. ABILIFYTM is not indicated for the treatment of psychosis associated with Alzheimer's disease. Of the 749 patients treated with aripiprazole injection in clinical trials, 99 (13%) were 65 years old and 78 (10%) were 75 years old. Almost all of the use in the elderly was in clinical trials for an indication for which registration has not been requested. Placebo-controlled studies of aripiprazole injection in patients with agitation associated with schizophrenia 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 ABILIFYTM. 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.

Effects on Ability to Drive and to Use Machines

As with other antipsychotics, patients should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery, including motor vehicles, until they are reasonably certain that ABILIFYTM does not affect them adversely.

INTERACTIONS WITH OTHER MEDICINCES

CNS Drugs (including Alcohol)

Given the primary CNS effects of ABILIFYTM, caution should be used when ABILIFYTM is taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs and alcohol. Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol while taking ABILIFYTM. Coadministration of lithium titrated upwards from a starting dose of 900 mg until serum lithium concentrations near the upper end of the lithium therapeutic concentration range (1.0 - 1.4 mmol/L) were achieved and maintained for at least 5 days or until dose-limiting adverse events were observed and valproate (divalproex sodium) titrated upwards from a starting dose of 250 mg twice daily to achieve serum concentrations within the therapeutic range of 50 - 125 mg/mL for at least 14 days, with 30 mg ABILIFYTM once daily had no clinically significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole. Nor was there any clinically significant change in valproic acid or lithium pharmacokinetics when aripiprazole 30 mg once daily was administered concomitantly for 7 days with either divalproex sodium 500 mg every 12 hours or controlled release lithium 450 mg every 12 hours. When aripiprazole was administered concomitantly with either valproate, lithium or lamotrigine, there was no clinically important change in valproate, lithium or lamotrigine concentrations.

Antihypertensive Agents

Due to its 1-adrenergic receptor antagonist activity, ABILIFYTM has the potential to enhance the effect of certain antihypertensive agents.

Medicines which cause QT prolongation or electrolyte imbalance

If aripiprazole is administered concomitantly with medicinal products known to cause QT prolongation or electrolyte imbalance, caution should be used.

Inhibitors and Inducers of CYP2D6 & CYP3A4

Aripiprazole is metabolized by multiple pathways primarily involving the CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 enzymes. In clinical studies with healthy subjects, potent inhibitors of CYP2D6 (quinidine) and 3A4 (ketoconazole) decreased oral clearance of aripiprazole by 52% and 38%, respectively. Other potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 may be expected to have similar effects. When concomitant administration of quinidine or ketoconazole with aripiprazole occurs, the aripiprazole dose should be halved. When the inhibitor is withdrawn from the combination therapy, the aripiprazole dose should then be increased. (See DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION - Concomitant Medication) No data are available for use of ABILIFYTM with other inhibitors of CYP3A4 or CYP2D6. Examples of medicines or substances that have the potential to inhibit CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 include, but are not limited to, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, fluconazole, ritonavir, indinavir, nefazodone, cyclosporin, amiodarone, cimetidine, fluoxetine, paroxetine and grapefruit juice. Dose reduction of ABILIFYTM should be applied with concomitant administration of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as itraconazole, clarithromycin and HIV protease inhibitors, as similar effects to that seen in the clinical studies with ketaconazole may be expected. Dose reduction of ABILIFYTM should be applied with concomitant administration of potent CYP2D6 inhibitors such as fluoxetine and paroxetine as similar effects to that seen in the clinical studies with quinidine may be expected (see DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION - Concomitant Medications). In a clinical study in patients with schizophrenia or schizo-affective disorder, co-administration of carbamazepine (200 mg twice daily), a potent CYP3A4 inducer, with aripiprazole (30 mg daily) resulted in an approximate 70% decrease in AUC values of both aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole. Other potent inducers of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 may be expected to have similar effects. When a potent inducer like carbamazepine is added to aripiprazole therapy, the aripiprazole dose should be increased. Other potent inducers of CYP3A4 include, but are not limited to, St Johns Wort, phenytoin, rifampicin, efavirenz, and nevirapine. Additional dose increases should be based on clinical evaluation. When the inducer is withdrawn from the combination therapy, the aripiprazole dose should then be reduced. (See DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION - Dosage adjustment for patients taking CYP3A4 inducers)

Inhibitors and Inducers of CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19

Aripiprazole is not metabolized by CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 in vitro, suggesting that interactions with medications or other factors (e.g., smoking), which are inhibitors or inducers of these enzymes, are unlikely.

Effects of ABILIFYTM on Substrates for CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP3A4, & CYP1A2 Aripiprazole and dehydro-aripiprazole were weak inhibitors of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4-mediated metabolism in vitro (IC 50 values 2.4 -25 M). Neither aripiprazole nor dehydro-aripiprazole inhibited CYP1A2 -mediated metabolism in vitro (IC 50 value >50 - 66

M).

