✅ Uses & Indications
1.1 Schizophrenia Quetiapine extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia. The efficacy of quetiapine extended-release tablets in schizophrenia was established in one 6-week and one maintenance trial in adults with schizophrenia. Efficacy was supported by three 6-week trials in adults with schizophrenia and one 6-week trial in adolescents with schizophrenia (13 to 17 years) treated with quetiapine tablets [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.1)]. 1.2 Bipolar Disorder Quetiapine extended-release tablets are indicated for the acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder, both as monotherapy and as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex. The efficacy of quetiapine extended-release tablets in manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder was established in one 3-week trial in adults with manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder. Efficacy was supported by two 12-week monotherapy trials and one 3-week adjunctive trial in adults with manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder as well as one 3-week monotherapy trial in children and adolescents (10 to 17 years) with manic episodes associated with bipolar I disorder treated with quetiapine tablets [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.2)]. Quetiapine extended-release tablets are indicated for the acute treatment of depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder. The efficacy of quetiapine extended-release tablets was established in one 8-week trial in adults with bipolar I or II disorder and supported by two 8-week trials in adults with bipolar I or II disorder treated with quetiapine tablets [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.2)]. Quetiapine extended-release tablets are indicated for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder, as an adjunct to lithium or divalproex. Efficacy was extrapolated from two maintenance trials in adults with bipolar I disorder treated with quetiapine tablets. The effectiveness of monotherapy for the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder has not been systematically evaluated in controlled clinical trials [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.2)]. 1.3 Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) Quetiapine extended-release tablets are indicated for use as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants for the treatment of MDD. The efficacy of quetiapine extended-release tablets as adjunctive therapy to antidepressants in MDD was established in two 6-week trials in adults with MDD who had an inadequate response to antidepressant treatment [see CLINICAL STUDIES (14.3)]. 1.4 Special Considerations in Treating Pediatric Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder Pediatric schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder are serious mental disorders, however, diagnosis can be challenging. For pediatric schizophrenia, symptom profiles can be variable, and for bipolar I disorder, patients may have variable patterns of periodicity of manic or mixed symptoms. It is recommended that medication therapy for pediatric schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder be initiated only after a thorough diagnostic evaluation has been performed and careful consideration given to the risks associated with medication treatment. Medication treatment for both pediatric schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder is indicated as part of a total treatment program that often includes psychological, educational and social interventions.
📏 Dosage & Administration
2.1 Important Administration Instructions Quetiapine extended-release tablets should be swallowed whole and not split, chewed or crushed. It is recommended that quetiapine extended-release tablets be taken without food or with a light meal (approximately 300 calories) [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. Quetiapine extended-release tablets should be administered once daily, preferably in the evening. 2.2 Recommended Dosing The recommended initial dose, titration, dose range and maximum quetiapine extended-release tablets dose for each approved indication is displayed in Table 1 below. After initial dosing, adjustments can be made upwards or downwards, if necessary, depending upon the clinical response and tolerability of the patient [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3)]. Table 1: Recommended Dosing for quetiapine extended-release tablets Indication Initial Dose and Titration Recommended Dose Maximum Dose Schizophrenia- Adults Day 1: 300 mg/day Dose increases can be made at intervals as short as 1 day and in increments of up to 300 mg/day 400 to 800 mg/day 800 mg/day Schizophrenia-Adolescents (13 to 17 years) Day 1: 50 mg/day Day 2: 100 mg/day Day 3: 200 mg/day Day 4: 300 mg/day Day 5: 400 mg/day 400 to 800 mg/day 800 mg/day Schizophrenia Maintenance-Monotherapy-Adults Not applicable 400 to 800 mg/day 800 mg/day Bipolar I Disorder manic or mixed-Acute monotherapy or adjunct to lithium or divalproex-Adults Day 1: 300 mg/day Day 2: 600 mg/day Day 3: between 400 and 800 mg/day 400 to 800 mg/day 800 mg/day Bipolar I Disorder, manic Acute monotherapy-Children and Adolescents (10 to 17 years) Day 1: 50 mg/day Day 2: 100 mg/day Day 3: 200 mg/day Day 4: 300 mg/day Day 5: 400 mg/day 400 to 600 mg/day 600 mg/day Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Episodes-Adults Day 1: 50 mg/day Day 2: 100 mg/day Day 3: 200 mg/day Day 4: 300 mg/day 300 mg/day 300 mg/day Bipolar I Disorder Maintenance- Adjunct to lithium or divalproex-Adults Not applicable 400 to 800 mg/day 800 mg/day Major Depressive Disorder- Adjunctive Therapy with Antidepressants-Adults Day 1: 50 mg/day Day 2: 50 mg/day Day 3: 150 mg/day 150 to 300 mg/day 300 mg/day Maintenance Treatment for Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder Maintenance Treatment—Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1, 14.2)]. 2.3 Dose Modifications in Elderly Patients Consideration should be given to a slower rate of dose titration and a lower target dose in the elderly and in patients who are debilitated or who have a predisposition to hypotensive reactions [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.5, 8.7) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. When indicated, dose escalation should be performed with caution in these patients. Elderly patients should be started on quetiapine extended-release tablets 50 mg/day and the dose can be increased in increments of 50 mg/day depending on the clinical response and tolerability of the individual patient. 2.4 Dose Modifications in Hepatically Impaired Patients Patients with hepatic impairment should be started on quetiapine extended-release tablets 50 mg/day. The dose can be increased daily in increments of 50 mg/day to an effective dose, depending on the clinical response and tolerability of the patient. 2.5 Dose Modifications when used with CYP3A4 Inhibitors Quetiapine extended-release tablets dose should be reduced to one-sixth of original dose when co-medicated with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, indinavir, ritonavir, nefazodone, etc.). When the CYP3A4 inhibitor is discontinued, the dose of quetiapine extended-release tablets should be increased by 6-fold [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) and DRUG INTERACTIONS (7.1)]. 2.6 Dose Modifications when used with CYP3A4 Inducers Quetiapine extended-release tablets dose should be increased up to 5-fold of the original dose when used in combination with a chronic treatment (e.g., greater than 7 to 14 days) of a potent CYP3A4 inducer (e.g., phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, avasimibe, St. John’s wort etc.). The dose should be titrated based on the clinical response and tolerance of the individual patient. When the CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, the dose of quetiapine extended-release tablets should be reduced to the original level within 7 to 14 days [see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3) and DRUG INTERACTIONS (7.1)]. 2.7 Re-initiation of Treatment in Patients Previously Discontinued Although there are no data to specifically address re-initiation of treatment, it is recommended that when restarting therapy of patients who have been off quetiapine extended-release tablets for more than one-week, the initial dosing schedule should be followed. When restarting patients who have been off quetiapine extended-release tablets for less than one-week, gradual dose escalation may not be required and the maintenance dose may be re-initiated. 2.8 Switching Patients from Quetiapine Tablets to Quetiapine Extended-release Tablets Patients who are currently being treated with quetiapine tablets (immediate release formulation) may be switched to quetiapine extended-release tablets at the equivalent total daily dose taken once daily. Individual dosage adjustments may be necessary. 2.9 Switching from Antipsychotics There are no systematically collected data to specifically address switching patients from other antipsychotics to quetiapine extended-release tablets, or concerning concomitant administration with other antipsychotics. While immediate discontinuation of the previous antipsychotic treatment may be acceptable for some patients, more gradual discontinuation may be most appropriate for others. In all cases, the period of overlapping antipsychotic administration should be minimized. When switching patients from depot antipsychotics, if medically appropriate, initiate quetiapine extended-release tablets therapy in place of the next scheduled injection. The need for continuing existing extrapyramidal syndrome medication should be re-evaluated periodically.
