Brand Name

Vraylar

Generic Name
Cariprazine
View Brand Information
FDA approval date: September 17, 2015
Classification: Atypical Antipsychotic
Form: Kit, Capsule

What is Vraylar (Cariprazine)?

VRAYLAR ® is indicated for: Treatment of schizophrenia in adults [see Clinical Studies ( 1.
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Related Clinical Trials

A 6-week, International, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Placebo-controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Cariprazine in the Treatment of Adolescent Participants (13 to 17 Years of Age) With Schizophrenia

Summary: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of cariprazine in the treatment of schizophrenia in the adolescent population.

A 6-week, Multicenter, Randomized, Double-blind, Parallel-group, Placebo-controlled Study of the Efficacy and Safety of Cariprazine in Pediatric Subjects (10 to 17 Years of Age) in the Treatment of Depressive Episodes Associated With Bipolar I Disorder

Summary: Bipolar disorder is a severe chronic mood disorder that affects up to 4% of the adult population and 1.8% of the pediatric population in the United States. The treatment of the depressive episodes of bipolar disorder in the pediatric population has not been as widely studied as the treatment of depressive episodes in bipolar disorder in adults, therefore pharmacotherapeutic options are limited. Gi...

Brand Information

Vraylar (cariprazine)
WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSISand SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS
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. VRAYLAR is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in pediatric and young adult patients in short-term studies. Closely monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening, and for the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)]. The safety and effectiveness of VRAYLAR have not been established in pediatric patients [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4)].
1INDICATIONS AND USAGE
VRAYLAR
  • Treatment of schizophrenia in adults 
  • Acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder in adults
  • Treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (bipolar depression) in adults
  • Adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
2DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS
VRAYLAR (cariprazine) capsules are available in four strengths.
  • 1.5 mg capsules: White cap and body imprinted with “FL 1.5”
  • 3 mg capsules: Green to blue-green cap and white body imprinted with “FL 3”
  • 4.5 mg capsules: Green to blue-green cap and body imprinted with “FL 4.5”
  • 6 mg capsules: Purple cap and white body imprinted with “FL 6”
3CONTRAINDICATIONS
VRAYLAR is contraindicated in patients with history of a hypersensitivity reaction to cariprazine. Reactions have ranged from rash, pruritus, urticaria, and reactions suggestive of angioedema (e.g., swollen tongue, lip swelling, face edema, pharyngeal edema, and swelling face).
4ADVERSE REACTIONS
The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling:
  • Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis
  • Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
  • Cerebrovascular Adverse Reactions, Including Stroke, in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis
  • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
  • Tardive Dyskinesia
  • Late Occurring Adverse Reactions 
  • Metabolic Changes
  • Leukopenia, Neutropenia, and Agranulocytosis
  • Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope
  • Falls
  • Seizures
  • Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment
  • Body Temperature Dysregulation
  • Dysphagia
4.1Clinical Trials Experience
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
The information below is derived from an integrated clinical study database for VRAYLAR consisting of 6,722 adult patients exposed to one or more doses of VRAYLAR for the treatment of schizophrenia, manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, bipolar depression, and adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder in placebo-controlled studies. This experience corresponds with a total experience of 1,182.8 patient-years. A total of 4,329 VRAYLAR-treated patients had at least 6 weeks and 296 VRAYLAR-treated patients had at least 48 weeks of exposure.
Patients with Schizophrenia
The following findings are based on four placebo-controlled, 6-week schizophrenia trials with VRAYLAR doses ranging from 1.5 to 12 mg once daily.  The maximum recommended dosage is 6 mg daily.
Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment: There was no single adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at a rate of ≥ 2% in VRAYLAR-treated patients and at least twice the rate of placebo. 
Common Adverse Reactions(≥5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): extrapyramidal symptoms and akathisia.
Adverse Reactions with an incidence of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo, at any dose are shown in Table 8.
Note: Figures rounded to the nearest integer
Patients with Bipolar Mania
The following findings are based on three placebo-controlled, 3-week bipolar mania trials with VRAYLAR doses ranging from 3 to 12 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dosage is 6 mg daily.
Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment: The adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at a rate of ≥ 2% in VRAYLAR-treated patients and at least twice the rate of placebo was akathisia (2%). Overall, 12% of the patients who received VRAYLAR discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 7% of placebo-treated patients in these trials.
Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo):extrapyramidal symptoms, akathisia, dyspepsia, vomiting, somnolence, and restlessness.
Adverse Reactions with an incidence of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo at any dose are shown in Table 9.
Note: Figures rounded to the nearest integer
Patients with Bipolar Depression