In clinical studies, 10-30 mg/day doses of ABILIFYTM had no significant effect on metabolism of substrates of CYP2D6 (dextromethorphan), CYP2C9 (warfarin), CYP2C19 (omeprazole, warfarin), and CYP3A4 (dextromethorphan). Thus, ABILIFYTM is unlikely to cause clinically important drug interactions mediated by these enzymes.

Famotidine

There was no significant effect of the H2 antagonist famotidine, a potent gastric acid blocker, on the pharmacokinetics of aripiprazole.

Food

ABILIFYTM can be administered without regard to meals. Following administration of a 15-mg ABILIFYTM tablet with a standard high-fat meal, the Cmax of aripiprazole and its active metabolite, dehydro-aripiprazole, increased by 11%. The AUC of aripiprazole was increased by 18% and that of the active metabolite by 14%. Food delayed Tmax by 3 hours for aripiprazole and 12 hours for the active metabolite.

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

ABILIFYTM has not been systematically studied in humans for its potential for abuse, tolerance, or physical dependence. In self-administration studies in rats and monkeys, ABILIFYTM demonstrated marginal to no abuse potential. In physical dependence studies in rats and monkeys, modest withdrawal symptoms were observed upon abrupt cessation of dosing. While the clinical trials did not reveal any tendency for any drug-seeking behaviour, 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 ABILIFYTM misuse or abuse (e.g., development of tolerance, increases in dose, drug-seeking behaviour).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Recommended Dosage Schizophrenia

Adults

The recommended starting dose for ABILIFYTM tablets and orally disintergrating tablets is 10 or 15 mg/day administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals. Doses in the range of 10 to 30 mg/day have been effective in clinical trials. Daily dosage may be adjusted on the basis of individual clinical status within the range of 10-30 mg daily. Dosage increases should not be made before 2 weeks, the time needed to achieve steady state. There is no evidence that doses higher than 15 mg/day are more effective than the recommended starting dose of 10-15mg. The maintenance dose for ABILIFYTM tablets or orally disintegrating tablets is 15 mg/day.

Bipolar I Disorder Acute Treatment Adults

The recommended starting and target dose of ABILIFYTM tablets or orally disintegrating tablets is 15mg as monotherapy or as combination therapy with lithium or valproate given once a day, without regard to meals. The dose can be increased to 30mg/day based on clinical response. The safety of doses above 30mg/day has not been evaluated in clinical trials.

Maintenance Therapy Adults

Patients responding to aripiprazole for an acute or mixed episode may be continued on monotherapy aripiprazole at 15 mg or 30 mg daily for a further 9 weeks. Maintenance of effect has not been demonstrated beyond 26 weeks (see CLINICAL TRIALS). Patients given aripiprazole for an acute manic or mixed episode may be continued on monotherapy at the same dose. Adjustments of daily dosage, including dose reductions should be considered on the basis of clinical status.

Renal impairment

No dosage adjustment is required in adult patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic impairment

No dosage adjustment is required for adult patients with hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A, B or C).

Elderly

No dosage adjustment is required for patients 65 years of age.

Gender

No dosage adjustment is required for female adult patients relative to male adult patients.

Concomitant Medications

Dosage adjustment for patients taking ABILIFYTM concomitantly with potential CYP3A4 inhibitors: When concomitant administration of a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, clarithromycin and HIV protease inhibitors with ABILIFYTM occurs, the ABILIFYTM dose should be decreased. When the CYP3A4 inhibitor is withdrawn from the combination therapy, the ABILIFYTM dose should then be increased. Dosage adjustment for patients taking ABILIFYTM concomitantly with potential CYP2D6 inhibitors: When concomitant administration of potential CYP2D6 inhibitors such as quinidine, fluoxetine, or paroxetine with ABILIFYTM occurs, the ABILIFYTM dose should be halved. When the CYP2D6 inhibitor is withdrawn from the combination therapy, the ABILIFYTM dose should then be increased. Dosage adjustment for patients taking ABILIFYTM concomitantly with multiple medications that inhibit CYP3A4 and CYP2D6: Although no clinical studies have been conducted in which ABILIFYTM was taken together with multiple drugs that inhibit CYP3A4 and CYP2D6, consideration should be given to reducing the daily dose of ABILIFYTM in individual circumstances. Dosage adjustment for patients taking ABILIFYTM concomitantly with potential CYP3A4 inducers: When a potent CYP3A4 inducer such as carbamazepine is added to ABILIFYTM therapy, the ABILIFYTM dose should be increased. Additional dose increases should be based on clinical evaluation. When the CYP3A4 inducer is withdrawn from the combination therapy, the ABILIFYTM dose should then be reduced.

Smoking Status

No dosage adjustment is required for smoking patients relative to non-smoking patients.

Switching from Other Antipsychotics

Data was prospectively and systematically collected to address the safety of switching from other antipsychotics to ABILIFYTM (30mg/day). These data indicate that any of the following methods can be used safely for switching patients to ABILIFYTM from another antipsychotic monotherapy:

• immediate discontinuation of the patient's current antipsychotic regimen and immediate initiation of ABILIFYTM;

• immediate initiation of ABILIFYTM while tapering off the current antipsychotic regimen over a 2-week period;

• upward titration of ABILIFYTM over a 2-week period and simultaneous tapering off of the patient's current antipsychotic regimen over the same 2-week period.

