Asenapine Transdermal Patch

Studies have shown that older adults with dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and that may cause changes in mood and personality) who take antipsychotics (medications for mental illness) such as asenapine have an increased risk of death during treatment. Older adults with dementia may also have a greater chance of having a stroke or ministroke during treatment.

Asenapine transdermal patches are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavioral problems in older adults with dementia. Talk to the doctor who prescribed this medication if you, a family member, or someone you care for has dementia and is using asenapine transdermal patches. For more information visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs.

Talk to your doctor about the risk(s) of using asenapine transdermal patches.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Asenapine transdermal patches are used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). Asenapine is in a class of medications called atypical antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Transdermal asenapine comes as a patch to apply to the skin. It is usually applied once a day. Apply the asenapine patch at around the same time each day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use the asenapine skin patch exactly as directed. Do not apply it more or less often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of asenapine and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once a week.

Even with health insurance, patients in the U. S. have a hard time affording their medical care. About one in five working-age Americans with health insurance, and more than half of those without health insurance, reported having trouble paying their medical bills in the last year, according to S. News & World Report.

Transdermal asenapine may help to control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to use asenapine patches even if you feel well. Do not stop using asenapine patches without talking to your doctor.

Apply the patch to clean, dry, intact skin that is relatively free of hair (upper back, upper arm, abdomen [stomach area], or hip). Choose an area where the patch will not be rubbed by tight clothing. Do not apply the patch to an open wound or cut, to skin that is irritated, red, or to skin that is affected by a rash, burn, or other skin problem. Select a different area each day to avoid skin irritation. Be sure to remove the current patch before you apply a new one.

If your skin is irritated or burns after you apply an asenapine patch, remove the patch and apply a new patch to a different area.

After you apply an asenapine patch, you should wear it all the time until you are ready to remove it and put on a new patch. If the patch loosens before it is time to replace it, try to press it back in place with your fingers. If the patch cannot be pressed back on or falls off, dispose of it and apply a new patch to a different area. However, you should remove the new patch at the time that you were scheduled to remove the original patch.

While you are wearing an asenapine patch, protect the patch from direct heat such as heating pads, electric blankets, hair dryers, heat lamps, saunas, hot tubs, and heated water beds.You may shower while you are wearing an asenapine patch, but do not take a bath or go swimming.

To apply the patch, follow these steps:

1. Choose the area where you will apply the patch. Clean and dry the spot where you will apply the patch. Be sure the skin is free of powders, oil, and lotions.
2. Select a patch in a sealed pouch and cut the pouch open with scissors. Be careful not to cut the patch.
3. Remove the patch from the pouch and hold it with the protective liner facing you.
4. Peel the first piece of liner off one side of the patch. Be careful not to touch the sticky side with your fingers. A second strip of liner should remain stuck to the patch.
5. Press the patch firmly onto your skin with the sticky side down.
6. Remove the second strip of protective liner and press the rest of the sticky side of the patch firmly against your skin. Be sure that the patch is pressed flat against the skin with no bumps or folds and the edges are firmly attached to the skin.
7. Wash your hands with soap and water after you handle the patch.
8. After you have worn the patch for 24 hours, use your fingers to peel the patch off slowly and gently. Fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and dispose of it safely, out of reach of children and pets.
9. Apply a new patch to a different area immediately by following steps 1 to 8.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.