What is Saphris: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Saphris

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Dry your hands before you handle the tablet.

• Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take the medicine. Peel back the foil, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil.

• Place the tablet under your tongue and let it melt. Do not split, crush, chew, or swallow the tablet.

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 10 minutes after you take this medicine.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Dry your hands before you handle the tablet.

• Do not open the blister pack that contains the tablet until you are ready to take the medicine. Peel back the foil, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil.

• Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

• Place the tablet under your tongue and let it melt. Do not split, crush, chew, or swallow the tablet.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Do not eat or drink anything for at least 10 minutes after you take this medicine.

What to do if you miss a dose of Saphris

Saphris contraindications

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to asenapine.

Saphris warnings

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, trouble swallowing, or a history of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have a blood vessel or heart problem, including low blood pressure, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, or a history of heart attack or stroke.

• This medicine may cause the following problems: Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which can be life-threateningTardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder) that may not go away after you stop using this medicineHeart rhythm changes, such as QT prolongationIncreased risk for infections

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly. You may feel lightheaded if you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position.

• You might get overheated while you are taking this medicine. Drink more water during hot weather, and while you exercise.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

• Lightheadedness, dizziness, drowsiness, or fainting

• Mood or behavior changes, or thoughts of hurting yourself or others

• Numbness or tingling in your mouth or throat, sores or blisters in your mouth

• Seizures, tremors, or twitching

Saphris interactions

• Some medicines can affect how asenapine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Chlorpromazine, fluvoxamine, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, paroxetine, thioridazine, ziprasidoneBlood pressure medicineHeart rhythm medicine (including amiodarone, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol)

• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand up slowly. You may feel lightheaded if you get up suddenly from a lying or sitting position.

• You might get overheated while you are taking this medicine. Drink more water during hot weather, and while you exercise.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.