Technology is so advanced these days that it has now even reached the pills we take. Have you ever thought that your phone could tell you whether you took the pill correctly? Today we are going to talk about a drug that comes with such cutting-edge technology. The name of this drug is Aripiprazole. But this is not an ordinary pill, but a special pill with a small sensor inside.
Simply put, what is this drug called Aripiprazole?
Aripiprazole (pronounced: ari-pip-ray-sol) is a medication that is mainly used to treat several mental health conditions. It is most often used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder . It can also sometimes be used in combination with other medications to treat depression .
So how does it work? Our brains contain chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that help control our mood, behavior, and thoughts. Dopamine and serotonin are two of the main ones. This medication works by balancing the levels of these messengers. It belongs to a class of drugs called antipsychotics . These drugs are used to treat a variety of mental health conditions.
What's special about this is the sensor that comes with this pill. When you swallow the pill, this sensor is activated by the stomach acids and sends a signal to a patch that is attached to your body. The patch sends that information to an app on your smartphone. This way, you and your doctor can check whether you have taken the medicine on time.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor should know your complete health history. Because some medical conditions require special care when using this medicine. If you have any of the conditions listed below, do not hide it from your doctor.
| Your health condition or problem | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| If you or someone in your family has diabetes | This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. |
| If you have had heart disease, heart rhythm disorders, or a previous stroke | This drug can affect heart rate and blood pressure. |
| Low blood pressure | Conditions such as dizziness and fainting may increase. |
| Brain or nervous system diseases (e.g., Parkinson's disease, seizures/epilepsy) | This medicine may change symptoms or increase the risk of seizures. |
| Forgetfulness diseases such as dementia | This medication is not recommended for elderly dementia patients. |
| Difficulty swallowing | Care should be taken as this can affect the swallowing process. |
| If you or someone in your family has had suicidal thoughts | This medication may increase these thoughts in some people, so special attention should be paid to it. |
| If you have a strong urge to gamble, overeat, or do other unusual things | This medication has a small chance of increasing such impulsive behavior. |
| If you are allergic to aripiprazole or any other medicine, food, or dye. | This is very important to avoid allergic reactions. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding | The safety of this medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding should be discussed with your doctor. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
Since this is not like a regular medicine, the way it is used is a little different. So remember these steps carefully.
1. Taking the pill
Swallow this tablet with a glass of water. Try to take it at the same time every day as your doctor has told you. You can take it before or after a meal. But if you feel an upset stomach, take it with food. Never take more than the dose your doctor has told you. Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
2. Mycite Smartphone App
Before starting this medication, your doctor or healthcare team will help you install the Mycite app on your phone.
- First, download this app to your phone.
- Then set up this system by following the instructions in the app.
- After you take the pill, this app will recognize it.
- Very important: If for some reason you take a pill and it doesn't register in the app, don't take another pill for any reason. Wait until it's time for your next dose.
3. Mycite Patch
This is like a small sticker that you stick on your skin.
- Do not apply this patch to areas where the skin is broken , injured, or swollen.
- There is no need to remove the patch when bathing, swimming, or exercising.
- This patch should usually be changed once a week, but change it sooner if it falls off or if necessary.
- This patch only connects to your phone when it is within 9 feet of your phone. So you need to turn on your phone and keep Bluetooth on.
- The app itself will notify you when and how to change the patch.
The most important thing is that this medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else. It can be dangerous.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What if I take too much medicine (overdose)?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, don't delay. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital .
Other drugs that may interact with Aripiprazole (Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking, as some medications can cause problems when taken together with Aripiprazole.
| Never take Aripiprazole with these medications. | |
|---|---|
| Brexpiprazole | Metoclopramide |
| Cisapride | Pimozide |
| Dronedarone | Quinidine |
| Thioridazine | Dextromethorphan; quinidine |
| Be very careful when taking Aripiprazole with these medications, as advised by your doctor. | |
| Some medicines used for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Blood pressure medications |
| Medication for anxiety or sleep | Anticonvulsant medications (e.g. Carbamazepine) |
| Some medications for depression (e.g. fluoxetine, paroxetine) | Muscle relaxants used during surgery |
| Medicines for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole) | Painkillers (Opioid medications) |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about any other herbs, vitamins, or supplements you are taking. Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when using the medicine
- See your doctor regularly: Check in with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or worsening.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so can cause serious reactions. If you do stop, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose.
- Be aware of mood changes: You and your family should be especially vigilant about this. If you feel like your depression is getting worse, you are having suicidal thoughts, or you suddenly become angry, agitated, or have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor right away.
- Driving and operating machinery: This medication may affect your attention and reaction time. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Dizziness and lightheadedness: You may feel dizzy when you stand up or sit down suddenly. To prevent this, change positions frequently. Drinking alcohol can make this condition worse.
- Body temperature control: This medication may make it difficult for the body to regulate its temperature. This means that it may be less able to tolerate extreme cold and extreme heat. Therefore, avoid going out in the sun or exercising excessively during hot weather. Drink plenty of water.
- Dry eyes: This medication may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may experience discomfort. You can ask your doctor about using lubricating eye drops.
- Surgery or scans: If you are going to have surgery, an MRI, or a CT scan, tell the medical team in advance that you are taking this medicine. You may need to remove the sensor patch at that time.
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects. But not everyone gets them. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| If these symptoms appear, inform your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, blurred vision. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, severe headache. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrollable body movements, muscle stiffness, tremors, restlessness. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, increased depression, impulsive behavior (gambling, binge eating, unusual sexual activity). |
| Usually not serious, but tell your doctor if it persists. | |
|---|---|
| Constipation | Weight gain |
| Drowsiness | |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.
Take-Home Message
- Aripiprazole with Sensor is not an ordinary medicine, but a special treatment method combined with technology.
- Follow your doctor's instructions exactly on how to use this medicine, the patch, and the phone app.
- Don't forget to tell your doctor about any other illnesses you have and any other medications you are taking.
- Never stop taking medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- If serious side effects occur (especially high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, suicidal thoughts), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with anyone else.
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