The following findings are based on three placebo-controlled, two 6-week and one 8-week bipolar depression trials with VRAYLAR doses of 1.5 mg and 3 mg once daily.
Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment: There were no adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at a rate of ≥ 2% in VRAYLAR-treated patients and at least twice the rate of placebo. Overall, 6% of the patients who received VRAYLAR discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 5% of placebo-treated patients in these trials.
Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): nausea, akathisia, restlessness, and extrapyramidal symptoms.
Adverse Reactions with an incidence of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo at 1.5 mg or 3 mg doses are shown in Table 10.
aExtrapyramidal symptoms terms: akinesia, drooling, dyskinesia, dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypokinesia, muscle tightness, musculoskeletal stiffness, myoclonus, oculogyric crisis, salivary hypersecretion, tardive dyskinesia, tremor
bSomnolence terms: hypersomnia, sedation, somnolence
cFatigue terms: asthenia, fatigue, malaise
dInsomnia terms: initial insomnia, insomnia, insomnia related to another mental condition, middle insomnia, sleep disorder, terminal insomnia
Adjunctive Therapy in Major Depressive Disorder
The following findings are based on two placebo-controlled, fixed-dose 6-week trials with VRAYLAR doses of 1.5 and 3 mg once daily plus an antidepressant and one placebo-controlled, flexible-dose 8-week trial with VRAYLAR doses of (1 to 2 mg) and (2 to 4.5 mg) once daily plus an antidepressant for adjunctive therapy in MDD.
Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment: The adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at a rate of ≥ 2% in VRAYLAR-treated patients and at least twice the rate of placebo was akathisia (2%). Overall, 6% of the patients who received VRAYLAR discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 3% of placebo-treated patients in these trials.
Common Adverse Reactions (≥ 5% and at least twice the rate of placebo): Akathisia, nausea, and insomnia occurred in two 6-week, fixed-dose trials. Akathisia, restlessness, fatigue, constipation, nausea, increased appetite, dizziness, insomnia, and extrapyramidal symptoms occurred in one 8-week flexible-dose trial.
Adverse Reactions with an incidence of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo at 1.5 mg or 3 mg doses are shown in Table 11
Note: Figures rounded to the nearest integer
Adverse Reactions with an incidence of ≥ 2% and greater than placebo at 1 mg to 2 mg per day or 2 mg to 4.5 mg per day doses are shown in Table 12. 
aAkathisia terms:akathisia, feeling jittery, nervousness, tension
bExtrapyramidal symptoms terms: cogwheel rigidity, drooling, dyskinesia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypertonia, jaw stiffness, muscle contractions involuntary, muscle disorder, muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, muscle tightness, muscle twitching, musculoskeletal stiffness, nuchal rigidity, parkinsonism, psychomotor retardation, reduced facial expression, resting tremor, restless legs syndrome, sensation of heaviness, salivary hypersecretion, tremor
cSomnolence terms: hypersomnia, sedation, lethargy, somnolence
dInsomniaterms: initial insomnia, insomnia, middle insomnia, terminal insomnia, sleep disorder, poor sleep quality
Dystonia
Symptoms of dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, may occur in susceptible individuals during the first few days of treatment. Dystonic symptoms include: spasm of the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or protrusion of the tongue. Although these symptoms can occur at low doses, they occur more frequently and with greater severity with high potency and higher doses of first-generation antipsychotic drugs. An elevated risk of acute dystonia is observed in males and younger age groups.
Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) and Akathisia
In schizophrenia, bipolar mania, bipolar depression, and adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials, data were objectively collected using the Simpson Angus Scale (SAS) for treatment-emergent EPS (parkinsonism) (SAS total score ≤ 3 at baseline and > 3 post-baseline) and the Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) for treatment-emergent akathisia (BARS total score ≤ 2 at baseline and > 2 post-baseline).
In 6-week schizophrenia trials, the incidence of reported adverse reactions related to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), excluding akathisia and restlessness was 17% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 8% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 0.3% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.2% of placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia was 11% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 4% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 0.5% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.2% of placebo-treated patients.
In 3-week bipolar mania trials, the incidence of reported adverse reactions related to extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), excluding akathisia and restlessness, was 28% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 12% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to a discontinuation in 1% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.2% of placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia was 20% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 5% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 2% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0% of placebo-treated patients.
In the two 6-week and one 8-week bipolar depression trials, the incidence of reported adverse reactions related to EPS, excluding akathisia and restlessness was 4% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 2% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 0.4% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0% of placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia was 8% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 2% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 1.5% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0% of placebo-treated patients.
