Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Rexulti (Brexpiprazole).
Abnormal heart rhythms: This medication can cause an abnormal heart rhythm problem called QT prolongation. If you have a history of QT prolongation, slow or irregular heartbeat, irregular heart rhythm, heart failure, Heart Attack, heart disease, are taking other medications known to cause QT prolongation, or have a family history of sudden cardiac death at less than 50 years of age, discuss with your doctor how Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may affect your medical condition, or how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole). Your doctor will perform tests at regular intervals to monitor for any changes in your heart rhythm.
Blood Clots: Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as heart attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Body temperature: Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), like other antipsychotic medications, may interfere with your body's ability to regulate body temperature. People who exercise vigorously, who are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool down.
Take care to avoid overheating during strenuous exercise or in hot temperatures, and avoid becoming dehydrated by drinking enough fluids.
Compulsive behaviour: Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) has been known to cause changes in behaviour. People who have a history of a gambling disorder may be at an increased risk of compulsive gambling. You may notice other compulsive behaviours, such binge eating, increased or inappropriate sexual thoughts or urges, or inappropriate spending. If you experience any of these behaviours or urges or notice compulsive behaviour in a family member, ensure that they see their doctor.
Diabetes: Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may increase blood sugar for people with diabetes or those who are at risk for diabetes. If you have diabetes, monitor your blood sugar frequently as recommended by your doctor. If you experience symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., increased urination, increased thirst, increased eating, and weakness) while taking this medication, contact your doctor.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may cause drowsiness or lightheadedness, which could interfere with your ability to do activities requiring alertness, such as driving a car. Avoid these activities if the medication affects you in this way. Avoid alcohol while taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) as it may increase your drowsiness.
Infection: Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) can reduce the number of cells that fight infection in the body (white blood cells). If you experience an increase in the number of colds or other infections, talk to your doctor.
Kidney function: People with decreased kidney function may require lower doses of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole). If you have kidney problems, discuss with your doctor how Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of this medication, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Lactose: This medication contains lactose and should not be taken by people with rare problems of galactose intolerance or problems absorbing glucose or galactose.
Low Blood Pressure: Some people taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may experience sudden blood pressure drops when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These blood pressure drops could lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and falls. If you experience this problem, try getting up more slowly. If it persists or if you faint, contact your doctor.
If you have or have had heart disease, stroke, or "mini-stroke," or are at risk of experiencing low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, taking medications for high blood pressure), discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Liver disease or reduced liver function may cause Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how this medication may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole).
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): This medication may cause a potentially fatal reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If you develop symptoms of NMS, such as muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, sweating, or irregular heartbeat, stop taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) and seek immediate medical attention.
Seizures: Seizures have occurred in people taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole). If you have a history of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience a seizure while taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), get immediate medical attention.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour: People taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. These symptoms may occur within several weeks after starting Rexulti (Brexpiprazole). If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole).
Swallowing problems: People taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may have difficulty swallowing. People taking this or other antipsychotic medications should be closely monitored by their doctor for swallowing problems while they are using Rexulti (Brexpiprazole). If you experience difficulty swallowing while taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), contact your doctor.
Tardive dyskinesia: People taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) may develop tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome of uncontrolled body movements. This syndrome may be irreversible. If you develop uncontrolled or unusual body movements, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Rexulti (Brexpiprazole), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) have not been established for children less than 18 years of age.
Seniors: Seniors taking similar medications for dementia-related psychosis have a higher risk of stroke and death compared to seniors who are not taking the medication. Rexulti (Brexpiprazole) is not approved for use by seniors with dementia-related psychosis.
