24 HR gepirone 18.2 MG Extended Release Oral Tablet [Exxua]

INDICATIONS AND USAGE EXXUA is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. EXXUA is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults ( 1 ).

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Correct electrolyte abnormalities and perform electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to initiating treatment with EXXUA. Do not initiate EXXUA if QTc is > 450 msec ( 2.1 ). Perform ECGs during dosage titration and periodically during treatment ( 2.1 ). The recommended starting dose is 18.2 mg administered orally once daily with food at approximately the same time each day ( 2.2 , 2.3 ). Depending on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to 36.3 mg once daily on Day 4. Dosage may be further titrated to 54.5 mg once daily after Day 7 and to 72.6 mg once daily after an additional week ( 2.3 ). Geriatric patients: Recommended starting dosage is 18.2 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased to 36.3 mg after 7 days ( 2.4 ). Renal Impairment (creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min): Recommended starting dosage is 18.2 mg once daily. Dosage may be increased to 36.3 mg once daily after 7 days ( 2.5 , 8.6 ). Moderate Hepatic Impairment (Child-Pugh B): Dosage may be increased to 36.3 mg once daily after 7 days ( 2.6 , 8.7 ). Adjust EXXUA dose by 50% when a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor is administered ( 2.7 ). 2.1 Important Recommendations Prior to Initiating and During Treatment with EXXUA Electrocardiogram and Electrolyte Monitoring Correct electrolyte abnormalities prior to initiating EXXUA. In patients with electrolyte abnormalities, or who are receiving diuretics or glucocorticoids, or who have a history of hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, also monitor electrolytes during dose titration and periodically during treatment with EXXUA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) prior to initiating EXXUA, during dosage titration, and periodically during treatment. Do not initiate EXXUA if QTc is > 450 msec at baseline. Monitor ECGs more frequently if EXXUA is used: concomitantly with drugs known to prolong the QT interval in patients who develop QTc ≥ 450 msec during treatment in patients with a significant risk of developing torsade de pointes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7) ]. Do not escalate the EXXUA dosage if the QTcF is > 450 msec [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. Bipolar Disorder, Mania, and Hypomania Screening Screen patients for a personal or family history of bipolar disorder, mania, or hypomania prior to initiating treatment with EXXUA [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] . 2.2 Important Administration Instructions Take EXXUA orally with food at approximately the same time each day [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Swallow tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew EXXUA. 2.3 Recommended Dosage The recommended starting dosage of EXXUA is 18.2 mg once daily. Based on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to 36.3 mg orally once daily on Day 4 and further titrated to 54.5 mg orally once daily after Day 7 and to 72.6 mg orally once daily after an additional week. The maximum recommended daily dosage of EXXUA is 72.6 mg once daily. 2.4 Dosage Recommendations in Geriatric Patients The recommended starting dosage of EXXUA in geriatric patients is 18.2 mg orally once daily. Based on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to maximum recommended dosage of 36.3 mg orally once daily after Day 7 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.5) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. 2.5 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Renal Impairment The recommended starting dosage of EXXUA in patients with creatinine clearance < 50 mL/min is 18.2 mg orally once daily. Based on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to the maximum recommended dosage of 36.3 mg orally once daily after Day 7 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. The recommended dosage in patients with creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min is the same as in patients with normal renal function [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . 2.6 Recommended Dosage in Patients with Hepatic Impairment The recommended starting dose of EXXUA in patients with moderate (Child-Pugh B) hepatic impairment is 18.2 mg once daily. Based on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to the maximum recommended dosage of 36.3 mg orally once daily after Day 7 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 ) ] . EXXUA is contraindicated in patients with severe (Child-Pugh C) hepatic impairment [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . The recommended dosage in patients with mild (Child-Pugh A) hepatic impairment is the same as patients with normal hepatic function. 2.7 Dosage Modifications for Concomitant Use with CYP3A4 Inhibitors Reduce the EXXUA dose by 50% when used concomitantly with a moderate CYP3A4 inhibitor [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . EXXUA is contraindicated in patients receiving strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . 2.8 Switching a Patient to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Antidepressant At least 14 days must elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of therapy with EXXUA. Conversely, at least 14 days must be allowed after stopping EXXUA before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7) ] .

