Daily Medication Pearl: Aripiprazole Lauroxil (Aristada)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Aripiprazole Lauroxil (Aristada)

Indication: Aripiprazole Lauroxil(Aristada) is a long-acting injectable atypical antipsychotic indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Insight:

• Dosing: Administer aripiprazole lauroxil by intramuscular injection in the deltoid (441 mg dose only) or gluteal (441 mg, 662 mg, 882 mg or 1064 mg) muscle by a health care professional.
• Dosage forms: Extended-release injectable suspension 441 mg, 662 mg, 882 mg, or 1064 mg single-dose pre-filled syringe.
• Adverse events: The most frequently observed adverse reaction with aripiprazole lauroxil (incidence ≥5% and at least twice that for placebo) was akathisia.
• Mechanism of action: Aripiprazole lauroxil is a prodrug of aripiprazole. Following intramuscular injection, aripiprazole lauroxil is likely converted by enzyme-mediated hydrolysis to N-hydroxymethyl aripiprazole, which is then hydrolyzed to aripiprazole. The mechanism of action of aripiprazole in schizophrenia is unknown. However, efficacy could be mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors.
• Manufacturer: Alkermes

Reference

ARISTADA® Prescribing Information (aristadahcp.com)