Special Instructions for Use and Handling of Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Do not open the blister until you are ready to administer ABILIFYTM ODT. Remove a blister square containing a tablet from the blister card using the perforated tear lines. One corner of the square is shaded where it is easy to separate the top foil from the bottom. Using this corner, peel back the foil to expose the tablet. Do not try to push the ABILIFYTM ODT through the foil because this could damage the tablet. Immediately upon opening the blister, using dry hands, remove the tablet and place it on the tongue. Tablet disintegration occurs rapidly (median is approximately 1 minute) in saliva. Alternatively, the ABILIFYTM ODT can be placed in a glass containing water, dispersed in the water, and the resulting suspension drunk. As some particles from the tablet may be left in the glass, more water should be added to the glass, swirled and the contents drunk. Rinsing should be repeated until all the solid particles are consumed. ABILIFYTMorally disintegrating tablets are fragile and should not be broken or cut.

OVERDOSAGE

Human Experience

In clinical studies, and postmarketing experience accidental or intentional acute overdosage of aripiprazole alone was identified in adult patients with estimated doses up to 1260 mg with no fatalities. The potentially medically important signs and symptoms observed in adult patients who overdosed with aripiprazole alone at doses up to 1260 mg included lethargy, blood pressure increased, somnolence, tachycardia and vomiting. In addition, reports of accidental overdose with aripiprazole alone (up to 195 mg) in children have been received. The potentially medically serious signs and symptoms reported include somnolence, and transient loss of consciousness. In the patients who were evaluated in hospital settings, there were no reported observations indicating a clinically significant adverse change in vital signs, laboratory assessments, or ECG.

Management of Overdosage

No specific information is available on the treatment of overdose with ABILIFYTM. The possibility of multiple drug involvement should be considered. Therefore cardiovascular monitoring should commence immediately and should include continuous electrocardiographic monitoring to detect possible arrhythmias. 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 ABILIFYTM, an early charcoal administration may be useful in partially preventing the absorption of aripiprazole. In a single-dose study in which 15 mg of aripiprazole was administered to fully compliant, fully conscious, healthy, male volunteers and followed by activated charcoal (50 g), administered one hour after ABILIFYTM, aripiprazole AUC and Cmax was decreased by 51 and 41%, respectively, compared to historic controls, suggesting that charcoal may be effective for overdose management. Haemodialysis: Although there is no information on the effect of haemodialysis in treating an overdose with ABILIFYTM, haemodialysis is unlikely to be useful in overdose management, since aripiprazole is not eliminated unchanged by the kidneys and is highly bound to plasma proteins. The Poisons Information Centre, telephone number 131126, should be contacted for advice on management.

PRESENTATION

ABILIFYTM (aripiprazole) is available as:

Tablets

*2 mg green, modified rectangular, shallow convex, bevel-edged, tablets, marked on one side with "A-006" and "2" and scored on the other side; 5 mg blue, modified rectangular, shallow convex, bevel-edged, tablets, marked on one side with "A-007" and "5"; 10 mg pink, modified rectangular, shallow convex, bevel-edged, tablets, marked on one side with "A-008" and "10"; 15 mg yellow, round, shallow convex, bevel-edged, tablets, marked on one side with "A-009" and "15"; 20 mg white to pale yellowish white, round, shallow convex, bevel-edged, tablets, marked on one side with "A-010" and "20"; 30 mg pink, round, shallow convex, bevel-edged, tablets, marked on one side with "A-011" and "30". ABILIFYTM tablets are packed in aluminium blisters in cartons.

*Orally Disintegrating Tablets Special Instructions for Use and Handling of Orally Disintegrating Tablets)

(see

*10 mg pink, round, flat faced, bevel-edged tablets with scattered specks on the surface, marked on one side with "A" over "640"and "10" on the other side; *15 mg yellow, round, flat faced, bevel-edged tablets with scattered specks on the surface, marked on one side with "A" over "641"and "15" on the other side; *20 mg white, round, flat faced, bevel-edged tablets with scattered specks on the surface, marked on one side with "A" over "642"and "20" on the other side; *30 mg pink, round, flat faced, bevel-edged tablets with scattered specks on the surface, marked on one side with "A" over "643"and "30" on the other side; *ABILIFYTM orally disintegrating tablets are packed in aluminium blisters in cartons.

*This presentation is not currently marketed in Australia

.

STORAGE CONDITIONS

Tablets & Orally Disintegrating Tablets

Store below 30C.

NAME AND ADDRESS OF SPONSOR

Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty Ltd 4 Nexus Court, Mulgrave, Victoria 3170, Australia

POISON SCHEDULE OF THE MEDICINE

S4 Prescription Medicine

DATE OF FIRST INCLUSION IN THE ARTG

16 May 2003

DATE OF MOST RECENT AMENDMENT

26 November 2013 Product under license from Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Tokyo 101-8535 Japan