💊 Side Effects
The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.1)] Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.2)] Cerebrovascular adverse reactions, including stroke in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.3)] Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.4)] Metabolic changes (hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, weight gain) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.5)] Tardive dyskinesia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.6)] Hypotension [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)] Falls [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.8)] Increases in blood pressure (children and adolescents) [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.9)] Leukopenia, neutropenia and agranulocytosis [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.10)] Cataracts [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.11)] QT Prolongation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.12)] Seizures [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.13)] Hypothyroidism [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.14)] Hyperprolactinemia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.15)] Potential for cognitive and motor impairment [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.16)] Body temperature regulation [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.17)] Dysphagia [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.18)] Discontinuation Syndrome [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.19)] Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) Effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.20)] 6.1 Clinical Studies Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Adults The information below is derived from a clinical trial database for quetiapine extended-release tablets consisting of approximately 3400 patients exposed to quetiapine extended-release tablets for the treatment of Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and Major Depressive Disorder in placebo-controlled trials. This experience corresponds to approximately 1020.1 patient-years. Adverse reactions were assessed by collecting adverse reactions, results of physical examinations, vital signs, body weights, laboratory analyses and ECG results. The stated frequencies of adverse reactions represent the proportion of individuals who experienced, at least once, an adverse reaction of the type listed. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials: Schizophrenia: There were no adverse reactions leading to discontinuation that occurred at an incidence of ≥ 2% for quetiapine extended-release tablets in schizophrenia trials. Bipolar I Disorder, Manic or Mixed Episodes: There were no adverse reactions leading to discontinuation that occurred at an incidence of ≥ 2% for quetiapine extended-release tablets in the bipolar mania trial. Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Episode: In a single clinical trial in patients with bipolar depression, 14% (19/137) of patients on quetiapine extended-release tablets discontinued due to an adverse reaction compared to 4% (5/140) on placebo. Somnolence 1 was the only adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at an incidence of ≥ 2% in quetiapine extended-release tablets in the bipolar depression trial. MDD, Adjunctive Therapy: In adjunctive therapy clinical trials in patients with MDD, 12.1% (76/627) of patients on quetiapine extended-release tablets discontinued due to adverse reaction compared to 1.9% (6/309) on placebo. Somnolence 1 was the only adverse reaction leading to discontinuation that occurred at an incidence of ≥ 2% in quetiapine extended-release tablets in MDD trials. Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials: In short-term placebo-controlled studies for schizophrenia the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of quetiapine extended-release tablets (incidence of 5% or greater) and observed at a rate on quetiapine extended-release tablets at least twice that of placebo were somnolence (25%), dry mouth (12%), dizziness (10%), and dyspepsia (5%). Adverse Reactions occurring at an Incidence of 2% or More Among quetiapine extended-release tablets Treated Patients in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials. Table 12 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse reactions that occurred during acute therapy of schizophrenia (up to 6 weeks) in 2% or more in patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets (doses ranging from 300 to 800 mg/day) where the incidence in patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. Table 12: Adverse Reactions in 6-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials for the Treatment of Schizophrenia Preferred Term Quetiapine extended-release tablets (N=951) Placebo (N=319) Somnolence 1 25% 10% Dry Mouth 12% 1% Dizziness 10% 4% Extrapyramidal Symptoms 2 8% 5% Orthostatic Hypotension 7% 5% Constipation 6% 5% Dyspepsia 5% 2% Heart Rate Increased 4% 1% Tachycardia 3% 1% Fatigue 3% 2% Hypotension 3% 1% Vision Blurred 2% 1% Toothache 2% 0% Increased Appetite 2% 0% Muscle Spasms 2% 1% Tremor 2% 1% Akathisia 2% 1% Anxiety 2% 1% Schizophrenia 2% 1% Restlessness 2% 1% 1. Somnolence combines adverse reaction terms somnolence and sedation. 2. Extrapyramidal symptoms include the terms: cogwheel rigidity, drooling, dyskinesia dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypertonia, movement disorder, muscle rigidity, parkinsonism, parkinsonian gait, and tardive dyskinesia. In a 3-week, placebo-controlled study in bipolar mania the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of quetiapine extended-release tablets (incidence of 5% or greater) and observed at a rate on quetiapine extended-release tablets at least twice that of placebo were somnolence (50%), dry mouth (34%), dizziness (10%), constipation (10%), weight gain (7%), dysarthria (5%), and nasal congestion (5%). Table 13 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse reactions that occurred during acute therapy of bipolar mania (up to 3 weeks) in 2% or more of patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets (doses ranging from 400 to 800 mg/day) where the incidence in patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. Table 13: Adverse Reactions in a 3-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Bipolar Mania Preferred Term Quetiapine extended-release tablets (N=151) Placebo (N=160) Somnolence 1 50% 12% Dry Mouth 34% 7% Dizziness 10% 4% Constipation 10% 3% Dyspepsia 7% 4% Fatigue 7% 4% Weight Gain 7% 1% Extrapyramidal Symptoms 2 7% 4% Nasal Congestion 5% 1% Dysarthria 5% 0% Increased Appetite 4% 2% Back Pain 3% 2% Toothache 3% 1% Heart Rate Increased 3% 0% Abnormal Dreams 3% 0% Orthostatic Hypotension 3% 0% Tachycardia 2% 1% Vision Blurred 2% 1% Sluggishness 2% 1% Lethargy 2% 1% 1. Somnolence combines adverse reaction terms somnolence and sedation. 