In the two 6-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials, the incidence of reported adverse reactions related to EPS, excluding akathisia and restlessness, was 6% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 4% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 0.3% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.6% of placebo-treated patients. The combined incidence of akathisia and restlessness was 12% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 4% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 2% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.4% of placebo-treated patients. 
In one 8-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trial, the incidence of reported adverse reactions related to EPS, excluding akathisia and restlessness, was 12% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 5% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 1% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.4% of placebo-treated patients. The incidence of akathisia and restlessness was 22% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 6% for placebo-treated patients. These reactions led to discontinuation in 3% of VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.0% of placebo-treated patients.
Cataracts
The development of cataracts was observed in nonclinical studies
Vital Signs Changes
There were no clinically meaningful differences between VRAYLAR-treated patients and placebo-treated patients in mean change from baseline to endpoint in supine blood pressure parameters except for an increase in supine diastolic blood pressure in the 9 - 12 mg/day VRAYLAR-treated patients with schizophrenia.
Pooled data from 6-week schizophrenia trials are shown in Table 13, and from 3-week bipolar mania trials are shown in Table 14.
* Data shown by modal daily dose, defined as most frequently administered dose per patient
 * Data shown by modal daily dose, defined as most frequently administered dose per patient
In the two 6-week and one 8-week bipolar depression trials, there were no clinically meaningful differences between VRAYLAR-treated patients and placebo-treated patients in mean change from baseline to endpoint in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure. VRAYLAR-treated patients’ supine blood pressure increased by 0.1 to 0.3 mmHg; placebo-treated patients’ supine blood pressure increased by 0.2 mmHg.
In two 6-week and one 8-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials, there were no clinically meaningful differences between VRAYLAR-treated patients and placebo-treated patients in mean change from baseline to endpoint in supine systolic and diastolic blood pressure. At the end of the 6-week trials, VRAYLAR-treated patients’ supine systolic blood pressure decreased by 0.1 to 0.7 mmHg; placebo-treated patients’ supine systolic blood pressure decreased by 0.1 mmHg. VRAYLAR-treated patients’ supine diastolic blood pressure increased by 0.1 mmHg and placebo-treated patients’ supine diastolic blood pressure increased by 0.2 mmHg. 
Changes in Laboratory Tests
The proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of ≥3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in 6-week schizophrenia trials ranged between 1% and 2% for VRAYLAR-treated patients, increasing with dose, and was 1% for placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of ≥3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in 3-week bipolar mania trials ranged between 2% and 4% for VRAYLAR-treated patients depending on dose group administered and 2% for placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of ≥3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in 6-week and 8-week bipolar depression trials ranged between 0% and 0.5% for VRAYLAR-treated patients depending on dose group administered and 0.4% for placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of ≥3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in two 6-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials ranged between 0% and 1% for VRAYLAR-treated patients depending on dose group administered and 0% for placebo-treated patients.
The proportions of patients with elevations of creatine phosphokinase (CPK) greater than 1000 U/L in 6-week schizophrenia trials ranged between 4% and 6% for VRAYLAR-treated patients, increasing with dose, and was 4% for placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with elevations of CPK greater than 1000 U/L in 3-week bipolar mania trials was about 4% in VRAYLAR and placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with elevations of CPK greater than 1000 U/L in 6-week and 8-week bipolar depression trials ranged between 0.2% and 1% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0.2% for placebo-treated patients. The proportions of patients with elevations of CPK greater than 1000 U/L in two 6-week adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder trials ranged between 0.6% and 0.8% for VRAYLAR-treated patients versus 0% for placebo-treated patients.
Other Adverse Reactions Observed During the Pre-marketing Evaluation of VRAYLAR
Adverse reactions listed below were reported by patients treated with VRAYLAR at doses of ≥ 1.5 mg once daily within the premarketing database of 5,763 VRAYLAR-treated patients. The reactions listed are those that could be of clinical importance, as well as reactions that are plausibly drug-related on pharmacologic or other grounds. Reactions that appear elsewhere in the VRAYLAR label are not included.
Reactions are further categorized by organ class and listed in order of decreasing frequency, according to the following definition: those occurring in at least 1/100 patients (frequent) [only those not already listed in the tabulated results from placebo-controlled studies appear in this listing]; those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1000 patients (infrequent); and those occurring in fewer than 1/1,000 patients (rare).
