Things you need to know about the Asenapine Patch

It's normal to feel a little nervous or curious when your doctor starts you on a new medication. Especially when it's not something you'd normally see in a pill or capsule, but a patch that you stick on your skin. Today we're going to talk about one such treatment. That's the Asenapine patch. Let's find simple answers to all your questions, such as how to use it, what to watch out for, and whether there are any side effects.

What exactly is this Asenapine patch?

Simply put, Asenapine is a medication used to treat certain mental health conditions, especially schizophrenia . It belongs to a class of drugs called ' antipsychotics' .

Our brains contain chemicals called neurotransmitters that help control our emotions, behavior, and thoughts. Schizophrenia- like conditions can occur when the levels of two chemicals , dopamine and serotonin, are out of balance. So this Asenapine drug works by balancing the levels of these two chemicals and helping to control symptoms. Because it is given as a patch, this drug is slowly absorbed into the body through the skin throughout the day.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before prescribing this patch to you, your doctor will need to know your complete health history. This is because we need to be very careful when using this medicine with certain medical conditions. Therefore, if you have any of the medical conditions below, be sure to tell your doctor.

• Heart disease: If you have heart disease, high cholesterol, high or low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, or have had a previous stroke.
• Diabetes: If you have diabetes or if someone in your family has diabetes.
• Liver disease: If there is any problem with the liver.
• Seizures: If you have had a seizure-like condition before.
• Blood cell problems: If you have been diagnosed with low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets.
• Dementia: If you have a condition that causes memory loss that occurs with aging.
• Parkinson's disease: If you have Parkinson's disease or similar muscle control problems.
• History of breast cancer: If you or a family member has a history of breast cancer.
• Trouble swallowing.
• Allergies: If you have had an allergic reaction to Asenapine or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• Pregnancy: If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How exactly do I use this patch?

Since this is not something you swallow like a tablet, it's very important to know exactly how to take it. Let's see how to do that.

1. Preparation: Before applying the patch, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them.

2. Choosing a location: The patch should be applied to a clean, dry, and hairless area of ​​skin. The best places are:

• Upper arm
• Upper back below the shoulder
• Abdomen
• Hip

3. Places where it is not good to paste:

• Do not apply to areas with cuts, scrapes, wounds, or skin conditions such as eczema.
• Do not apply to oily or sweaty areas.
• Do not apply the patch to areas where it will often get caught on clothing or where it will rub against straps (for example, where it will rub against a waistband). Doing so may cause the patch to come off.

4. Apply the patch: Remove the patch from the packet, peel off the protective film, and press it firmly onto the chosen area of ​​skin for about 30 seconds. Check to see if the edges of the patch are firmly attached.

5. Time and Place: Remove the old patch and apply a new one at the same time every day . Suppose you change the patch at 8 am, and make it a habit to do it at the same time every day. Also, don't apply it to the same spot every day. To avoid skin irritation, apply it to a different spot every day. For example, if you applied it to your left arm today, apply it to your right arm tomorrow.

6. Most importantly: Never cut or fold the patch. Use it exactly as your doctor has prescribed. Do not apply more than one patch at a time.

What do you do with the old patch?

After removing the used patch, fold it in half so that the sticky sides are together. Then, throw it in a trash can with a lid, out of reach of children and pets. Never flush it down the toilet.

What if I forget to take my medication?

If you forget to change your patch, remove the old one and apply a new one as soon as you remember. But don't apply two patches at once just because you forgot.

If the dosage of the medicine is increased (Overdose)

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, for example if you have applied two patches, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Some medications may interact with the Asenapine patch, so it is important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medicines you take. Also, tell him if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs.

Be careful of these things when using the patch!

• Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating machinery that requires alertness until you know how this medication affects you.
• Dizziness: You may feel dizzy when you suddenly stand up from a sitting position or get out of bed. To avoid this, get up slowly.
• Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol.
• Blood sugar levels: This medicine may increase blood sugar levels. This risk is especially high in people with diabetes. Tell your doctor if you have symptoms such as frequent thirst and excessive urination.
• Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
• Body Temperature: This is very important. This medication can reduce your body's ability to regulate its temperature.
• For the cold: It can be difficult to keep your body warm in extremely cold weather. So, if you are going out on cold days, dress warmly.
• Heat: Similarly, extreme heat can reduce the body's tolerance. Therefore, avoid excessive exercise and excessive exposure to the sun. Drink plenty of water.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, the Asenapine patch can cause side effects. Although not everybody gets them, some of them can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.