2. Extrapyramidal symptoms include the terms: muscle spasms, akathisia, cogwheel rigidity, dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, restlessness and tremor. In the 8-week placebo-controlled bipolar depression study in adults, the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of quetiapine extended-release tablets (incidence of 5% or greater) and observed at a rate on quetiapine extended-release tablets at least twice that of placebo were somnolence (52%), dry mouth (37%), increased appetite (12%), weight gain (7%), dyspepsia (7%), and fatigue (6%). Table 14 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse reactions that occurred during acute therapy of bipolar depression (up to 8 weeks) in 2% or more of adult patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets 300 mg/day where the incidence in patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. Table 14: Adverse Reactions in an 8-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Bipolar Depression Preferred Term Quetiapine extended-release tablets (N=137) Placebo (N=140) Somnolence 1 52% 13% Dry Mouth 37% 7% Dizziness 13% 11% Increased Appetite 12% 6% Constipation 8% 6% Dyspepsia 7% 1% Weight Gain 7% 1% Fatigue 6% 2% Irritability 4% 3% Viral Gastroenteritis 4% 1% Arthralgia 4% 1% Extrapyramidal Symptoms 2 4% 1% Paresthesia 3% 2% Back Pain 3% 1% Muscle Spasms 3% 1% Toothache 3% 0% Abnormal Dreams 3% 0% Ear Pain 2% 1% Seasonal Allergy 2% 1% Sinusitis 2% 1% Decreased Appetite 2% 1% Myalgia 2% 1% Disturbance in Attention 2% 1% Migraine 2% 1% Restless Legs Syndrome 2% 1% Anxiety 2% 1% Sinus Headache 2% 1% Libido Decreased 2% 1% Pollakiuria 2% 1% Sinus Congestion 2% 1% Hyperhidrosis 2% 1% Orthostatic Hypotension 2% 1% Urinary Tract Infection 2% 0% Heart Rate Increased 2% 0% Neck Pain 2% 0% Dysarthria 2% 0% Akathisia 2% 0% Hypersomnia 2% 0% Mental Impairment 2% 0% Confusional State 2% 0% Disorientation 2% 0% 1. Somnolence combines adverse reaction terms somnolence and sedation. 2. Extrapyramidal symptoms include the terms: dystonia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypertonia, and tremor. In the 6-week placebo-controlled fixed dose adjunctive therapy clinical trials, for MDD, the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of quetiapine extended-release tablets (incidence of 5% or greater and observed at a rate on quetiapine extended-release tablets and at least twice that of placebo) were somnolence (150 mg: 37%; 300 mg: 43%), dry mouth (150 mg: 27%; 300 mg: 40%), fatigue (150 mg: 14%; 300 mg: 11%), constipation (300 mg only: 11%) and weight increased (300 mg only: 5%). Table 15 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse reactions that occurred during short-term adjunctive therapy of MDD (up to 6 weeks) in 2% or more of patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets (at doses of either 150 mg or 300 mg/day) where the incidence in patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. Table 15: Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Adjunctive Therapy Clinical Trials for the Treatment of MDD by Fixed Dose Preferred Term Quetiapine extended-release tablets 150 mg (N=315) Quetiapine extended-release tablets 300 mg (N=312) Placebo (N=309) Somnolence 1 37% 43% 9% Dry Mouth 27% 40% 8% Fatigue 14% 11% 4% Dizziness 11% 12% 7% Nausea 7% 8% 7% Constipation 6% 11% 4% Irritability 4% 2% 3% Extrapyramidal Symptoms 2 4% 6% 4% Vomiting 3% 1% 1% Upper Respiratory Tract Infection 3% 2% 2% Weight Increased 3% 5% 0% Increased Appetite 3% 5% 3% Back pain 3% 3% 1% Vertigo 2% 2% 1% Vision Blurred 2% 1% 1% Dyspepsia 2% 3% 2% Influenza 2% 1% 0% Fall 2% 0% 1% Muscle Spasms 2% 1% 1% Lethargy 2% 1% 1% Akathisia 2% 2% 1% Abnormal Dreams 2% 2% 1% Anxiety 2% 2% 1% Depression 2% 1% 1% 1. Somnolence combines the adverse reaction terms somnolence and sedation. 2. Extrapyramidal symptoms include the terms: cogwheel rigidity, drooling, dyskinesia, extrapyramidal disorder, hypertonia, hypokinesia, psychomotor hyperactivity, restlessness, and tremor. Adverse Reactions in clinical trials with quetiapine and not listed elsewhere in the label: Pyrexia, nightmares, peripheral edema, dyspnea, palpitations, rhinitis, eosinophilia, hypersensitivity, elevations in gamma-GT levels, and elevations in serum creatine phosphokinase (not associated with NMS), somnambulism (and other related events), hypothermia, decreased platelets, galactorrhea, bradycardia (which may occur at or near initiation of treatment and be associated with hypotension and/ or syncope), and priapism. Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): Dystonia Class Effect: Symptoms of dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, may occur in susceptible individuals during the first few days of treatment. Dystonic symptoms include: spasm of the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or protrusion of the tongue. While these symptoms can occur at low doses, they occur more frequently and with greater severity with high potency and at higher doses of first generation antipsychotic drugs. An elevated risk of acute dystonia is observed in males and younger age groups. Four methods were used to measure EPS: (1) Simpson-Angus total score (mean change from baseline) which evaluates Parkinsonism and akathisia, (2) Barnes Akathisia Rating Scale (BARS) Global Assessment Score, (3) incidence of spontaneous complaints of EPS (akathisia, akinesia, cogwheel rigidity, extrapyramidal syndrome, hypertonia, hypokinesia, neck rigidity, and tremor), and (4) use of anticholinergic medications to treat EPS. Adults: In placebo-controlled clinical trials with quetiapine, utilizing doses up to 800 mg per day, the incidence of any adverse reactions related to EPS ranged from 8% to 11% for quetiapine and 4% to 11% for placebo. In three-arm placebo-controlled clinical trials for the treatment of schizophrenia, utilizing doses between 300 mg and 800 