Gastrointestinal Disorders: Infrequent: gastroesophageal reflux disease, gastritis
Hepatobiliary Disorders: Rare: hepatitis
Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: Frequent: decreased appetite; Rare: hyponatremia
Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: Rare: rhabdomyolysis
Nervous System Disorders: Rare: ischemic stroke
Psychiatric Disorders: Infrequent: suicide ideation; Rare: completed suicide, suicide attempts
Renal and Urinary Disorders: Infrequent: pollakiuria
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: Infrequent: hyperhidrosis
4.2Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reaction has been identified during post approval use of VRAYLAR. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders – Stevens-Johnson syndrome
5DRUG INTERACTIONS
Table 15 displays clinically significant drug interactions with VRAYLAR.
6DESCRIPTION
The active ingredient of VRAYLAR is cariprazine, an atypical antipsychotic, in hydrochloride salt form. The chemical name is 
The chemical structure for VRAYLAR is cariprazine HCl, an atypical antipsychotic. The chemical name is trans-N-{4-[2-[4-(2,3 dichlorophenyl)piperazine-1-yl]ethyl]cyclohexyl}-N’,N’-dimethylurea hydrochloride; its empirical formula is C21H33Cl3N4O and its molecular weight is 463.9 g/mol.
VRAYLAR capsules are intended for oral administration only. Each hard gelatin capsule contains a white to off-white powder of cariprazine HCl, which is equivalent to 1.5, 3, 4.5, or 6 mg of cariprazine base. In addition, capsules include the following inactive ingredients: gelatin, magnesium stearate, pregelatinized starch, shellac, and titanium dioxide. Colorants include black iron oxide (1.5, 3, and 6 mg), FD&C Blue 1 (3, 4.5, and 6 mg), FD&C Red 3 (6 mg), FD&C Red 40 (3 and 4.5 mg), or yellow iron oxide (3 and 4.5 mg). 
7PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION
Advise the patient or caregiver to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Advise patients and caregivers to look for the emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially early during treatment and when the dosage is adjusted up or down and instruct them to report such symptoms to their healthcare provider
Dosage and Administration
Advise patients that VRAYLAR can be taken with or without food. Counsel them on the importance of following dosage escalation instructions
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
Counsel patients about a potentially fatal adverse reaction, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), that has been reported in association with administration of antipsychotic drugs. Advise patients, family members, or caregivers to contact the healthcare provider or to report to the emergency room if they experience signs and symptoms of NMS 
Tardive Dyskinesia
Counsel patients on the signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia and to contact their health care provider if these abnormal movements occur
Late-Occurring Adverse Reactions
Counsel patients that adverse reactions may not appear until several weeks after the initiation of VRAYLAR treatment
Metabolic Changes (Hyperglycemia and Diabetes Mellitus, Dyslipidemia, and Weight Gain)
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 
Leukopenia/Neutropenia
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 VRAYLAR
Orthostatic Hypotension and Syncope
Counsel patients on the risk of orthostatic hypotension and syncope, especially early in treatment, and also at times of re-initiating treatment or increases in dose
Interference with Cognitive and Motor Performance
Caution patients about performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating hazardous machinery or operating a motor vehicle, until they are reasonably certain that VRAYLAR therapy does not affect them adversely
Heat Exposure and Dehydration
Educate patients regarding appropriate care in avoiding overheating and dehydration
Concomitant Medications
Advise patients to notify their physicians if they are taking, or plan to take, any prescription or over-the-counter drugs since there is a potential for interactions 
Pregnancy
Advise patients that third trimester use of VRAYLAR may cause extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms in a neonate. Advise patients to notify their healthcare provider with a known or suspected pregnancy [
Pregnancy Registry
Advise patients that there is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to VRAYLAR during pregnancy
Licensed from Gedeon Richter Plc.
Manufactured by:
Distributed by:
VRAYLAR and its design are trademarks of Allergan Pharmaceuticals International Limited, an AbbVie company.
© 2024 AbbVie. All rights reserved.
v7.0USPI115
8PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 61874-115-20
NDC 61874-115-20
Rx Only
Vraylar®
(cariprazine) capsules
1.5 mg per capsule
ATTENTION PRESCRIBER: PLEASE DISPENSE
MEDICATION GUIDE TO EACH PATIENT.
Each capsule contains cariprazine HCl equivalent to 
1.5 mg cariprazine base.
20 capsules (2x10-count blister cards).
9PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 61874-130-20
NDC 61874-130-20
Rx Only
Vraylar®
(cariprazine) capsules
3 mg per capsule
ATTENTION PRESCRIBER: PLEASE DISPENSE
MEDICATION GUIDE TO EACH PATIENT.
Each capsule contains cariprazine HCl equivalent to
3 mg cariprazine base.
20 capsules (2x10-count blister cards)
10PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 61874-145-30
NDC 61874-145-30
Rx Only
Vraylar®
(cariprazine) capsules
4.5 mg per capsule
ATTENTION PRESCRIBER: PLEASE 
DISPENSE MEDICATION GUIDE 
TO EACH PATIENT.
30 Capsules
11PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 61874-160-30
NDC 61874-160-30
Rx Only
Vraylar®
(cariprazine) capsules
6 mg per capsule
ATTENTION PRESCRIBER: PLEASE 
DISPENSE MEDICATION GUIDE 
TO EACH PATIENT.
30 Capsules
12PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL
NDC 61874-170-08
NDC 61874-170-08
Rx Only
Vraylar®