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS QT Interval Prolongation: EXXUA prolongs the QTc. Correct electrolyte abnormalities. Perform ECGs prior to initiation, during dose titration, and periodically during treatment with EXXUA. Monitor ECGs more frequently when EXXUA is used concomitantly with drugs known to prolong the QT interval, in patients who develop QTc ≥ 450 msec during treatment or are at significant risk of developing torsade de pointes. Do not escalate dosage if QTc > 450 msec ( 2.1 , 5.2 , 7 ). Serotonin Syndrome: Increased risk when co-administered with other serotonergic agents. If serotonin syndrome occurs, discontinue EXXUA and initiate supportive measures ( 5.3 ). Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Screen patients for bipolar disorder ( 5.4 ). 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults In pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and other antidepressant classes) that included approximately 77,000 adult patients, and 4,500 pediatric patients, the incidence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in antidepressant-treated patients aged 24 years and younger was greater than in placebo-treated patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors among drugs, but there was an increased risk identified in young patients for most drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors across the different indications, with the highest incidence in patients with MDD. The drug-placebo differences in the number of cases of suicidal thoughts and behaviors per 1000 patients treated are provided in Table 1 . Table 1 Risk Differences of the Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric EXXUA is not approved for use in pediatric patients. and Adult Patients Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Patients with Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors per 1000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo < 18 years old 14 additional patients 18-24 years old 5 additional patients Decreases Compared to Placebo 25-64 years old 1 fewer patient ≥ 65 years old 6 fewer patients It is unknown whether the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond four months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with MDD that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression and that depression itself is a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor all antidepressant-treated patients for clinical worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially during the initial few months of drug therapy, and at times of dosage changes. Counsel family members or caregivers of patients to monitor for changes in behavior and to alert the healthcare provider. Consider changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing EXXUA, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 5.2 QT Prolongation EXXUA prolongs the QTc interval [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2) ] . EXXUA is contraindicated in patients with congenital long QT syndrome and in patients with severe hepatic impairment or in patients receiving concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors as they increase EXXUA plasma concentrations [see Contraindications (4) , Drug Interactions (7) , and Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ] . Do not initiate EXXUA if QTc is > 450 msec at baseline [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) and Contraindications (4) ] . Correct electrolyte abnormalities prior to EXXUA initiation. In patients with electrolyte abnormalities, who are receiving diuretics or glucocorticoids, or have a history of hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, also monitor electrolytes during dose titration and periodically during treatment with EXXUA. Perform an ECG prior to EXXUA initiation, during dosage titration, and periodically during treatment. Monitor patients with ECGs more frequently: If EXXUA is used concomitantly with drugs known to prolong the QT interval [ see Drug Interactions (7) ]. In patients who develop QTc ≥450 msec during treatment with EXXUA. Do not escalate the EXXUA dosage if QTcF is > 450 msec [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ] . In patients with a significant risk of developing torsade de pointes, including those with uncontrolled or significant cardiac disease, recent myocardial infarction, heart failure, unstable angina, bradyarrhythmias, uncontrolled hypertension, high degree atrioventricular block, severe aortic stenosis, or uncontrolled hypothyroidism. Reduce the EXXUA dosage when used concomitantly with moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors, as they may increase EXXUA concentrations [see Dosage and Administration (2.7) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . 5.3 Serotonin Syndrome Concomitant use of EXXUA with SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants may cause serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition with changes including altered mental status, hypertension, restlessness, myoclonus, hyperthermia, hyperreflexia, diaphoresis, shivering, and tremor [see Drug Interactions (7) ] . The concomitant use of EXXUA with MAOIs is contraindicated. In addition, do not initiate EXXUA in a patient being treated with MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If it is necessary to initiate treatment with an MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue in a patient taking EXXUA discontinue EXXUA before initiating treatment with the MAOI [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . If concomitant use of EXXUA with other serotonergic drugs is clinically warranted, inform patients of the increased risk for serotonin syndrome and monitor for symptoms. Discontinue EXXUA and/or concomitant serotonergic drug immediately if the above symptoms occur and initiate supportive symptomatic treatment. 5.4 Activation of Mania or Hypomania Antidepressant treatment can precipitate a manic, mixed, or hypomanic manic episode. The risk appears to be increased in patients with bipolar disorder or who have risk factors for bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating treatment with EXXUA, screen patients for a history of bipolar disorder and the presence of risk factors for bipolar disorder (e.g., family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression) [see Dosage and Administration (2.1) ]. EXXUA is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.

CONTRAINDICATIONS EXXUA is contraindicated in patients: with known hypersensitivity to gepirone or components of EXXUA [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . with prolonged QTc interval > 450 msec at baseline [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. with congenital long QT syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ]. receiving concomitant strong CYP3A4 inhibitors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Drug Interactions (7) ]. with severe hepatic impairment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) and Use in Specific Populations (8.7) ]. taking, or within 14 days of stopping, MAOIs due to the risk of serious and possibly fatal drug interactions, including hypertensive crisis and serotonin syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Drug Interactions (7) ] . Starting EXXUA in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is also contraindicated. Known hypersensitivity to gepirone or components of EXXUA ( 4 ). Prolonged QTc interval > 450 msec at baseline ( 4 ). Congenital long QT syndrome ( 4 ). Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inhibitors ( 4 ). Severe hepatic impairment ( 4 ). Use with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping treatment with EXXUA. Do not use EXXUA within 14 days of discontinuing an MAOI ( 4 ).

Mechanism of Action The mechanism of the antidepressant effect of EXXUA is not fully understood but is thought to be related to its modulation of serotonergic activity in the CNS through selective agonist activity at 5HT1A receptors.