Medication Spotlight: Rexulti - Information on Usage, Drug Category, Equivalents, and Further Details
In a significant development for individuals seeking treatment for certain mental health conditions, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a generic version of the brand-named oral tablet Rexulti (brexpiprazole). This generic alternative, also known as brexpiprazole tablets, is now available in the same oral tablet formulations and strengths as Rexulti: 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg.
Rexulti, marketed by Otsuka since July 2015, is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat depression in adults, in combination with antidepressants; agitation related to dementia in adults with Alzheimer's disease; schizophrenia in adults and children ages 13 years and older; and, with a boxed warning, the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young adults.
The generic brexpiprazole tablets, manufactured by ALEMBIC, are considered equivalent to Rexulti and have passed FDA approval. However, availability may be affected by patents or market factors. It is essential to exercise caution when purchasing medication online, as there have been reports of fraudulent pharmacies offering counterfeit generic versions.
When considering a switch to or use of the generic version, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for trusted sourcing and availability information.
Rexulti is available in strengths of 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, and 4 mg, with the starting dosage for schizophrenia being 1 mg once daily for the first four days, increasing to 2 mg once daily for the next three days, and up to 4 mg once daily depending on how the condition responds to treatment, with a maximum recommended dosage of 4 mg once daily.
For dementia-related agitation, the starting dosage is 0.5 mg once daily for the first seven days, increasing to 1 mg once daily for the next seven days, and up to 2 mg once daily starting on day 15, with a maximum recommended dosage of 3 mg once daily.
The medication can be taken with or without food and should be taken once daily. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, but if it's almost time for the next dose, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed.
Rexulti may cause mild or serious side effects, including weight gain or weight loss, urinary tract infections, sleepiness or insomnia, nausea, indigestion, headache, fatigue, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, the common cold, anxiety, changes in sex drive, and difficulty with thinking or movement.
Serious side effects can include extrapyramidal symptoms, changes in metabolism, seizures, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, low white blood cell levels, intense and uncontrollable urges to perform certain activities, and an increased risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.
It is essential to discuss any side effects with a doctor or pharmacist and to report any adverse reactions to the FDA through MedWatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088.
Rexulti should not be prescribed for occasional treatment of agitation but is meant to be taken as part of an ongoing treatment plan. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should discuss the medication with their doctor, as Rexulti is not known to be safe during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
In summary, the FDA has approved a generic version of Rexulti (brexpiprazole) for certain mental health conditions. The generic brexpiprazole tablets are available in the same oral tablet formulations and strengths as Rexulti, but availability may be affected by patents or market factors. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for trusted sourcing and availability information before using the generic version.
- The FDA-approved generic brexpiprazole tablets, equivalent to Rexulti, can help individuals coping with mental health conditions such as depression, dementia-related agitation, schizophrenia, and (with a boxed warning) the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children and young adults.
- These generic medications are used to treat depression in adults, along with antidepressants, manage schizophrenia in adults and children aged 13 and over, and help with agitation related to Alzheimer's disease.
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare provider about the generic brexpiprazole tablets to ensure trusted sourcing and availability, given potential impacts from patents or market factors.
- With the increased availability of generic mental-health medications like brexpiprazole, health-and-wellness treatments can advance through science to better serve those battling conditions such as depression, dementia-related agitation, schizophrenia, and various other mental health issues.