mg of quetiapine extended-release tablets, the incidence of any adverse reactions related to EPS was 8% for quetiapine extended-release tablets and 8% for quetiapine tablets (without evidence of being dose related), and 5% in the placebo group. In these studies, the incidence of the individual adverse reactions (akathisia, extrapyramidal disorder, tremor, dyskinesia, dystonia, restlessness, and muscle rigidity) was generally low and did not exceed 3% for any treatment group. At the end of treatment, the mean change from baseline in SAS total score and BARS Global Assessment score was similar across the treatment groups. The use of concomitant anticholinergic medications was infrequent and similar across the treatment groups. The incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms was consistent with that seen with the profile of quetiapine tablets in schizophrenia patients. In Tables 16 to 19, dystonic event included nuchal rigidity, hypertonia, dystonia, muscle rigidity, oculogyration; parkinsonism included cogwheel rigidity, tremor, drooling, hypokinesia; akathisia included akathisia, psychomotor agitation; dyskinetic event included tardive dyskinesia, dyskinesia, choreoathetosis; and other extrapyramidal event included restlessness, extrapyramidal disorder, movement disorder. Table 16: Adverse Reactions Associated with Extrapyramidal Symptoms in Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials for Schizophrenia Preferred Term Quetiapine extended-release tablets 300 mg/day (N=91) Quetiapine extended-release tablets 400 mg/day (N=227) Quetiapine extended-release tablets 600 mg/day (N=310) Quetiapine extended-release tablets 800 mg/day (N=323) All Doses (N=951) Placebo (N=319) n % n % n % n % n % n % Dystonic event 3 3.3 0 0.0 4 1.3 1 0.3 8 0.8 0 0.0 Parkinsonism 1 1.1 3 1.3 11 3.6 7 2.2 22 2.3 4 1.3 Akathisia 0 0.0 3 1.3 7 2.3 7 2.2 17 1.8 4 1.3 Dyskinetic event 2 2.2 1 0.4 1 0.3 1 0.3 5 0.5 2 0.6 Other extrapyramidal event 3 3.3 4 1.8 7 2.3 12 3.7 26 2.7 7 2.2 In a placebo-controlled clinical trial for the treatment of bipolar mania, utilizing the dose range of 400 to 800 mg/day of quetiapine extended-release tablets, the incidence of any adverse reactions related to EPS was 6.6% for quetiapine extended-release tablets and 3.8% in the placebo group. In this study, the incidence of the individual adverse reactions (akathisia, extrapyramidal disorder, tremor, dystonia, restlessness, and cogwheel rigidity) did not exceed 2.0% for any adverse reaction. Table 17: Adverse Reactions Associated with Extrapyramidal Symptoms in a Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial for Bipolar Mania Preferred Term 1 Quetiapine extended-release tablets (N=151) Placebo (N=160) n % n % Dystonic event 1 0.7 0 0.0 Parkinsonism 4 2.7 3 1.9 Akathisia 2 1.3 1 0.6 Other extrapyramidal event 3 2.0 2 1.3 1. There were no adverse reactions with the preferred term of dyskinetic event. In a placebo-controlled clinical trial for the treatment of bipolar depression utilizing 300 mg of quetiapine extended-release tablets, the incidence of any adverse reactions related to EPS was 4.4% for quetiapine extended-release tablets and 0.7% in the placebo group. In this study, the incidence of the individual adverse reactions (akathisia, extrapyramidal disorder, tremor, dystonia, hypertonia) did not exceed 1.5% for any individual adverse reaction. Table 18: Adverse Reactions Associated with Extrapyramidal Symptoms in a Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial for Bipolar Depression Preferred term1 Quetiapine extended-release tablets (N=137) Placebo (N=140) n % n % Dystonic event 2 1.5 0 0.0 Parkinsonism 1 0.7 1 0.7 Akathisia 2 1.5 0 0.0 Other extrapyramidal event 1 0.7 0 0.0 1. There were no adverse reactions with the preferred term of dyskinetic event. In two placebo-controlled short-term adjunctive therapy clinical trials for the treatment of MDD utilizing between 150 mg and 300 mg of quetiapine extended-release tablets, the incidence of any adverse reactions related to EPS was 5.1% for quetiapine extended-release tablets and 4.2% for the placebo group. Table 19 shows the percentage of patients experiencing adverse reactions associated with EPS in adjunct clinical trials for MDD by dose: Table 19: Adverse Reactions Associated with EPS in MDD Trials by Dose, Adjunctive Therapy Clinical Trials (6 weeks duration) Preferred term Quetiapine extended-release tablets 150 mg/day (N=315) Quetiapine extended-release tablets 300 mg/day (N=312) All Doses (N=627) Placebo (N=309) n % n % n % n % Dystonic event 1 0.3 0 0.0 1 0.2 0 0.0 Parkinsonism 3 1.0 4 1.3 7 1.1 5 1.6 Akathisia 5 1.6 8 2.6 13 2.1 3 1.0 Dyskinetic event 0 0.0 1 0.3 1 0.2 0 0.0 Other extrapyramidal event 5 1.6 7 2.2 12 1.9 5 1.6 Children and Adolescents The information below is derived from a clinical trial database for quetiapine tablets consisting of over 1,000 pediatric patients. This database includes 677 adolescents (13 to 17 years old) exposed to quetiapine tablets for the treatment of schizophrenia and 393 children and adolescents (10 to 17 years old) exposed to quetiapine tablets for the treatment of acute bipolar mania. Adverse Reactions Associated with Discontinuation of Treatment in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials: Schizophrenia: The incidence of discontinuation due to adverse reactions for quetiapine-treated and placebo-treated patients was 8.2% and 2.7%, respectively. The adverse reaction leading to discontinuation in 2% or more of patients on quetiapine and at a greater incidence than placebo was somnolence (2.7% and 0% for placebo). Bipolar I Mania: The incidence of discontinuation due to adverse reactions for quetiapine-treated and placebo-treated patients was 11.4% and 4.4%, respectively. The adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in 2% or more of patients on quetiapine tablets and at a greater incidence than placebo were somnolence (4.1% vs. 1.1%) and fatigue (2.1% vs. 0%). Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials: In an acute (8-week) quetiapine extended-release tablets trial in children and adolescents (10 to 17 years of age) with bipolar depression, in which efficacy was not established, the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of quetiapine extended-release tablets (incidence of 5% or greater and at least twice that for placebo) were: dizziness (7%), diarrhea (5%), fatigue (5%) and nausea (5%). In therapy for schizophrenia (up to 6 weeks), the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of quetiapine in adolescents (incidence of 5% or greater and quetiapine incidence at least twice that for placebo) were somnolence (34%), dizziness (12%), dry mouth (7%), tachycardia (7%). In bipolar mania therapy (up to 3 weeks) the most commonly observed adverse reactions associated with the use of quetiapine in children and adolescents (incidence of 5% or greater and quetiapine incidence at least twice that for placebo) were somnolence (53%), dizziness (18%), fatigue (11%), increased appetite (9%), nausea (8%), vomiting (8%), tachycardia (7%), dry mouth (7%), and weight increased (6%). Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of ≥ 2% among Quetiapine Tablets Treated Patients in Short-Term, Placebo-Controlled Trials Schizophrenia (Adolescents, 13 to 17 years old) The following findings were based on a 6-week placebo-controlled trial in which quetiapine was administered in either doses of 400 or 800 mg/day. Table 20 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse reactions that occurred during therapy (up to 6 weeks) of schizophrenia in 2% or more of patients treated with quetiapine tablets (doses of 400 or 800 mg/day) where the incidence in patients treated with quetiapine tablets was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. Adverse reactions that were potentially dose-related with higher frequency in the 800 mg group compared to the 400 mg group included dizziness (8% vs. 15%), dry mouth (4% vs. 10%), and tachycardia (6% vs. 11%). Table 20: Adverse Reactions in a 6-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Schizophrenia in Adolescent Patients Preferred Term Quetiapine tablets 400 mg (N=73) Quetiapine tablets 800 mg (N=74) Placebo (N=75) Somnolence 1 33% 35% 11% Dizziness 8% 15% 5% Dry Mouth 4% 10% 1% Tachycardia 2 6% 11% 0% Irritability 3% 5% 0% Arthralgia 1% 3% 0% Asthenia 1% 3% 1% Back Pain 1% 3% 0% Dyspnea 0% 3% 0% Abdominal Pain 3% 1% 0% Anorexia 3% 1% 0% Tooth Abscess 3% 1% 0% Dyskinesia 3% 0% 0% Epistaxis 3% 0% 1% Muscle Rigidity 3% 0% 0% 1. Somnolence combines adverse reaction terms somnolence and sedation. 2. Tachycardia combines adverse reaction terms tachycardia and sinus tachycardia. Bipolar I Mania (Children and Adolescents 10 to 17 years old) The following findings were based on a 3-week placebo-controlled trial in which quetiapine was administered in either doses of 400 or 600 mg/day. Table 21 enumerates the incidence, rounded to the nearest percent, of adverse reactions that occurred during therapy (up to 3 weeks) of bipolar mania in 2% or more of patients treated with quetiapine tablets (doses of 400 or 600 mg/day) where the incidence in patients treated with quetiapine tablets was greater than the incidence in placebo-treated patients. Adverse reactions that were potentially dose-related with higher frequency in the 600 mg group compared to the 400 mg group included somnolence (50% vs. 57%), nausea (6% vs. 10%) and tachycardia (6% vs. 9%). Table 21: Adverse Reactions in a 3-Week Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial for the Treatment of Bipolar Mania in Children and Adolescent Patients Preferred Term Quetiapine tablets 400 mg (N=95) Quetiapine tablets 600 mg (N=98) Placebo (N=90) Somnolence 1 50% 57% 14% Dizziness 19% 17% 2% Nausea 6% 10% 4% Fatigue 14% 9% 4% Increased Appetite 10% 9% 1% Tachycardia 2 6% 9% 0% Dry Mouth 7% 7% 0% Vomiting 8% 7% 3% Nasal Congestion 3% 6% 2% Weight Increased 6% 6% 0% Irritability 3% 5% 1% Pyrexia 1% 4% 1% Aggression 1% 3% 0% Musculoskeletal Stiffness 1% 3% 1% Accidental Overdose 0% 2% 0% Acne 3% 2% 0% Arthralgia 4% 2% 1% Lethargy 2% 2% 0% Pallor 1% 2% 0% Stomach Discomfort 4% 2% 1% Syncope 2% 2% 0% Vision Blurred 3% 2% 0% Constipation 4% 2% 0% Ear Pain 2% 0% 0% Paresthesia 2% 0% 0% Sinus Congestion 3% 0% 0% Thirst 2% 0% 0% 1. Somnolence combines adverse reaction terms somnolence and sedation. 2. Tachycardia combines adverse reaction terms tachycardia and sinus tachycardia. Extrapyramidal Symptoms: Safety and effectiveness of quetiapine extended-release tablets is supported by studies of quetiapine tablets in children and adolescent patients 10 to 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 and 14.2)]. In a short-term placebo-controlled quetiapine extended-release tablets monotherapy trial in children and adolescent patients (10 to 17 years of age) with bipolar depression (8-week duration), in which efficacy was not established, the aggregated incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms was 1.1% (1/92) for quetiapine extended-release tablets and 0% (0/100) for placebo. In a short-term placebo-controlled quetiapine tablets monotherapy trial in adolescent patients (13 to 17 years of age) with schizophrenia (6-week duration), the aggregated incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms was 12.9% (19/147) for quetiapine tablets and 5.3% (4/75) for placebo, though the incidence of the individual adverse reactions (e.g., akathisia, tremor, extrapyramidal disorder, hypokinesia, restlessness, psychomotor hyperactivity, muscle rigidity, dyskinesia) did not exceed 4.1% in any treatment group. In a short-term placebo-controlled quetiapine tablets monotherapy trial in children and adolescent patients (10 to 17 years of age) with bipolar mania (3-week duration), the aggregated incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms was 3.6% (7/193) for quetiapine tablets and 1.1% (1/90) for placebo. In Tables 22 and 23, dystonic events included nuchal rigidity, hypertonia, dystonia, and muscle rigidity; parkinsonism included cogwheel rigidity and tremor; akathisia included akathisia only; dyskinetic event included tardive dyskinesia, dyskinesia and choreoathetosis; and other extrapyramidal event included restlessness and extrapyramidal disorder. Table 22 below presents a listing of patients with adverse reactions associated with EPS in the short-term placebo-controlled quetiapine tablets monotherapy trial in adolescent patients with schizophrenia (6-week duration). Table 22: Adverse Reactions Associated with Extrapyramidal Symptoms in the Placebo-Controlled Trial in Adolescent Patients with Schizophrenia (6-week duration) Preferred term Quetiapine tablets 400 mg/day (N=73) Quetiapine tablets 800 mg/day (N=74) All Quetiapine tablets (N=147) Placebo (N=75) n % n % n % n % Dystonic Event 2 2.7 0 0.0 2 1.4 0 0.0 Parkinsonism 4 5.5 