If you or a loved one has a mental illness like schizophrenia, you probably know the challenges of treating it. But with the advancements in medicine, treatment options have become much easier. Today, we're talking about a drug that comes in the form of a patch that you stick on your skin, rather than a pill.
What is this Asenapine patch?
Simply put, Asenapine is a medication used to treat mental illnesses such as schizophrenia . It belongs to a class of medications called 'Antipsychotics'. The main function of this medication is to balance the levels of chemicals in our brain called Dopamine and Serotonin, which help control our emotions, behavior, and thoughts.
This medication, which usually comes in pill form, is now available as a patch that is applied to the skin to make it easier for some people to use. This allows the body to absorb the required amount of medication once a day.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before deciding whether the Asenapine patch is right for you, it is extremely important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Do you have these conditions? | Why should you inform the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Dementia or memory loss | The risk of death in elderly patients may increase. |
| Diabetes | May increase blood sugar levels. |
| Heart disease, high cholesterol, a history of stroke, or an irregular heartbeat | It can affect heart function. |
| Liver disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted as it affects the elimination of the medication from the body. |
| Low blood pressure | Increases the risk of dizziness and fainting. |
| Difficulty swallowing, muscle control problems, Parkinson's disease, or seizures | These symptoms are likely to worsen. |
| A history of breast cancer | Some hormone levels may be affected. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant, breastfeeding a baby | A doctor's advice is essential as it may affect the child. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | To prevent an allergy to the medicine. |
How exactly do you use this patch?
Since this is a patch that is applied to the skin, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
1. Clean the skin: Before applying the patch, wash the area of skin you want to apply with soap and water and dry it thoroughly . Do not apply to oily, broken, or itchy areas.
2. Choose a suitable place: This should be applied to an area such as the upper arm, upper back, stomach, or hip. Avoid applying it to areas where clothing often gets caught or where belts rub, such as the waist area.
3. Apply the patch: Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective layer, and apply it to your skin. Hold it firmly in place for about 30 seconds. Do not cut or tear the patch.
4. Wash your hands: Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after applying the patch.
5. Change it at the same time every day: Imagine, if you applied the patch at 8 am today, you would have to remove the old one at 8 am tomorrow and apply a new one at the same time.
6. Change the location: Instead of sticking it in the same place every day, change the location. For example, if you stuck it on your right hand today, stick it on your left hand tomorrow. This will reduce the risk of skin allergies.
7. Removing the old patch: Remove the used patch, fold it in half so that the sticky sides are together, and place it in a trash can with a lid that is out of reach of children and pets . Do not flush it down the toilet.
Important: Do not stop using this medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious reactions.
What if I forget to change the patch?
If you forget to change your patch, remove the old patch and apply a new one as soon as you remember. Never apply two patches at once because you forgot.
What if I take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have overdosed, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) at the nearest hospital.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Asenapine can interact with other medications, foods, and habits, so tell your doctor about everything you're taking.
| Avoid taking Asenapine with these | |
|---|---|
| Cisapride | Metoclopramide |
| Dronedarone | Pimozide |
| Thioridazine | |
| Please inform the doctor about these as well. | |
| Alcohol | Causes excessive drowsiness and dizziness. |
| Medicines for allergies, coughs, and colds (Antihistamines) | Increases drowsiness. |
| Medications for blood pressure, diabetes, and seizures | It can affect the effectiveness of medications. |
| Medications for depression, sleep, or anxiety | Side effects may increase. |
| Narcotic medications for pain | Breathing difficulties and drowsiness may occur. |
| Any other medications, herbal products, or vitamins you are taking | To prevent unexpected reactions. |
Things to be careful about when using the patch
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. Be careful when getting up from a sitting position or sitting down suddenly.
- Temperature control: This medicine may affect the way our body controls temperature. This means that your body may respond less well to extreme heat and extreme cold. Therefore, avoid excessive exercise, excessive sun exposure, hot baths, saunas, or heating pads .
- The Asenapine patch is a medication that should only be used on the recommendation of a doctor.
- Follow the instructions exactly about how, when, and where to apply the patch. Never cut the patch.
- When using this medicine, be careful of excessive heat (hot water, sun, heaters).
- Be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, alcohol, and smoking.
- If you experience a serious side effect (high fever, difficulty breathing, confusion), seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
Warning: If the temperature of the skin where the patch is applied increases, more medicine may be absorbed from the patch into the body. If you develop a fever-like condition, tell your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur with this medicine
Like any medicine, Asenapine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Changes in heart rate | Fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, chest pain. |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, confusion. |
| Stroke | Sudden numbness in the face, arm, or leg, difficulty speaking, or walking. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrolled movement of body parts, tremors, restlessness. |
| High blood sugar (Hyperglycemia) | Unusual thirst, frequent urination, extreme fatigue. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Drowsiness | Headache |
| Itching or redness where the patch was applied | Weight gain |
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