Initiating Treatment With Cariprazine
12.21.2022

Before Initiating Treatment With REAGILA

Reagila is indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients.

Patients with different symptoms and in different stages of their disease will have different needs. This means that doses of Reagila, switching strategies, and co-medications may differ based on the individual patient’s status. Therefore, making a thorough evaluation of the patient’s current state and current medications might be a useful way to start a treatment plan using Reagila.

The Approved Doses For REAGILA in Schizophrenia

Based on efficacy and tolerability in clinical studies, the approved dose range of REAGILA for the treatment of schizophrenia in adult patients is 1.5-6 mg/d1. REAGILA comes in 4 different dose strengths (1.5 mg, 3 mg, 4.5 mg, and 6 mg) and all doses are effective in treating schizophrenia.

How is REAGILA Initiated For the Treatment of Schizophrenia?

The recommended starting dose of REAGILA is 1.5 mg once daily. Thereafter the dose can be increased slowly in 1.5 mg increments to a maximum dose of 6 mg/d, if needed.

Method of Administration

REAGILA is for oral use and it is taken once daily with or without food1. REAGILA should be taken at the same time every day – however, it is not restricted to either mornings or evenings. Patients can take REAGILA when it’s most convenient for them, but they should be aware that REAGILA has activating qualities rather than sedating ones, which could be a potential consideration in regard to when to take it.

Pharmacokinetic properties

REAGILA has 2 active metabolites, desmethyl cariprazine (DCAR) and didesmethyl cariprazine (DDCAR). Total cariprazine (the parent drug, DCAR, and DDCAR) reaches steady state in 3 to 4 weeks; 90% of steady state is achieved within 1 week for cariprazine and DCAR, and within 4 weeks for DDCAR.
REAGILA active metabolites mean plasma concentrations during 12-weeks of treatment and 12-week follow-up period.

For the management of patients treated with REAGILA, the effective half-life is more relevant than the terminal half-life. The effective (functional) half-life is ~ 2 days for cariprazine and DCAR, 8 days for DDCAR, and ~1 week for total cariprazine. The plasma concentration of total cariprazine will gradually decline following dose discontinuation or interruption, and will decrease by 50% in ~1 week and by >90% in ~3 weeks.

Source: According to Schizophrenialife (https://schizophrenialife.se/initiating-treatment-with-reagila/)