4 5.4 8 5.4 2 2.7 Akathisia 3 4.1 4 5.4 7 4.8 3 4.0 Dyskinetic Event 2 2.7 0 0.0 2 1.4 0 0.0 Other Extrapyramidal Event 2 2.7 2 2.7 4 2.7 0 0.0 Table 23 below presents a listing of patients with adverse reactions associated with EPS in a short-term placebo-controlled monotherapy trial in children and adolescent patients with bipolar mania (3-week duration). Table 23: Adverse Reactions Associated with Extrapyramidal Symptoms in a Placebo-controlled Trial in Children and Adolescent Patients with Bipolar I Mania (3-week duration) Preferred term1 Quetiapine tablets 400 mg/day (N=95) Quetiapine tablets 600 mg/day (N=98) All Quetiapine tablets (N=193) Placebo (N=90) n % n % n % n % Parkinsonism 2 2.1 1 1.0 3 1.6 1 1.1 Akathisia 1 1.0 1 1.0 2 1.0 0 0.0 Other Extrapyramidal Event 1 1.1 1 1.0 2 1.0 0 0.0 1. There were no adverse reactions with the preferred term of dystonic or dyskinetic events. Laboratory, ECG and vital sign changes observed in clinical studies Laboratory Changes: Neutrophil Counts Adults: In three-arm quetiapine extended-release tablets placebo-controlled monotherapy clinical trials, among patients with a baseline neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 x 10 9/L, the incidence of at least one occurrence of neutrophil count 3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in a pool of placebo-controlled trials ranged between 1% and 2% for quetiapine extended-release tablets compared to 2% for placebo. In schizophrenia trials in adults, the proportions of patients with transaminase elevations of > 3 times the upper limits of the normal reference range in a pool of 3- to 6-week placebo-controlled trials were approximately 6% (29/483) for quetiapine tablets compared to 1% (3/194) for placebo. These hepatic enzyme elevations usually occurred within the first 3 weeks of drug treatment and promptly returned to pre-study levels with ongoing treatment with quetiapine. Decreased Hemoglobin Adults: In short-term placebo-controlled trials, decreases in hemoglobin to ≤ 13 g/dL males, ≤ 12 g/dL females on at least one occasion occurred in 8.3% (594/7155) of quetiapine-treated patients compared to 6.2% (219/3536) of patients treated with placebo. In a database of controlled and uncontrolled clinical trials, decreases in hemoglobin to ≤ 13 g/dL males, ≤ 12 g/dL females on at least one occasion occurred in 11% (2277/20729) of quetiapine-treated patients. Interference with Urine Drug Screens There have been literature reports suggesting false positive results in urine enzyme immunoassays for methadone and tricyclic antidepressants in patients who have taken quetiapine. Caution should be exercised in the interpretation of positive urine drug screen results for these drugs, and confirmation by alternative analytical technique (e.g., chromatographic methods) should be considered. ECG Changes: Adults: 2.5% of quetiapine extended-release tablets patients, and 2.3% of placebo patients, had tachycardia (>120 bpm) at any time during the trials. Quetiapine extended-release tablets was associated with a mean increase in heart rate, assessed by ECG, of 6.3 beats per minute compared to a mean increase of 0.4 beats per minute for placebo. This is consistent with the rates for quetiapine tablets. The incidence of adverse reactions of tachycardia was 1.9% for quetiapine extended-release tablets compared to 0.5% for placebo. Quetiapine tablets use was associated with a mean increase in heart rate, assessed by ECG, of 7 beats per minute compared to a mean increase of 1 beat per minute among placebo patients. The slight tendency for tachycardia may be related to quetiapine’s potential for inducing orthostatic changes [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)]. Children and Adolescents: Safety and effectiveness of quetiapine extended-release tablets is supported by studies of quetiapine tablets in children and adolescent patients 10 to 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 and 14.2)]. In an acute (8-week) quetiapine extended-release tablets trial in children and adolescents (10 to 17 years of age) with bipolar depression, in which efficacy was not established, increases in heart rate (> 110 bpm 10 to 12 years and 13 to 17 years) occurred in 0% of patients receiving quetiapine extended-release tablets and 1.2% of patients receiving placebo. Mean increases in heart rate were 3.4 bpm for quetiapine extended-release tablets, compared to 0.3 bpm in the placebo group [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)]. In the acute (6-week) quetiapine tablets schizophrenia trial in adolescents (13 to 17 years of age), increases in heart rate (> 110 bpm) occurred in 5.2% of patients receiving quetiapine tablets 400 mg and 8.5% of patients receiving quetiapine tablets 800 mg compared to 0% of patients receiving placebo. Mean increases in heart rate were 3.8 bpm and 11.2 bpm for quetiapine tablets 400 mg and 800 mg groups, respectively, compared to a decrease of 3.3 bpm in the placebo group [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)]. In the acute (3-week) quetiapine tablets bipolar mania trial in children and adolescents (10 to 17 years of age), increases in heart rate (> 110 bpm) occurred in 1.1% of patients receiving quetiapine tablets 400 mg and 4.7% of patients receiving quetiapine tablets 600 mg compared to 0% of patients receiving placebo. Mean increases in heart rate were 12.8 bpm and 13.4 bpm for quetiapine tablets 400 mg and 600 mg groups, respectively, compared to a decrease of 1.7 bpm in the placebo group [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.7)]. 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions were identified during post approval use of quetiapine tablets. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Adverse reactions reported since market introduction which were temporally related to quetiapine therapy include anaphylactic reaction, cardiomyopathy, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), hyponatremia, myocarditis, nocturnal enuresis, pancreatitis, retrograde amnesia, rhabdomyolysis, syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), decreased platelet count, serious liver reactions (including hepatitis, liver necrosis, and hepatic failure), agranulocytosis, intestinal obstruction, ileus, colon ischemia, sleep apnea, urinary retention, and acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP). Bezoar observed in overdosage [See OVERDOSAGE (10)] .
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
5.1 Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analysis of 17 placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10-week controlled trial, the rate of death in drug-treated patients was about 4.5%, compared to a rate of about 2.6% in the placebo group. Although the causes of death were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that, similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. The extent to which the findings of increased mortality in observational studies may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to some characteristic(s) of the patients is not clear. Quetiapine extended-release tablets are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see BOXED WARNING]. 5.2 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Adolescents and Young Adults Patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern, however, that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (SSRIs and others) showed that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4,400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1,000 patients treated) are provided in Table 2. Table 2: Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1,000 Patients Treated Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1,000 Patients Treated Increases Compared to Placebo 126 mg/dL compared to zero patients in the placebo group. In a placebo-controlled quetiapine tablets monotherapy study of adolescent patients (13 to 17 years of age) with schizophrenia (6 weeks duration), the mean change in fasting glucose levels for quetiapine tablets (n=138) compared to placebo (n=67) was – 0.75 mg/dL versus –1.70 mg/dL. In a placebo-controlled quetiapine tablets monotherapy study of children and adolescent patients (10 to 17 years of age) with bipolar mania (3 weeks duration), the mean change in fasting glucose level for quetiapine tablets (n=170) compared to placebo (n=81) was 3.62 mg/dL versus –1.17 mg/dL. No patient in either study with a baseline normal fasting glucose level (5 mIU/L), 4.9% (956/19412). In eight patients, where TBG was measured, levels of TBG were unchanged. Table 11 shows the incidence of these shifts in short term placebo-controlled clinical trials. Table 11: Incidence of Shifts in Thyroid Hormone Levels and TSH in Short-term Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials 1,2 Total T 4 Free T 4 Total T 3 Free T 3 TSH Quetiapine Placebo Quetiapine Placebo Quetiapine Placebo Quetiapine Placebo Quetiapine Placebo 3.4% (37/1097) 0.6% (4/651) 0.7% (52/7218) 0.1% (4/3668) 0.5% (2/369) 0.0% (0/113) 0.2% (11/5673) 0.0% (1/2679) 3.2% (240/7587) 2.7% (105/3912) 1. Based on shifts from normal baseline to potentially clinically important value at any time post-baseline. Shifts in total T 4, free T 4, total T 3 and free T 3 are defined as 5 mIU/L at any time. 2. Includes quetiapine tablets and quetiapine extended-release tablets data. In short-term placebo-controlled monotherapy trials, the incidence of reciprocal shifts in T 3 and TSH was 0.0 % for both quetiapine (1/4800) and placebo (0/2190) and for T 4 and TSH the shifts were 0.1% (7/6154) for quetiapine versus 0.0 % (1/3007) for placebo. Children and Adolescents: Safety and effectiveness of quetiapine extended-release tablets are supported by studies of quetiapine tablets in children and adolescent patients 10 to 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 and 14.2)]. In acute placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescent patients with schizophrenia (6-week duration) or bipolar mania (3-week duration), the incidence of shifts at any time for quetiapine tablets treated patients and placebo-treated patients for elevated TSH was 2.9% (8/280) vs. 0.7% (1/138), respectively and for decreased total thyroxine was 2.8% (8/289) vs. 0% (0/145), respectively. Of the quetiapine tablets treated patients with elevated TSH levels, 1 had simultaneous low free T 4 level at end of treatment. 5.15 Hyperprolactinemia Adults: During clinical trials with quetiapine across all indications, the incidence of shifts in prolactin levels to a clinically significant value occurred in 3.6% (158/4416) of patients treated with quetiapine compared to 2.6% (51/1968) on placebo. Children and Adolescents: Safety and effectiveness of quetiapine extended-release tablets is supported by studies of quetiapine tablets in children and adolescent patients 10 to 17 years of age [see Clinical Studies ( 14.1 and 14.2)]. In acute placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescent patients with bipolar mania (3-week duration) or schizophrenia (6-week duration), the incidence of shifts in prolactin levels to a value (>20 mcg/L males; > 26 mcg/L females at any time) was 13.4% (18/134) for quetiapine tablets compared to 4% (3/75) for placebo in males and 8.7% (9/104) for quetiapine tablets compared to 0% (0/39) for placebo in females. Like other drugs that antagonize dopamine D 2 receptors, quetiapine extended-release tablets elevates prolactin levels in some patients and the elevation may persist during chronic administration. Hyperprolactinemia, regardless of etiology, may suppress hypothalamic GnRH, resulting in reduced pituitary gonadotrophin secretion. This, in turn, may inhibit reproductive function by impairing gonadal steroidogenesis in both female and male patients. Galactorrhea, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, and impotence have been reported in patients receiving prolactin-elevating compounds. Long-standing hyperprolactinemia when associated with hypogonadism may lead to decreased bone density in both female and male subjects. Tissue culture experiments indicate that approximately one-third of human breast cancers are prolactin dependent in vitro, a factor of potential importance if the prescription of these drugs is considered in a patient with previously detected breast cancer. As is common with compounds which increase prolactin release, mammary gland, and pancreatic islet cell neoplasia (mammary adenocarcinomas, pituitary, and pancreatic adenomas) was observed in carcinogenicity studies conducted in mice and rats. Neither clinical studies nor epidemiologic studies conducted to date have shown an association between chronic administration of this class of drugs and tumorigenesis in humans, but the available evidence is too limited to be conclusive [see NONCLINICAL TOXICOLOGY (13.1)]. 5.16 Potential for Cognitive and Motor Impairment Somnolence was a commonly reported adverse reaction reported in patients treated with quetiapine especially during the 3-day period of initial dose titration. In schizophrenia trials, somnolence was reported in 24.7% (235/951) of patients on quetiapine extended-release tablets compared to 10.3% (33/319) of placebo patients. In a bipolar depression clinical trial, somnolence was reported in 51.8% (71/137) of patients on quetiapine extended-release tablets compared to 12.9% (18/140) of placebo patients. In a clinical trial for bipolar mania, somnolence was reported in 50.3% (76/151) of patients on quetiapine extended-release tablets compared to 11.9% (19/160) of placebo patients. Since quetiapine has the potential to impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills, patients should be cautioned about performing activities requiring mental alertness, such as operating a motor vehicle (including automobiles) or operating hazardous machinery until they are reasonably certain that quetiapine therapy does not affect them adversely. Somnolence may lead to falls. In short-term adjunctive therapy trials for MDD, somnolence was reported in 40% (252/627) of patients on quetiapine extended-release tablets respectively compared to 9% (27/309) of placebo patients. Somnolence was dose-related in these trials (37% (117/315) and 43% (135/312) for the 150 mg and 300 mg groups, respectively). 5.17 Body Temperature Regulation Disruption of the body's ability to reduce core body temperature has been attributed to antipsychotic agents. Appropriate care is advised when prescribing quetiapine extended-release tablets for patients who will be experiencing conditions which may contribute to an elevation in core body temperature, e.g., exercising strenuously, exposure to extreme heat, receiving concomitant medication with anticholinergic activity, or being subject to dehydration. 5.18 Dysphagia Esophageal dysmotility and aspiration have been associated with antipsychotic drug use. Aspiration pneumonia is a common cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly patients, in particular those with advanced Alzheimer's dementia. Quetiapine extended-release tablets and other antipsychotic drugs should be used cautiously in patients at risk for aspiration pneumonia. 5.19 Discontinuation Syndrome Acute withdrawal symptoms, such as insomnia, nausea and vomiting have been described after abrupt cessation of atypical antipsychotic drugs, including quetiapine. In short-term placebo-controlled, monotherapy clinical trials with quetiapine extended-release tablets that included a discontinuation phase which evaluated discontinuation symptoms, the aggregated incidence of patients experiencing one or more discontinuation symptoms after abrupt cessation was 12.1% (241/1993) for quetiapine extended-release tablets and 6.7% (71/1065) for placebo. The incidence of the individual adverse reactions (i.e., insomnia, nausea, headache, diarrhea, vomiting, dizziness, and irritability) did not exceed 5.3% in any treatment group and usually resolved after 1-week post-discontinuation. Gradual dose reduction is advised [see USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS (8.1)]. 5.20 Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) Effects Norquetiapine, an active metabolite of quetiapine, has moderate to strong affinity for several muscarinic receptor subtypes. This contributes to anticholinergic adverse reactions when quetiapine extended-release tablets are used at therapeutic doses, taken concomitantly with other anticholinergic medications, or taken in overdose. Quetiapine extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients receiving medications having anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) effects Norquetiapine, an active metabolite of quetiapine, has moderate to strong affinity for several muscarinic receptor subtypes. This contributes to anticholinergic adverse reactions when quetiapine extended-release tablets are used at therapeutic doses, taken concomitantly with other anticholinergic medications, or taken in overdose. Quetiapine extended-release tablets should be used with caution in patients receiving medications having anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) effects [see DRUG INTERACTIONS (7.1), OVERDOSAGE (10.1) ,and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.1)] . Constipation was a commonly reported adverse event in patients treated with quetiapine and represents a risk factor for intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction has been reported with quetiapine, including fatal reports in patients who were receiving multiple concomitant medications that decrease intestinal motility.
🔄 Drug Interactions
7.1 Effect of Other Drugs on Quetiapine The risks of using quetiapine extended-release tablets in combination with other drugs have not been extensively evaluated in systematic studies. Given the primary CNS effects of quetiapine extended-release tablets, caution should be used when it is taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs. Quetiapine potentiated the cognitive and motor effects of alcohol in a clinical trial in subjects with selected psychotic disorders, and alcoholic beverages should be limited while taking quetiapine. Quetiapine exposure is increased by the prototype CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole, indinavir, ritonavir, nefazodone, etc.) and decreased by the prototype of CYP3A4 inducers (e.g, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifampin, avasimibe, St. John’s wort etc.). Dose adjustment of quetiapine will be necessary if it is co-administered with potent CYP3A4 inducers or inhibitors. CYP3A4 inhibitors: Coadministration of ketoconazole, a potent inhibitor of cytochrome CYP3A4, resulted in significant increase in quetiapine exposure. The dose should be reduced to one sixth of the original dose in patients coadministered with a strong CYP3A4 inhibitor [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.5) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. CYP3A4 inducers: Coadministration of quetiapine and phenytoin, a CYP3A4 inducer increased the mean oral clearance of quetiapine by 5-fold. Increased doses of quetiapine extended-release tablets up to 5-fold may be required to maintain control of symptoms of schizophrenia in patients receiving quetiapine and phenytoin, or other known potent CYP3A4 inducers [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.6) and CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. When the CYP3A4 inducer is discontinued, the dose of quetiapine extended-release tablets should be reduced to the original level within 7 to 14 days [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION (2.6)]. Anticholinergic Drugs: Concomitant treatment with quetiapine and other drugs with anticholinergic activity can increase the risk for severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions related to hypomotility. Quetiapine should be used with caution in patients receiving medications having anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) effects [see WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS (5.20)] . The potential effects of several concomitant medications on quetiapine pharmacokinetics were studied [See CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY (12.3)]. 7.2 Effect of Quetiapine on Other Drugs Because of its potential for inducing hypotension, quetiapine extended-release tablets may enhance the effects of certain antihypertensive agents. Quetiapine extended-release tablets may antagonize the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists. There are no clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions of quetiapine tablets on other drugs based on the CYP pathway. Quetiapine tablets and its metabolites are non-inhibitors of major metabolizing CYP’s (1A2, 2C9, 2C19, 2D6 and 3A4).
🚫 Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to quetiapine or to any excipients in the quetiapine extended-release tablets formulation. Anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with quetiapine extended-release tablets.
📦 Storage & Handling
Store quetiapine extended-release tablets at 25ºC (77ºF); excursions permitted to 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].